Healing starts when we release old fears and choose love instead. It’s about progress, not perfection
– Mike Wood
In a world where emotional wounds often go unseen and unaddressed, Mike Wood offers a transformative approach that bridges ancient wisdom with modern healing techniques. Drawing from years of personal experience and deep study, Mike has developed a unique program that helps people move beyond the fear and trauma that silently shape their lives. His work centers around releasing trapped emotions stored in the body, shifting subconscious patterns, and cultivating a mindset rooted in love and compassion. Through energy healing, writing practices, and a powerful gratitude-based mindset, Mike empowers individuals to reclaim their peace and joy from the inside out.
In this interview, Mike shares his journey from struggling with his own emotional challenges to becoming a guide for others seeking freedom from negativity and pain. He explains the science behind how our brains react chemically to fear versus love, and how simple daily practices can rewire these responses to foster lasting healing. With compassion and authenticity, Mike opens up about the challenges and breakthroughs of his program, and offers practical wisdom for anyone ready to embrace a deeper level of self-awareness and emotional resilience. Whether you’re new to energy healing or looking for tools to sustain your mental and emotional well-being, Mike’s insights provide a hopeful roadmap to transformation.
Thank you so much for joining us! Our readers would love to get to know you a bit better. Can you tell us a bit about your backstory and what initially sparked your transformation?
Thank you for having me. My journey into healing began in a place that many people might find familiar — feeling stuck, overwhelmed by negative thoughts, and weighed down by unexplainable sadness and anxiety. For years, I didn’t understand why I felt this way. It was like carrying an invisible burden. I tried different approaches—therapy, meditation, self-help books—but something was still missing. The real transformation began when I discovered energy healing. Through sessions with an energy healer, I started to uncover how deeply our bodies hold onto emotional pain and trauma. It became clear that healing wasn’t just about changing thoughts or behaviors, but about releasing trapped energy in the body. This discovery changed everything for me, inspiring me to learn more and eventually create a program to guide others through their own healing journeys. It was a gradual awakening to a fuller, freer way of living.
Can you explain what energy healing involved for you and how it contributed to your personal healing journey?
Energy healing was initially a mystery to me, but I approached it with an open mind and curiosity. I worked with a practitioner named Chris Hancock who guided me through about twenty sessions over time. Each session focused on sensing and moving energy within my body, identifying where emotional blocks were stuck, and gently releasing them. At first, I was skeptical—how could shifting invisible energy affect real emotions and physical health? But as the sessions progressed, I experienced tangible changes: my mind slowed down, anxiety diminished, and I felt an increasing sense of lightness. Days where I simply felt happy without a clear cause became more common, which was remarkable given my previous state. What truly stood out was how emotional release felt euphoric—like a wave of relief washing over me. Learning to do this work myself allowed me to help others access this healing too. It’s a beautiful intersection of ancient wisdom and modern healing that transforms not just the mind, but the entire energetic system.
What exactly gets stored in our bodies as trapped emotions, and how do these affect us physically and emotionally?
Our bodies are remarkable vessels that remember everything, even experiences we may not consciously recall. Trapped emotions are essentially unprocessed feelings—fear, sadness, anger, shame—that get lodged in the body’s tissues when we don’t fully experience or express them at the moment they occur. These can stem from trauma, stress, or repeated negative experiences. Physically, this trapped energy can manifest as tension, chronic pain, fatigue, or illness. Emotionally, it can show up as anxiety, depression, irritability, or feeling disconnected from yourself and others. The body’s attempt to protect us by holding onto these emotions can paradoxically cause ongoing distress. Healing happens when we safely release this energy, allowing the body and mind to reset and function more harmoniously.
How does the subconscious mind influence our thoughts and behaviors, especially when it comes to these emotional blocks?
The subconscious mind is like the software running behind the scenes of our conscious experience. It holds beliefs, memories, and emotional patterns formed over a lifetime, many of which were created in childhood or through traumatic events. These subconscious programs operate automatically, shaping how we respond to people, situations, and even ourselves without conscious choice. For example, a subconscious belief like “I’m not worthy” might cause someone to self-sabotage relationships or career opportunities without understanding why. Because these beliefs are invisible to our conscious mind, they often create frustration and confusion. The key to transformation is bringing these subconscious patterns to light so they can be healed, rewired, and replaced with supportive, empowering beliefs that align with who we truly want to be.
Can trauma influence our subconscious programming even if the trauma seems minor or everyday?
Yes, trauma is not limited to major life events. Everyday experiences like criticism, neglect, rejection, or even moments of embarrassment can imprint deep emotional wounds that shape subconscious programming. Often, it’s the accumulation of these smaller traumas, especially in childhood, that have a profound impact. The subconscious mind doesn’t discriminate between “big” or “small” trauma — it simply records what it perceives as threatening or painful to protect us. These accumulated wounds become the root of limiting beliefs and emotional blocks that affect our behavior and self-worth. Understanding this helps normalize healing—it’s not just for those with obvious trauma, but for anyone who wants to free themselves from lifelong patterns holding them back.
You talk about the “fear bucket” and the “love bucket.” Can you explain what these are and how they relate to our emotional and mental states?
The “fear bucket” and “love bucket” are simple yet powerful metaphors I use to illustrate how our thoughts and emotions affect our brain chemistry and overall well-being. The fear bucket represents the mental and emotional state where cortisol—the body’s primary stress hormone—is dominant. When cortisol levels are high, we feel anxious, threatened, and defensive. On the other hand, the love bucket is the state where oxytocin, often called the “love hormone,” is prevalent. Oxytocin promotes feelings of connection, safety, and calm. These two buckets are inversely related—when one rises, the other decreases. Our thoughts act like switches that fill one bucket or the other. Negative, fearful thoughts fill the fear bucket, while loving, compassionate, and grateful thoughts fill the love bucket. The great thing is, by choosing what we focus on, we can actively shift our brain chemistry and emotional state, moving from stress and fear toward calmness and love.
How does gratitude journaling fit into this process of shifting from fear to love?
Gratitude journaling is a practical, evidence-based tool that helps rewire the brain from a state of fear and stress to one of love and positivity. When you write down things you’re grateful for, even simple things like the warmth of the sun or a good meal, your brain receives signals that you are safe and supported. This lowers cortisol production and increases oxytocin release, promoting feelings of peace and connection. Consistency matters—a few minutes daily can begin the shift, but spending 8 to 10 minutes deepens the effect. Over time, gratitude journaling rewires neural pathways, making it easier to naturally focus on positive aspects of life. This practice not only improves mood but can also enhance relationships, resilience, and overall health by creating a love bucket overflow.
What role does awareness of negative beliefs and emotions play in healing?
Awareness is the essential first step in the healing process. Without recognizing the negative beliefs and emotions we carry, they operate unconsciously, continuously influencing our thoughts, feelings, and actions. By bringing these patterns into conscious awareness, we create space to question their validity and make deliberate choices to change them. This mindful noticing might be uncomfortable at first because it can stir up difficult emotions, but it’s also incredibly liberating. When we face these inner stories with curiosity and compassion, we begin to dismantle their power over us. Awareness allows us to replace limiting beliefs with truths that serve our growth and happiness. It’s like turning on a light in a dark room—you can’t clean up what you can’t see.
How long does it take to heal from deep emotional trauma using your program?
Healing is deeply personal and varies from person to person, but it’s important to recognize that trauma accumulated over years or decades requires sustained effort and patience. My program is designed as a comprehensive journey rather than a quick fix. With commitment and consistent practice over two years, many participants experience profound shifts, moving beyond much of their emotional pain into freedom and joy. Healing isn’t about perfection or complete absence of difficulties—it’s about gaining tools, insight, and resilience to navigate life with greater ease. It’s a gradual process of rewiring subconscious programming and clearing energetic blocks that takes time, self-love, and persistence.
What are some common misconceptions people have about emotional healing and trauma release?
One common misconception is that healing means eradicating all pain or never feeling “bad” again, which isn’t realistic or healthy. Healing is more about learning to feel and process emotions fully without being overwhelmed or controlled by them. Another misunderstanding is that trauma must be dramatic or obvious to have an impact—often, the smaller, repeated wounds are just as damaging. Some people think healing is a linear process—always moving forward—but it’s actually full of ups and downs, setbacks, and breakthroughs. Lastly, many expect quick results, but true healing involves steady work and self-compassion over time.
Can you describe what it feels like to release these emotional blocks?
Releasing emotional blocks is an incredibly freeing and sometimes euphoric experience. Many people describe it as a wave of relief or lightness spreading through their body, like a heavy weight has been lifted. Some feel warmth, tingling, or energy flowing where there was previously tightness or numbness. It often comes with a sense of clarity and emotional spaciousness, allowing new perspectives and peace to arise. The feeling can linger for days, giving a sustained boost to mood and vitality. This release creates space for healthier emotions, new beliefs, and deeper connection with oneself and others.
How do you handle moments when difficult emotions or “bad feelings” return during the healing journey?
I view these moments not as setbacks but as essential parts of the healing process. When difficult emotions surface, it signals that there is another layer ready to be acknowledged and released. Rather than fearing or suppressing these feelings, I encourage people to lean into them with curiosity and compassion. Sometimes, I even feel excitement when uncomfortable emotions arise because they mean progress and growth. It’s important to remember that healing isn’t about erasing pain altogether—it’s about developing resilience and skill in moving through it. These experiences deepen self-awareness and expand capacity for love and joy.
What role do childhood experiences play in shaping our subconscious and emotional health?
Childhood experiences are foundational in shaping the subconscious beliefs and emotional patterns that govern much of our adult lives. During early development, our brains and nervous systems are highly malleable, absorbing messages from caregivers, environment, and experiences as truths about ourselves and the world. If these messages are negative or traumatic—like neglect, criticism, or inconsistent care—they become deeply embedded subconscious programs. These programs influence self-worth, relationship dynamics, and even how our bodies respond to stress. Healing often involves revisiting and reframing these early experiences with kindness to break old patterns and reclaim personal power.
What are some practical steps people can take to start healing their subconscious programming today?
Healing can start with small, intentional steps anyone can take immediately. Gratitude journaling is one of the simplest and most effective ways to begin shifting mindset and brain chemistry. Mindfulness and meditation practices help develop awareness of thoughts and emotions without judgment. Seeking out supportive communities or working with coaches or therapists trained in trauma-informed care can provide guidance and accountability. Body-based techniques like energy healing, breathwork, or yoga can release trapped emotional energy. Above all, practicing self-compassion and patience is essential, recognizing that healing is a process, not a destination.
How has your program, Learn To Love Being You, integrated these principles to help others?
Learn To Love Being You is designed to integrate mind, body, and spirit healing in a way that is accessible and empowering. We combine ancient wisdom about energy and consciousness with modern tools like gratitude journaling and mindfulness to create a holistic approach. The program guides participants through uncovering subconscious beliefs, releasing trapped emotions, and shifting their mental and emotional states from fear to love. Through structured exercises, group support, and personal coaching, people gain practical skills and deep healing experiences. The ultimate goal is for individuals to reclaim their joy, authenticity, and freedom—to truly learn to love being themselves.
What advice would you give to someone who is just beginning their healing journey and feels overwhelmed by the process?
My advice is to start small and be gentle with yourself. Healing is not about rushing or perfection; it’s about consistent, compassionate attention to your inner world. Even five minutes of journaling, mindful breathing, or simply pausing to notice your thoughts can be powerful. Find supportive people or communities who understand the process and can hold space for your growth. Celebrate every small victory because each one builds momentum. Remember, feeling overwhelmed is natural—healing is deeply human. With patience and kindness, you will move through the journey and come out stronger on the other side.
How can our readers further follow your work online?
Thank you for this opportunity to share my work. Readers can visit our website at learntolovebeingyou.com where they’ll find resources, program details, and free tools to start their healing journey. We’re also active on Instagram and Facebook, sharing daily inspiration, tips, and community support. I encourage everyone to connect with us there to take that first courageous step toward learning to love being themselves. Healing is possible, and it’s a beautiful path worth walking.
Thank you so much for this enlightening conversation! It’s been a pleasure learning about your approach and insights.
Thank you, Stacey. It’s been wonderful to share this work with you and your readers. I appreciate the thoughtful questions and hope that this conversation encourages more people to embark on their own healing journeys with hope and courage.
