I received this question the other day
I am serious about wanting to “reprogram” my subconscious mind so that those silly, self-limiting beliefs hit the road. So far, I’ve found this to be down right tricky since most effort is from the conscious mind…. Do you have any suggestions for tools/techniques that target getting behind the conscious mind – to get at the belief system?
Thanks Katie, this is such a great topic for discussion. Here’s how I see it. Trying to ‘reprogram’ your belief system is a common enough idea. It’s also, as you say, downright tricky. Or, as I like to say, virtually impossible.
Why? Because there’s nothing to reprogram; your program is fine, it’s just got covered over by a few faulty beliefs (because of conditioning and so on).
‘Reprogramming your mind’ is not so much about putting new beliefs over the top of your existing ones, but rather, letting the old ones, gently … fall away.
But I get it. You you hear someone say, -“Your belief system is the cause of your problems.” And then, if you’re like me, your mind does this . . .
The tendency to want to do more, and try harder, is very common. In fact we all do it. It’s a mind thing because the mind loves trying harder. But the idea that we need to try harder and do more is one of the beliefs that make us feel bad!!!
So how do you get behind the conscious mind and change your belief system?
Gently – Not because it’s a delicate situation. But because it’s the most effective way. By doing things like reading these emails. And relaxing. And playing with the idea there’s nothing to achieve here.
And remembering, as much as possible – to accept and dig yourself, no matter what kind of funk you’ve got yourself in: No matter how many ‘negative’ or critical thoughts you have. No matter how confused you feel sometimes.
When a challenging situation happens, like when you feel angry or upset, take a moment to notice your thoughts.
Are you blaming other people for your feelings? Are you judging yourself for your reaction? Are you labeling this as ‘good’ or ‘bad’?
If so, experiment with other words, like “pleasant’ or ‘unpleasant.’ Just notice what’s happening, and know that if you’re upset, the issue is yours. Always is.
Remember – you don’t have to figure it out. It’s perfectly-absolutely-fine to be standing in a puddle of your own tears/fury/frustration and not know why you feel like you do, or how to start feeling better.
I mean, you might know, but if you don’t. It’s totally cool too. This is how you unlearn. In fact, a lot of “unlearning” happens by itself, particularly when you give it some space. And usually, this takes a little time.
The reason why stepping back and noticing how you’re feeling without getting caught up in it is so effective, is you’re taking the power away from something you’ve previously given a lot of power to.
And one day . . . . it will shift.
My intention with this blog, my email newsletter and my 7 Secrets Book (and pretty much everything I do) is to highlight the faulty beliefs, as I see them, that make us feel bad. To facilitate an easy and gentle shift. Let’s continue to do this together over the coming weeks and months!
Lots of Love,
Lisa XX
PS: Congratulations Lois and Cata, for winning your own set of Life Cards last week. And thanks so much to everyone who entered and said hi! And if you missed out on winning a deck, I still have a few sets left.
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