In our fast-paced, ever-demanding world, the barrage of external stimuli can often leave our nervous system in a perpetual state of high alert. This chronic activation not only impacts our physical health but also clouds our mental and emotional well-being, manifesting in anxiety, depression, and a host of other emotional difficulties.

In The Expanded Method, the power to heal begins with the regulation of our nervous system. It is the essential first step in uncovering and processing the deeper layers of our subconscious beliefs, memories, and difficult emotions.

In a world teeming with endless distractions, it's easy to find ourselves in the Zone of False Happiness—a space where overconsumption (the Excess Escape) results in a false relief from pain, disappointment, and discomfort.

This escape into the world of overconsumption might provide temporary relief, but it stealthily robs us of the chance to cultivate resilience and confidence in our own internal power, leaving us trapped in cycles of anxiety, depression, or stagnation.

Eventually, we are returned to the original pattern or painful feeling or experience, likely feeling the same, or worse, as before we entered our escape state (the Wounded Return).

Our brains and bodies are built to keep us safe. However, we have not yet evolved to match our current circumstances.

This means that our “flight”, “freeze” or “fawn” responses (see this article to learn about our “fight” response) that used to keep us safe and alive are now triggered into action for non-life threatening events — a harsh boss, a breakup, or any uncomfortable or painful event.

When we estrange ourselves from these feelings, emotions, events or experiences, we enter the Estrangement Escape (below, in black). This avoidance and distraction leads us into the Zone of False Safety.

Eventually, we are returned to the original trigger — a pattern or painful feeling or experience — likely feeling the same, or worse, as before we entered our escape state (the Wounded Return).

In our pursuit of escape from pain and discomfort through excess or estrangement, we often find ourselves in the challenging terrain of the Wounded Return—a sobering journey back to our original pain or pattern, perhaps more anxious or depressed than before.

However, within this humbling cycle lies a unique opportunity for growth, offering the chance to move through the pain, glean valuable lessons, and rebuild confidence and resilience.

In the stressed and work-obsessed West, we have learned to distract ourselves from stress and pain through the Band-aid of overconsumption. The EXPANDED Method calls this the Excess Escape.

The EXPANDED Method visual highlights the Excess Escape’s part in our natural, evolutionary process.

In our pursuit of comfort and healing, we often find ourselves instinctively distancing from pain and discomfort. Some call this bypassing, or spiritual bypassing.

Regardless of how you resonate with the language, estrangement in regards to wellbeing is defined as alienation from or showing hostility toward a person, place, event, thought or feeling (i.e., a stimulus or, in the EXPANDED Method, the trigger).

In a world where the pace of life seems to accelerate daily, the concept of conscious consumption is emerging as a beacon of mindful living — not only for our planet, but for our individual financial, emotional and physical wellbeing. This holistic approach extends beyond the conventional boundaries of purchases, food, and substances, aiming to redefine our relationship with consumption at a profound level.

In a world that often encourages us to escape discomfort, there formed a space for a new paradigm in therapeutic methodology. Born from a commitment to facing challenges head-on, the EXPANDED Method guides and empowers individuals to navigate through adversity rather than seeking refuge from it. Let's explore how the EXPANDED Method can transform the way we approach and grow through life's inevitable trials.

After ten months of nomad life I recently concluded a 100-day spiritual sabbatical, a profound exploration of self and purpose. The result of this incubator became a new venture into a mental wellness methodology designed not only to specifically disrupt the behaviors that work against us, but also to contribute to the healing of our collective consciousness.