This article and video describe a simple five step method for transforming your own beliefs and emotions. We are each born with the ability to grow, transform, and change. Emotions and physical discomfort are our own being’s way of saying we need to direct our attention to that area. We can transform a limiting belief or negative emotion by recognizing it, learning what the experience is trying to teach us, and then let go of it.
In order to transform we first need to recognize or sense
something does not feel right and you want to change. By listening to the messages our body and
emotions send to us, we can understand what part of our own being needs more
attention or to change. We have the
ability to learn and more deeply understand what our bodies and emotions are
communicating to us. Then we can use
that information to balance and nurture ourselves.
If you are unable to balance or nurture yourself, it means you need support
from someone else to help you.
Here are some examples of what transformed beliefs or emotions might look like. The transformed belief or emotion is unique to each person. If you feel stressed out the supporting belief may be that you need to find ways to nourish and calm yourself. If you feel angry more often than you would like the supporting belief may be that you need to let go of what you cannot control and look for nicer ways to solve problems. If you hate your job it may mean you need to be more open to receive inspiration in every moment and follow your inspiration.
What is a belief or emotion you want to transform? This is often something that triggers a person and catches him or her off-guard.
It is a belief or emotion that throws one off balance, that we realize would benefit us to change. It is best to transform a belief or emotion when you are aware of it and it is on the forefront of your mind. Although you can focus on a belief or emotion from memory.
Guided Exercise: Transforming Beliefs and Emotions:
1. Remember change is possible- This generates positive thoughts and emotions, creating a basis for change. What is an experience in your life when you were able to change? Maybe you learned how to do something you thought you would not be able to do, or you solved a problem that at first seemed too difficult.
2. Notice- Notice the belief or emotion you want to change. Notice how this belief or emotion makes you feel. Take a few moments to connect with the belief or emotion. What words or images describe the belief or emotion you want to change?
3. Let go (use an exercise to support if needed)- Let go of the belief or emotion and let your mind and heart be quiet for a few moments. If you are unable to temporarily let go of focusing on the belief or emotion, then it can help to do an exercise to help you let go. For example, watching the breath, or progressive relaxation work great for many people.
4. Enter a receptive state- Ask to receive the lesson the belief or emotion is trying to teach you. Once you ask yourself for the meaning, simply sit quietly and wait to receive a thought or visualization in response. The answer comes from your own intuition and inner guidance. The guidance is often the opposite or balance of the belief or emotion you want to change. What is this belief or emotion helping you notice, let go of, or teach you?
5. See the higher meaning- Now that you are in a receptive state, tell yourself what the empowering balance or lesson that can be gleaned from the limiting belief or emotion. Allow yourself to receive and see what the experience of the belief or emotion has taught you. There is no right or wrong answer. The answer is something that will make sense to you. You interpret the answer with your own inner knowing and intuition. What is your own inner knowing and intuition communicating to you through your thoughts or images?
References:
Moore, M., Jackson, E., & Tschannen-Moran, B. (2016). Coaching Psychology Manual: Second Edition. Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwer.
Siegel, D. (2010). Mindsight: The New Science of Personal Transformation. New York: Bantam.