From Fright to Flight By Michelle Smith
When I was very young, I took my first airplane ride with my family. It was on a big jet, and we were flying to the West Indies to visit my mother’s family. I fell in love with the experience. I loved the thrilling sensations of taking off up into the clouds, and of the wonderful scenic views as we came in to land. I loved the way it felt like a little house in the sky, where you got served warm food on little trays, and smiling stewardesses handed out little packs of chewing gum to clear your ears. I loved it all, and we took many more flights in the grade school years to and from the Caribbean. Flying was fun…and then suddenly that all changed.
I was 15 years old when I flew with my family to New Jersey. Our flight had hit some turbulence and I began to feel uncomfortable, and nervous about it. Suddenly the world dropped out from under us, the plane felt like it was falling. The stewardess’s tray flew to the ceiling and she lay sprawled in the aisle. With a tremendous crashing sound the plane settled again into a smooth flight pattern. I was terrified, my mother was praying and all around people were white faced and shocked looking. The captain came over the intercom and explained that the plane had hit a wind pocket and that had caused the big drop. From that day forward flying went from exciting and enjoyable to terrifying.
Whenever I had to fly somewhere as I grew older, I would get sick before the flight. All the worry and tension about the upcoming flight wore my immune system down and I would inevitably end up traveling with a bad cold. Many a time I would pray fervently to God or a Higher Power, to get me where I was going safely. Any turbulence during the flight would send my heart racing and the prayers rolling from my lips. Several times, during flights, I experienced panic attacks, and also a horrible sense of claustrophobia. As the years rolled by my phobia only grew worse, more intense and more debilitating to the point where I tried to avoid flying altogether.
It was during these adult years that I got to know Patricia Wall who taught me the tools I needed for self mastery. Over the years, with Trish’s help, I had healed myself in many ways; however I had never addressed my fear of flying. A month ago, that also changed. My husband and I were planning a vacation to Las Vegas and during a session with Trish, I casually mentioned that I needed to work on my fear of flying and that I would do that myself later during meditation. Trish said “I am interested in why you are so afraid of flying. Let’s investigate that”. And so we did.
Trish used her gift for healing to guide me to release the trauma, and also to release previous influences that had anchored the trauma. At the end of the session Trish asked me a simple question. “How do you feel about flying now?” I had to think about it because my initial reaction to that question was emptiness. The familiar slow roll of stomach acids and slight sweat on the forehead which usually materialized at the mere thought of flying, just never surfaced. “I’m not sure how I will feel when I get to the airport” I said. ”But right now I am not feeling afraid at all. Actually I think that I am feeling excited and …I am looking forward to enjoying the flight!” I was so elated at this revelation and surprised and yet not surprised. It is still a delicious discovery when you feel and know that you have succeeded.
And how was my flight? FANTASTIC. For the first time since I was a small child, I was able to feel happy again and safe…and yes relaxed during a flight. We had some turbulence mid flight on the journey there, and yes it did cause me a twinge of apprehension, but I just employed the exercises that Trish had taught me and those twinges were gone in moments. I was so proud and happy with myself. The return flight was even more enjoyable. I didn’t have a moment of worry.
That is the incredible nature of the work that Patricia Wall teaches, she shows us all that we have the power to change our lives, to leave behind the old patterns of being a victim and unhappy. Some issues and fears need a few sessions, some a few weeks or even months to work through, others just one session or workshop. Every time I work with Trish I know myself better, I love myself more, and I overcome so much that had previously weighed me down. I no longer feel life is happening to me, but that I am a participant in a fabulous journey of self discovery. And as Trish often says…”It only gets better and better!”
Michelle Smith is an artist and owner of a local business: Heart to Soul Cards. Heart to Soul greeting cards are a combination of healing art and positive affirmations to help you manifest and create in your life. You can view her work at: www.hearttosoulcards.com or 613-226-6936.
Learn more about self-mastery and Patricia Wall at teachingselfmastery.com or 613-831-8956.
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