Transform (verb): to change completely the appearance or character of something or someone, especially so that they are improved – source: Cambridge Dictionaries online.
Transformation is a change in the very nature of something or someone. It can be a living organism, a person or an animal, an organisation, a place, a city, an area or buildings.
Transformation, especially for improvement, is a very attractive prospect and part of our dance with the Tao. Change is constant and if we can harness the energy of change and direct it so that we improve our situation or that of others then we usually feel happy, satisfied and occupied. This is the human endeavour.
To transform your body is to change it at a very deep level. This is possible as we can change the course of our health and lives by how we choose to live, diet and exercise.
It isn’t always easy to make these changes and some poor souls live in very difficult circumstances. We change what we can. Change can be difficult for financial, emotional, or physical reasons and for us all, deep, long lasting change happens in small increments. To change a habit and then to establish this change usually takes 3 months. This may be pulling away from a difficult relationship, exercising regularly, studying a language or changing a diet.
It’s great to have a quick fix occasionally and from personal experience and working with patients over the years there is massive boost in confidence if you achieve a change quickly. It may be slightly superficial but it can generate enthusiasm and an appetite for deeper change. A glimpse of yourself looking good in skinny jeans or leaping out of bed without a foggy hangover, or passing a test because you bothered to study is fantastic. Knowing that these changes are achievable help us to stay on track when temptation rears its head.
To achieve a quick change you have to be highly motivated and focused. Decide what you want to change; you cannot change everything at once. Narrow it down and focus on the goal and give yourself a time frame. Make it tight but realistic - a month maximum for quick fixes. Deadlines are always useful in these situations. If you haven’t got a deadline, create one.
I do this quite often with my acupuncture patients. We choose an event or time to work to. It might be a wedding, a holiday, a hot date or a start at a new job. It is helpful to have someone to encourage and support you. Avoid using anyone who has a vested interest in the outcome such as a partner, parent or business colleague.
Set your goals, set your steps and set your meetings with the support person. Support can come from an acupuncturist, therapist, nutritionist, counsellor or a friend. Choose someone who may have expertise or experience in the area and choose someone who is not judgemental. If you can’t find anyone to fit the bill, write your goals down and do it yourself. The important thing is to get on with it.
A lot can happen in one month and it can be the start of something much bigger: long term change and improvement that will truly transform your body.
Maureen Cromey
Maureen Cromey is a highly respected acupuncturist with over twenty years of experience. She specialises in breast cancer both during and post treatment, nutritional advice, paediatrics, cosmetic and fertility acupuncture and is based out of Harley Street and Chiswick. www.goodacupuncture.co.uk
