Recently, at a tri-club meeting, we had mental preparation expert, Bernadette Hunter work with the club to help us best understand how to be mentally prepared for a race.  She introducted us to EFT which is a way to both physically and mentally work out the blocks you may have going into a race.  Below is a protocol for EFT that you can practice on your own when thinking about certain barriers to your racing and training.  You can also contact Bernadette and schedule a one on one session at:  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or check out www.powerful-performance.com for more information.

Tapping Protocol for EFT

Check with yourself - what is the feeling that you are experiencing? ( fear, doubt, anger . . .)

Note your body sensations - heart beating faster, neck or shoulders tense, jaw tight, knees,

Hot / cold, breathing, pain or jitteriness in certain areas

Rate level of feeling ( ex: fear of ____ is a 7 on scale of 0 – 10)

Rate level of the pain or sensation on scale of 0 –10.

Set Up Phrase

On the karate chop: “Even though I have this (example: fear that I won’t . . . ) I deeply & completely love and accept myself.” Do this 3 times completely through.

Tapping Points

First Round : “This (whatever the problem)” – example, “This fear ”. Say this phrase for each of the 8 tapping points.

See diagram of face for the 8 points.

1. Inside of Eye

2. Outside of Eye

3. Under Eye

4. Under Nose

5. Chin

6. Collarbone

7. Under the Arm

8. Wrists

Take a Deep Breath and “Let It Go” –

Notice and rate body sensations (0 – 10).

Notice and rate intensity of the problem (example, fear) 0 – 10.

Second Round:

Back to Set up Phrase: (on karate chop) wording is: “Even though I still have some of this _____, I deeply . . .” Do this completely 3 times.

“This remaining _____” Example “This remaining fear” on each of the 8 tapping points.

Repeat ratings for the body and the intensity of the emotion.

Repeat the tapping until you get to zero on each aspect of any problem that arises. Get the first emotion cleared to zero before you switch to another emotion that arises. Then tap on the second emotion until it is to zero. Happy Tapping!