It amazes me how powerful the process of a ‘belief’ can be in our minds. If we believe something strongly enough, whether it’s true or not, we really do live from that standpoint, viewing our world accordingly.
At times, however, beliefs can be more of a hindrance than a help. For example, believing that every stranger you meet is not to be trusted (thus kicking in the ‘friend/foe monitor in our brain to ‘foe’ setting) really only serves to create a barrier with others. Ultimately, this could actually be self-fulfilling, and ‘infinitely’ so, if enough people play this game.
The ‘stranger’ belief, of course, comes from when we’re told as children “Don’t talk to strangers”. Problem with this one is, how the heck are we supposed to make friends?! Of course, there are dangers out there and, if we were walking through a prison yard full of murderers then not talking to strangers would probably be a good idea but, if we are just walking through a park where people go to enjoy walking their dogs or to enjoy a bit of sunshine then maybe, it’s not so good an idea (oh, are some peoples’ beliefs kicking in right now reading this, about that ‘dangerous stranger’, based on fears instilled and re-inforced from those lovely 42” plasma TV screens hanging on our walls and the sensationalised papers that we read).
What I’m really saying is, to have a proper “Perspective” is hugely important here, and it’s about balance too. Our kids can learn to be aware intuitively of their safety without thinking that every person they meet is Darth Vader (cue heavy breathing!)… the brain processing just isn’t that helpful in this way!
Beliefs really can limit our perceptions and as our ‘perceptions’ are our sense of the world, they can also limit us. They really can be “self-fulfilling prophecies”. If we believe it, our minds and bodies go all out to integrate it fully. Our minds search for previous processing/experiences to support these beliefs and our physicality, our chemistry, changes to support what our mind is doing.
If we are aware of this ‘system’, we can, actually give ourselves more choices.
We do need care too with beliefs; they are the basis of how we perceive ourselves and our whole worlds… They are the legs that hold the table up… Therefore, taking one away and there could be, at very best, a wobble… Get beyond this though and you open your world up to a whole new set of choices and new perspectives.
How about believing that whatever positive thing you do in your life will re-inforce lots of better things for you and will also have a domino affect on others. How would that feel right now?
Now, I saw a penny today and I picked it up. I know that it’s a load of old rubbish about the luck thing but, if a part of me really believes that I’m going to get lots of luck then hey, that’s ok by me! Plus, if I understand that my system at some level, will process and integrate ‘good luck’ then I’ll definitely have some of that!
OK, so, how about your beliefs. What do you believe?…. And how do these beliefs make you feel? Are they helping you, or limiting you?
How about getting rid of old negative beliefs that limit you……….. and redesign your future (If you need help with this contact me @ newwavenewmind.co.uk and connect to facebook or email)
And, if I see any more pennies I’ll keep picking them up. Oh and don’t they say ‘pennies make pounds’? (there goes another belief!) :O)
“Beliefs to me are like ‘case studies’ in law. Every historical case in a court room serves to support the rulings of future cases. Only when there is a big enough challenge offering a new improved perspective will a different judgement and ruling be passed, therefore, setting a new precedent” JC/Oct11
