Skill Swap: Past Life Regression

A part of my approach towards being an ambassador for forest therapy is taking the time to experience other approaches to wellbeing, as well as inviting people to try my preferred discipline.

I was recently lucky enough to experience a Past Life Regression offered by Elizabeth Sweetman. I would be the first to admit that this would probably not be an approach I would have sought out if we had not met, but Elizabeth has a calm, reassuring and quietly confident demeanour which quickly put me at ease, and I felt intrigued to experience this type of approach for myself. After a brief chat with a soothing cup of tea, whereby Elizabeth asked questions about any areas I might be looking to explore or any issues I was seeking to find answers to, she then invited me to lie on her treatment couch and relax.

In case anyone would like to know what past life regression entails, I will describe what I experienced. I have no background in past life regression so I would say if you are curious about the training or skills Elizabeth uses, or how the process works, you may like to reach out to Elizabeth herself. or visit her webpage. The session began with a guided meditation so that I was fully relaxed. This felt similar to the feeling I have had when I have tried hypnotherapy. It wasn’t at all scary, and I felt fully in control and can remember very clearly. Elizabeth had explained that I would be able to come to, and move if I needed to, and I did not feel at all vulnerable. Elizabeth then led me gently, through a series of skilfully constructed questions, to consider areas of my unconscious, past lives or spirit guides I was seeking at some level to connect with. I enjoyed the sense of deep relaxation, and exploring themes which lay at some level hidden from my usual daily consciousness.

I won’t share the detail of what came to light during the session, but I will say that I explored a number of themes which made sense to me. For one, my feelings of being drawn to healing type roles and a call to help people, especially those on the journey of motherhood. Another was a sense of primeval joy that I experience whenever I am close to a camp fire or nature. As the session went on, I enjoyed a sense of oneness and belonging to the universe as a whole, and explored the connection with some key people in my present and past, including several who have passed away.

I had no sense of time during the regression, but there came a point when I felt very ready to come back to full consciousness and told Elizabeth this.  Elizabeth was able to guide me very quickly so that I felt fully aware again and ready to make my way out of the treatment studio. She took time to ensure that I did not have any unresolved feelings or drowsiness to leave with, and the whole process felt guided by me and not at all rushed. I believe I was with Elizabeth for about 1 ½ hours, but she told me sessions last up to 2 hours.

A few days have now passed since my exploration of past life regression and I am really happy I experienced it. I was impressed with how Elizabeth quickly put me at my ease to open up and engage with the session, and however I interpret the experience, be it exploration of past lives or concerns buried deep in my unconscious present, I have noted a lasting feeling of comfort and validation since the session.

I really hope I can welcome Elizabeth to some forest therapy soon in return, and would love to hear from other health, wellbeing or nature practitioners who are interested in a skill swap.