Why I Deleted Instagram: The Spiritual Impact of Social Media

 (PART 1)

 

Last week I deleted my Instagram account (off my phone).

 

It became clear to me this summer, I needed change. For emotional, mental, physical wellbeing, and more importantly at a SPIRITUAL level.

 

Using social media for work, sharing events, connecting with students and clients, in this ever-increasing digital age – I believed I had to be on social media all the time.

 

And with the algorithm, Instagram certainly encourages regular use.

 

You get rewarded if you play by the rules, use the app every day and take part in trends. New tactics to keep people engaged so your posts get seen by more.

 

Thing is, the more I tuned in, the more I noticed, and the more I realised.

Technology can be a great help, and also, it’s an energetic portal. It amplifies energetically whatever is placed online. And it’s a place where you can give and receive energy at various levels, sometimes beneficial, other times less so. 

 

I’ll explain more.

 

(NOTE: If you’re well versed with the energetic world already, feel free to skip to part 2)

 

You see, everything in this life is made up of energy (quantum physics explains more), what you say, feel, eat, drink, post online etc, all holds a vibration.

 

There are things you see, touch and feel with your 5 senses, and also there are subtler frequencies that cannot be seen with physical eyes. Think about WiFi - you see the effect, right? You know it’s there, though most people don’t see data floating through the air with their physical eyes.

 

You have a physical body, and you have an energetic field made up of various layers - I won’t go into detail here, though for simplicity’s sake let’s call the energetic aspect of you, the Soul which animates your physical body. You have a name, a personality and body in this lifetime, yet you at your core are something so much more.

 

Depending on your beliefs (and it can be useful to reflect on different perspectives, even just for a moment) at your core, you never die. The physical body may be left behind, though on an energetic level you live on.

 

This physical life, right now is temporary.

 

Opening up to the world of energy is vast and often brings many questions, fears, beliefs etc. It’s not focused on much in mainstream society (even though it’s heavily studied and proven by scientific studies - specifically in quantum physics).

 

(PART 2)

 

I was brought up knowing about and working with energy from day one.

 

Understanding the depths of food energetics from both parents (my mother being a pioneer in this field with over 45 years’ experience and 9 books) and developing my skills as an intuitive through various modalities, I know deeply the world is not only what we see or sense physically.

 

This awareness and sensitivity were a challenge over the years which has since developed into one of my greatest strengths. Knowing what people are feeling before they say anything, receiving deep insights without looking for it, getting messages from people who have passed… and more.

 

I remember years ago, drawing a picture for someone, getting clear messages for specific things that made no sense to me whatsoever.

Asparagus, golden pocket watch, bookshelf, whiskey in a glass. What?

 

Later to find out that what I drew was a direct message for this person about their deceased father. He bought tinned asparagus for them every Christmas and drank a shot of whisky every evening whilst reading in his study.

 

My mouth dropped open when the person pulled out a golden pocket watch from their desk that they kept as a keepsake of him

 

I had no idea, yet I trusted what I felt energetically.

 

Why do I share this? 

 

We’re influenced by energy (many different forms) whether we’re aware of it or not.

Frequencies from phone masts, mobile phones, bluetooth, social media, news, collective focus and attention on specific things, people thinking about us, different environments etc. Some people are more sensitive to it than others, though we ALL have the ability to notice it.

 

How do you feel in a busy shopping street vs a quiet place surrounded by nature?

Have you ever walked into a room sensing tension in the air?

How do you feel after you scroll on social media?

 

What I’ve learnt over the years is the importance of grounding, watching what I consume (information, food, drink, environments etc) and connecting to what lights me up in life (a direct connection to my Soul).

I use social media (for various jobs) though over the years I’ve developed an unhealthy habit (like many) of using my phone in moments when I could develop more presence. Yes, even with all I know about the subconscious mind I found myself unconsciously scrolling.

“Work” was the excuse to be on the apps regularly and I found it hard to set boundaries whilst having (Instagram especially) on my phone. It became an unconscious habit that kept pulling me back, again and again.

 

Easy access for the Ego to play out subconscious patterns, rather than creating change.

 

(PART 3)

 

First let’s be clear, social media isn’t all bad, it can be used for wonderful things that create a positive impact. Whilst the following points focus more on the negative impact, to bring awareness, it’s important to remember there are benefits too and it can be used with balance for those who chose to do so.

 

I’ve also included some “TRY THIS” invitations after every point to invite change. These are an invitation, not a “must do” and please go at your own pace. It’s not about getting it perfect, doing everything right now. Simply a few reflection points or simple practical steps to shift the focus and step forward regarding social media if you choose.

 

These simple “TRY THIS” steps are a starting point and further steps and professional support may be needed for ingrained habits, though do not underestimate their power due to the simplicity.

DISCONNECTION FROM BODY & SOUL

Unintentionally wasting time through scrolling, disconnecting from body and Soul, therefore creating space for other energies to enter and influence. These apps place people in a hypnotic state so information embeds deeper into subconscious therefore making people more easily influenced.

 

Not just psychologically and emotionally, though also energetically. I won’t go into this in huge depth here though I’ve noticed energetic influences that gain from people entering this disconnected state. Resulting in the person lacking vitality, clarity and purpose in their life because they’re giving away their power to the app and energies connected to the apps without realising.

 

Of course, there is helpful content with information and practices that uplift and inspire the Soul too. Though the act of scrolling itself, isn’t helpful as it promotes disconnection. A perfect way to numb and zone out of the depth of this human experience, which can lead to lack of clarity, purpose and deeper meaning in life when done so regularly.

 

TRY THIS: Take a deep breath counting in slowly 1, 2, 3, 4… and out until 6. Back to the breath, back to the body. From here, place your hand over your heart, notice the rise and fall as you breathe in and out, that’s LIFE right there. Within you. Reconnect.

COMPARISON

Social media is a prime location for comparison between people to arise, sometimes even unconsciously. Though resulting in feeling a lack of self-worth and fulfilment, believing that other people’s lives are better when comparing your whole life to someone else’s curated highlights. This is also very prominent regarding body image too, especially with the increased use of filters.

 

I've noticed this arising personally seeing other coaches online who have way less experience, depth and qualifications yet seem to get more work and have thousands of followers because they’re better at marketing and are ok using the influencer model (posting about their lifestyle to gain more followers). I struggled with this as I do not want to share every aspect of my life online, nor do I want people to want to live exactly like me. I want people to reconnect to themselves and life.

 

TRY THIS: Place your right hand over your left shoulder, and your left hand under your right shoulder… offering yourself a gentle hug. Notice what shifts as you say to yourself “thank you for being YOU”.

JUDGEMENT, BLAME & EXPECTATIONS

Division between humans is common online, with complex issues becoming black and white, polarising people against each other (have you seen Social Dilemma on Netflix?).

 

Using social media for work, and having a following often brings the expectation that you need to speak about all world events also. Many expect you to not just be the professional of which you are trained in …though to also be an activist, influencer, friend, parental figure etc ...the list goes on.

 

I will absolutely speak up on important matters when it’s in alignment though I noticed my energy draining in this area as I cannot tend to every political topic on the planet, and nor should I need to. 

Though some expect this. 

I was also placing pressure on myself to keep up with society rather than holding space for my well-being (which helps me be of better service in the long term). I support some charities and causes and felt a pressure to post about it online with these expectations, though also recognised my boundaries and need to not post everything online.

 

Often the same energetic pattern is playing out on apps that is found in the world, people played like pawns on a chess board (again, if you haven’t seen Social Dilemma on Netflix, do). People being emotionally influenced regarding world events, resulting in turning towards each other, repeating the same energetic cycle of hate within the collective consciousness. And I noticed that in this online environment I was judging myself more too.

 

TRY THIS: What’s REALLY important for you in life, at the deepest core? What do you choose to give energy and attention to? What thoughts, words and actions reflect those core values? When you step away from the stories, and back to what truly drives behaviours (values) and see that in others too, things become clearer and more filled with compassion.

 

SUBCONSCIOUS WOUNDS

Social media can connect humans, AND it also energetically ties to unconscious wounds of the Ego. If an individual using social media has a childhood wound that hasn’t been tended to, it will play out.

Remember what I said earlier? Social media is a portal; it amplifies things energetically.

For example, if you have a rejection wound that’s overlooked, social media will highlight that. If you have a perfectionist streak, believing that nothing you do is enough. Social media will highlight that. This can create more anxiety for people as they unconsciously seek validation through social media to fill childhood wounds.

 

TRY THIS: Take a moment to reflect on what patterns have arisen when using social media. What do they say about unconscious childhood stories that need tending to? What “bucket” is looking to be filled and how can you do that in a conscious and constructive way? If you want extra support with this, 1:1 sessions are available.

 

A COLLECTIVE VISION BOARD

You’ve heard of a vision board, right? Creating a visual representative of what you want to call into your life, through magazine cuttings or online images so the subconscious mind can start bringing that into the present experience (along with belief work etc). Social media is like a collective online vision board.

Whatever humanity draws attention to through online posts, it collectively invites the shared focus to manifest more of that in the world. Shared, collective attention is incredibly powerful, it has the power to influence the world, for better or for worse. Quantum physics explains this further with the observer effect.

 

TRY THIS: What world do you want to see? Are your thoughts, words, actions and what you share online in alignment with that? Can you find a song, image or phrase that represents that to support your vision and daily expression?

 

SHORTENED ATTENTION SPAN & AI

Instagram was primarily used for photos. Now the algorithm favours short, concise videos which help to shorten attention spans. In NLP we use short moving images, repetition and break states to reprogram the subconscious mind and rewire new neural pathways for positive change.

The way Instagram is designed, it does the same, though depending on what content you consume, this can bring positive or negative effects.

For content creators, many have moved to posting videos rather than photos because they get a better reach - which if you’re running a business you need. Thing is, by uploading more and more video footage, of yourself, you are giving more data of gestures, mannerisms, voice, facial expressions etc for AI development.

 

Some say this is a good thing, though to be aware of the possible consequences is important. There are already AI generated videos of individuals saying things they never said. If you’re running a business this is problematic, and energetically it is too.

 

TRY THIS: Switch short form content to more long form content. Creating an identity around this can help as well seeking accountability with loved ones or a professional. Notice what changes when you say “I don’t watch reels anymore” vs “I shouldn’t / need to stop / have to stop / can’t watch reels anymore”. The first statement is an identity statement, it’s decisive and clear which helps to direct behaviour. When something becomes part of who you are, it’s a lot easier to stick to, especially with accountability - language matters! I used this for YouTube shorts and haven’t watched one in over 3 years!

 

(PART 4)

 

And the list goes on, not to mention questionable ethics of corporate giants etc.

 

Though I mention it again, social media or the corporate giants that create them are not necessarily the sole villain here.

 

We need to take responsibility for how we live our lives, what’s helpful and what is and isn’t (for us as individuals).

 

I knew before, though this summer I felt it deeply, I cannot complete what I've come here to do at a Soul level by how I have been using social media until now.

 

• It was distracting me from myself, my true self.
• It was wasting precious time that I could be using to create new projects and ideas that I have yet to birth.
• It was an excuse of the Ego to avoid the depths of the Soul.

I'm not saying goodbye to Instagram or other platforms completely, though taking a break from having my work account on my phone, and saying goodbye to unnecessary scrolling.

 

Using that “TRY THIS” tip from above …I now affirm,” I don’t do endless scrolling”.

 

Allowing my energy field to be filled once again with my whole being, not other energies that influence and drain me.

Looking after myself physically, mentally, emotionally and SPIRITUALLY.

Things that help…

• Time in nature and connection with my body.
• Getting back into reading good books again, fewer screens in the evening and early morning.
• Seeing the bigger picture, listening to my intuition, and guidance from my Soul.
• Creating more intentional space for myself, slowing down, giving myself permission to rest.
• Cutting energetic ties, placing boundaries, holding a firm intention whenever I enter platforms.

Not doing this perfectly by any means, though the intention is there and I’m really enjoying the gifts this new step forward is bringing so far.

 

More peace.

More calm.

More presence.

More time.

 

I may pop in occasionally on Instagram, though for now, I'm creating space and loving it. Focusing my attention on the monthly email shares, blog posts like these, Insight Timer meditation app and on my Telegram channel.

Do you struggle with social media?

What helps you find balance? I'd love to hear.

And as always, 1:1 sessions continue online, worldwide - more info here.

A Forgotten Art... & Why THIS Is So Important

It's not out there.

Despite many of us still searching. 

Often learning from a young age that to seek validation, confirmation and answers outside of ourselves is the way to go. Sure we can benefit learning from others, especially when we're growing up - in some respects it's absolutely necessary. Though by doing so with blind ignorance of what gems lie within too is where some issues can arise.

It's then why, often as adults many still feel unsatisfied.

Something missing.

Feels empty.

Mainly because we're ignoring the wealth of knowledge within us. We're stood in the empty spot between our light and shadow. Back turned to our light (who we really are, our Soul, our energy) and eyes focused on our fears of our shadow (which are much smaller than they initially look... and some say even an illusion).

Being brought up by holistic parents, aware of the the spiritual and self-awareness world from day one, I've seen and heard a few things in this field especially in the realm of teachers, gurus and coaches. Some beautiful. Others not so. Same goes for many industries. 

I soon learnt that using discernment & intuition is fundamental in this human experience we call life, especially when seeking guidance and support from a teacher. This was one of the many things NLP taught me too.

To both question things AND find answers within.

Not to question from a basis of scepticism, looking to prove something or someone wrong. Or with an arrogance that 'I don't need to learn from anyone else' attitude. Rather, with a loving, curious child-like mindset. Seeking to understand the world we live in whilst also trusting there's deep wisdom inside ourselves too.

It can be a wonderful gift to receive support and guidance from a teacher. What we need to be mindful of is not to follow a teacher blindly without checking within too. To exercise our discernment  & intuition, recognising what resonates for us.

It can be common, especially in the spiritual/self-awareness world when we resonate with the teaching's of someone that we start to place that person on a pedal-stool. I certainly have at times, and I've been on the receiving end too. Seeing that person as perfect, without flaws, which can create some form of distance between 'me' and 'them'. The issue here is that by doing so we can minimise our self and our capabilities in the process.

Believing that we'll never be able to be like them or do what they do. Whereas it's that very belief that can prevent us.

This is one of the many reasons why I became a NLP Trainer. I want people to feel empowered to look within, to know how to create changes for themselves for the rest of their life whenever they need to and find the answers. Not to solely rely on outside support from a coach or therapist. 

No outside Teacher, Mentor, Coach, Guru, whoever... can ever completely replace the wisdom we have within too. Even if we're struggling to access that wisdom inside of us, doesn't mean it's not there. We just need to slooow our lives down to hear it, trust it.

I used to think all Spiritual Guru's where unnecessary. It wasn't until I discussed this topic with a dear friend that I realised I too was limited in my thinking at that time. Seeking support from a teacher can serve a purpose, it can be a lot easier for some people to start a journey of discovery by seeking guidance outside first, before looking within. What's vital though is that we keep our feet on the ground during the process and remember that they too are human, even if they display certain gifts.

An outside teacher can provide support, comfort and guide... yes, of which during challenging times can be so valuable.

Though when we place someone on a pedal-stool we're viewing our projection of them, not the real them. And we can become attached and fearful of what might happen if one day that thing or person may disappear from our life. This is common in the initial stages of romantic relationships too. The honeymoon period ends when we realise that person has flaws, unhelpful habits and is human too.

Tony Robbins often talks about 6 Basic Human Needs, and mentions that the more needs something or someone fulfils, the more desired it can become...

1. Love & Belonging (Connection)
2. Significance
3. Certainty (Perceived certainty... such as comfort, safety, security)
4. Variety (Uncertainty)
5. Growth
6. Contribution

One of the reasons why smart phones can be so addictive... they fulfil many needs! 

The good news is, is that we can choose how we fulfil these needs. Finding helpful ways to generate these feelings within without the sole dependency on outside sources to do it for us. For example, choosing to create a feeling of connection when we connect to our body during exercise or to our Soul when we do an activity we love. The more we do that the less we might search for the feeling of connection from others.

This is one way we can live an empowered life and become our own Guru. Each and every one of us is so worthy, and capable. More than we may initially realise.

Click to tweet: "The answer is within" Emma Bradford

Intuition...

Learning to trust our gut feeling is where we can access our Inner Guru*, the guidance that is always there for us to access. Sometimes we may believe we're not intuitive, we don't get the messages like others do. Looking back most of us can pinpoint at least one time when something felt right or not. 

We do receive the messages.

It's simply our analytical mind that then doubts the message and confuses us in the process. Fear of acting according to our intuition as sometimes initially it doesn't make sense.

When we act on the intuitive feelings though, everything unfolds and can make perfect sense.

Bringing it back to love...

To practice tuning into our intuition we can start to notice how we feel in situations, around certain people. Being aware of sensations and feelings we have in the present moment. 

What is our body telling us?

Are we making decisions based on what everyone else thinks or are we taking a moment to notice what feels right for us too? 

Now I'd love to hear from you! What's your Inner Guru within telling you today? And if you're unsure... if you were to know, what would it say? Let me know in the comment section below.

Have a friend that would find this useful? Spread the love and share this post.

For more information, Wholehearted NLP trainings, FREE podcast and more... click here.

*If you haven't seen the documentary called 'Kumaré' yet, do!

Two of The Most Powerful Words...

Do you know what two of the most powerful words are?

And do you want to find out what made me become a NLP Practitioner?

Recently I was interviewed by Spiritual Life Coach Katja Rusanen, here is the LINK. 

Enjoy!