When I talk about creating sacred spaces for well-being,’ I’m referring to designing areas to enhance well-being and offering a personal retreat from the bustling world outside. These spaces are havens where serenity and peace aren’t just guests; they’re permanent residents. And the beauty of these spaces? They’re as unique as the individuals who create them, reflecting a singular journey to tranquillity.
Consider this: our environment can profoundly impact our mental health. Surroundings that resonate with our inner needs can calm the mind and nourish the soul. It’s not a new concept. For centuries, from the hushed halls of monasteries to the serene gardens of Japan, people have intrinsically understood the value of creating areas dedicated to stillness and reflection.
Yet, it’s not just about aesthetics or cultural customs. It’s about cultivating a space to disconnect, recharge, and confront life’s challenges with renewed vigour. Whether it’s a cozy corner of a room or a purposeful sanctuary in our homes, these spaces provide a setting for relaxation and stress relief that often eludes us in our daily lives.
The question naturally arises: how do you create such a space? It’s a unique process that taps into individual desires and what truly makes one feel at peace. This concept leads perfectly into the next part of our exploration: designing a sacred space that reflects your inner landscape, a personal journey towards creating your tranquil haven.
Creating Sacred Spaces for Well-being: The Journey
Designing a sacred space is an intimate and personal endeavour. It’s more than just choosing decor; it reflects an inward turn, recognizing what brings serenity to you as an individual. One size doesn’t fit all in this undertaking. It’s about identifying your needs and what the term ‘sacred’ means.
Start by asking yourself what objectives you have for this space. Are you seeking a spot for meditation, reflection, creative expression, or a quiet place to decompress? Your intention will shape everything from the space’s location to the items you choose to include.
The elements of your space should serve the purpose of promoting peace and comfort. Think about colours that soothe you, items that hold personal significance, and artwork that inspires. Incorporate these elements thoughtfully, as each will contribute to the atmosphere of your sacred space.
Natural elements like plants or water features add a sense of life and can be calming. Consider using essential oils or incense for a sensory experience that encourages relaxation. Natural light can also invigorate and help align your circadian rhythms with the natural world.
A minimalist approach can be helpful in sacred space design. You want to avoid clutter, which can distract and inhibit relaxation. A clear space promotes a clear mind. Keeping the space tidy and reserved for its intended purpose is essential in maintaining its sanctity.
Once you’ve crafted your sacred spot, it leads naturally to making it part of your routine. These spaces aren’t just for sporadic visits; you design and weave them into the fabric of your daily life.
Sacred Spaces in Everyday Life: Bringing Mindfulness into Routine
It’s easy to underestimate how a dedicated sacred space can impact daily routines. This unique spot is a physical anchor for mindfulness, making it more accessible throughout your day. It bridges the gap between sporadic self-care practices and a consistent wellness lifestyle.
A sacred space at home can serve as a tranquil start to the day or a soothing retreat after work. It’s your haven to practice morning meditations or unwind with evening reflections. Regular engagement with this space nurtures a habit of serenity that gradually permeates other areas of life.
Integrating sacred spaces into work or community settings can also significantly benefit well-being. A corner of the office decked with plants, comforting textures, and gentle lighting can become a stress-free bubble amidst deadlines and demands. Community gardens, similarly, can be transformed into communal sacred spaces that encourage collective peace and connection.
While appreciating natural elements and physical dimensions is vital, don’t overlook how technology can support your intention-setting and wellness journey. Apps that simulate natural sounds or guide meditation can enhance the serenity of your space. Digital detox, however, can also be a crucial aspect of designating a tech-free area to deepen your connection with the moment.
Lastly, remember to develop a routine and respect the sacredness of your space. You maintain its integrity and purpose by establishing clear guidelines around how and when the space is used and even creating simple rituals. These rituals don’t have to be complex; lighting a candle or diffusing essential oils can signal the start of ‘me time’ or mindfulness practice.
The final chapter of our exploration is about how the personal growth derived from these sacred spaces and mindfulness practices impacts us individually and how it resonates within our broader community. We’ll explore how sacred spaces can serve as a launchpad for deeper connection and substantial personal transformation.
Sacred Spaces as a Path to Personal Growth and Well-being
Your sacred space is more than just a physical location; it’s a central hub for personal growth and mental nourishment. It’s where you shed the distractions of your daily grind and focus inwardly on self-improvement and mindfulness.
Keeping a journal within your sacred space can be a transformative practice. You create a personal narrative of growth by writing down thoughts, emotions, and breakthroughs during or after time spent in your sacred space.
Regular meditation or mindfulness in your sacred space can significantly enhance your ability to focus, manage stress, and find peace amid chaos. These moments of stillness encourage a deeper connection with your inner self.
Sharing your sacred space can also help build closeness with others if you feel comfortable doing so. Inviting someone into your space can foster meaningful connections, whether it’s a peaceful corner of a community garden or a comfy chair in your living room.
Remember that as you evolve, your sacred space can grow with you. It’s important to reassess and adjust the elements around you to reflect your needs and spiritual journey. It isn’t static; adaptability is vital to its enduring relevance.
In conclusion, a sacred space offers more than just a pause from life’s chaos—it’s a nurturing environment where your well-being flourishes. By engaging with your precious space actively and thoughtfully, you are taking a significant step toward a more centred and fulfilled life.
Imagine a world where you could erase the pain of past hurts, mend broken relationships, and transform your life with the power of your own thoughts. This is the promise of Ho’oponopono, an ancient Hawaiian healing practice that has gained worldwide recognition for its profound impact on personal transformation and spiritual awakening.
Delve into the rich history of Ho’oponopono, tracing its roots to ancient Hawaiian traditions and philosophies. Understand the concept of “zero,” the core principle of Ho’oponopono, emphasizing taking responsibility for one’s inner world and accepting all experiences as neutral.
Uncover the simplicity and profound impact of the Ho’oponopono mantra: “I’m sorry. Please forgive me. I love you. Thank you.” Understand the transformative power of each phrase in the mantra, demonstrating its ability to release negative energy, promote forgiveness, cultivate gratitude, and restore balance.
Delving into the Origins and Essence of Ho’oponopono
Ho’oponopono, a profound healing practice rooted in ancient Hawaiian wisdom, has emerged as a beacon of hope and transformation for individuals seeking inner peace, forgiveness, and a life of limitless possibilities.
This powerful technique passed down through generations of Hawaiian kahunas (healers), offers a unique approach to healing, embraces the interconnectedness of all things and the power of taking responsibility for one’s own inner world.
Unveiling the Rich History of Ho’oponopono
The origins of Ho’oponopono can be traced back to ancient Hawaiian traditions, where it was revered as a sacred practice for restoring balance and harmony within individuals, families, and communities. This holistic approach to healing encompassed physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. It touches all aspects of human existence.
Over time, Ho’oponopono evolved into a powerful tool for addressing complex issues and resolving conflicts within families and communities. Kahunas, steeped in the wisdom of their ancestors, facilitated Ho’oponopono gatherings, guiding participants through a process of introspection, forgiveness, and self-love.
Exploring the Concept of “Zero”: Taking Responsibility for One’s Inner World
At the heart of Ho’oponopono lies the profound concept of “zero,” a state of complete purity and non-existence of negative energy. This concept holds the idea that all negativity, including pain, anger, resentment, and limitations, stems from memories and subconscious beliefs that reside within us.
By taking responsibility for our inner world and accepting all experiences as neutral, we initiate a process of cleansing and releasing these negative energies. The concept of “zero” encourages us to recognize that these energies do not belong to us but rather reside within us, waiting to be released through the power of Ho’oponopono.
Unveiling the Ho’oponopono Mantra: A Simple Yet Profound Tool for Transformation
At the core of Ho’oponopono lies a simple yet profound mantra: “I’m sorry. Please forgive me. I love you. Thank you.” These four phrases, imbued with deep meaning and transformative power, serve as the foundation for healing, forgiveness, and personal growth.
I’m Sorry: Acknowledging Responsibility and Taking Ownership
The first phrase, “I’m sorry,” signifies taking responsibility for our inner world and acknowledging that we have, at some level, contributed to the negativity we experience. It is an admission of culpability, not necessarily for specific actions, but for the part we play in harbouring negative thoughts, beliefs, and emotions.
This phrase extends beyond self-forgiveness, encompassing forgiveness of others and the world around us. It is a recognition that we are all interconnected and that the negative energy we experience often stems from external sources that have inadvertently impacted our inner world.
Please Forgive Me: Seeking Forgiveness and Embracing Reconciliation
The second phrase, “Please forgive me,” represents a heartfelt plea for forgiveness, both from ourselves and from others. It is an act of humility, acknowledging that we have caused harm or hurt through our thoughts, words, or actions.
Seeking forgiveness allows us to break free from the chains of guilt and resentment, fostering inner peace and reconciliation. It is a powerful step towards healing, enabling us to let go of the past and move forward with a lighter heart.
I Love You: Cultivating Self-Love and Unconditional Acceptance
The third phrase, “I love you,” is a declaration of self-love, unconditional acceptance, and appreciation for our inherent worth. It is a reminder of our true nature, a state of pure love and light that exists beyond our limitations and imperfections.
By repeating “I love you,” we cultivate a deeper connection with our inner selves, fostering self-acceptance and compassion. We begin to see ourselves through the lens of love, recognizing our beauty, strength, and resilience.
Thank You: Expressing Gratitude and Embracing Abundance
The final phrase, “Thank you,” represents an expression of gratitude for all experiences, both positive and negative. It is an acknowledgment that everything that has happened in our lives has served a purpose, contributing to our growth and evolution.
Gratitude allows us to shift our perspective from lack and scarcity to abundance and appreciation. We begin to see the blessings that surround us, even amidst challenges and difficulties. This attitude of gratitude opens us up to a world of possibilities and abundance.
Integrating Ho’oponopono into Everyday Life: Embracing Healing and Transformation
Ho’oponopono is not merely a theoretical concept or a set of rituals; it is a powerful tool that can be seamlessly integrated into our daily lives, transforming the way we navigate challenges, cultivate relationships, and approach our overall well-being.
Addressing Personal Challenges: Releasing Limiting Beliefs and Embracing Empowerment
Ho’oponopono offers a profound approach to addressing personal challenges, whether they stem from internal struggles, external circumstances, or a combination of both. By applying the Ho’oponopono mantra to specific challenges, we can release limiting beliefs, dissolve negative energy blockages, and open ourselves up to new possibilities. Ho’oponopono is a journey through a process of cleaning and clearing to free up our inner selves and allow access to inspiration.
For instance, if we are grappling with feelings of insecurity or self-doubt, repeatedly saying “I’m sorry. Please forgive me. I love you. Thank you” can help us release these negative self-perceptions and cultivate a more positive and empowered self-image.
Transforming Relationships: Fostering Forgiveness, Harmony, and Compassion
Ho’oponopono extends its transformative power to the realm of relationships, offering a path to mend broken bonds, foster forgiveness, and cultivate deeper connections. By applying the mantra to our relationships, we can address lingering resentments, release negative judgments, and open ourselves up to empathy and understanding.
For example, if we are experiencing a strained relationship with a family member or friend, repeating the Ho’oponopono mantra can help us release any anger or resentment we may harbour towards them, enabling us to approach the situation with a more open and forgiving heart.
Cultivating Overall Well-being: Promoting Physical, Mental, and Emotional Balance
Ho’oponopono’s impact extends beyond specific challenges and relationships, encompassing our overall well-being. By incorporating the mantra into our daily lives, we can promote physical, mental, and emotional balance, fostering a sense of peace and harmony within ourselves.
For instance, if we are experiencing stress or anxiety, regularly repeating the Ho’oponopono mantra can help us release these negative emotions, promote relaxation, and restore a sense of inner calm and tranquility.
Unleashing the Power of Forgiveness and Self-Love: The Cornerstones of Ho’oponopono
At the heart of Ho’oponopono lies the transformative power of forgiveness and self-love, two fundamental principles that serve as the cornerstones of healing and personal growth. By embracing these principles, we embark on a journey of inner transformation, releasing negative energy, cultivating inner peace, and fostering a life filled with love and abundance.
Forgiveness: Liberating from the Chains of Resentment
Forgiveness is not merely about condoning harmful actions or excusing hurtful behaviors; it is about releasing ourselves from the chains of resentment and bitterness that hold us captive to the past. It is about recognizing that we cannot change the actions of others, but we can choose to let go of the anger and pain they have caused us.
By forgiving others, we release ourselves from the emotional burdens that weigh us down, allowing us to move forward with a lighter heart and a renewed sense of peace. We break the cycle of negativity and open ourselves up to the possibility of reconciliation and healing.
Self-Love: Embracing Our True Essence
Self-love is the foundation upon which we build a life of happiness, fulfillment, and meaningful connections. It is the acceptance and appreciation of our inherent worth, flaws and all. It is about recognizing that we are deserving of love, compassion, and kindness, not just from others but also from ourselves.
By cultivating self-love, we nurture our inner growth and resilience, enabling us to navigate life’s challenges with greater strength and emotional balance. We become our own best friends, offering ourselves the same support, understanding, and encouragement that we extend to those we love.
The Interconnectedness of Forgiveness and Self-Love
Forgiveness and self-love are not isolated concepts; they are deeply intertwined and mutually reinforcing. When we forgive others, we extend compassion and understanding, not just to them but also to ourselves. We recognize that we have been hurt, but we choose not to let that hurt define us.
In turn, self-love empowers us to forgive others, releasing ourselves from the burden of resentment and bitterness. We recognize that we are worthy of love and happiness, and we choose not to allow the actions of others to diminish our self-worth.
Embracing the Transformative Journey of Ho’oponopono
Through the profound principles of forgiveness and self-love, Ho’oponopono guides us on a transformative journey of healing and personal growth. We learn to release negative energy, cultivate inner peace, and embrace our true essence. We become architects of our own happiness, creating a life filled with love, abundance, and limitless possibilities.
Dispelling Myths and Misconceptions: Clarifying the True Essence of Ho’oponopono
As Ho’oponopono’s popularity continues to grow, it is essential to address common misconceptions and clarify the true essence of this profound healing practice. Misunderstandings can lead to misinterpretations and hinder individuals from fully embracing the transformative power of Ho’oponopono.
Misconception 1: Ho’oponopono is a Magic Wand for Instant Solutions
Ho’oponopono is not a quick fix or a magic wand that will instantly erase all problems and challenges. It is a journey of self-discovery, healing, and transformation that requires dedication, patience, and a willingness to confront and release negative energies.
While Ho’oponopono can bring about significant changes and breakthroughs, it is not a substitute for personal effort and growth. It requires us to take responsibility for our inner world, address our limiting beliefs, and actively cultivate forgiveness and self-love.
Misconception 2: Ho’oponopono Requires No Effort or Active Participation
Ho’oponopono is not a passive practice; it requires active participation and engagement. Simply repeating the mantra without genuine intention and introspection will not yield the desired results.
Ho’oponopono invites us to delve into our inner world, examine our thoughts, beliefs, and emotions, and identify the root causes of our challenges and limitations. It encourages us to confront our fears, insecurities, and resentments and actively release them through forgiveness and self-love.
Misconception 3: Ho’oponopono is a Replacement for Professional Help
Ho’oponopono is a powerful tool for personal healing and self-growth, but it is not a substitute for professional help when needed. If you are struggling with severe mental health issues, trauma, or deep-seated emotional pain, seeking professional guidance and support is crucial.
Ho’oponopono can complement and enhance therapy and counseling, providing a framework for self-discovery and healing alongside professional guidance. However, it is not intended to replace professional help or provide a quick fix for complex psychological issues.
Embracing the True Essence of Ho’oponopono: A Journey of Self-Discovery and Healing
Ho’oponopono is not a set of rigid rules or a one-size-fits-all approach. It is a personal journey of self-discovery, healing, and transformation, guided by the profound principles of forgiveness and self-love.
By approaching Ho’oponopono with an open mind, a willingness to confront our inner selves, and a commitment to personal growth, we can harness its transformative power to release negative energies, cultivate inner peace, and manifest a life filled with love, abundance, and limitless possibilities.
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Embark on a Transformative Journey with Ho’oponopono
Ho’oponopono, the ancient Hawaiian healing practice rooted in forgiveness and self-love, offers a profound path to personal transformation and healing. By embracing the simplicity and power of the Ho’oponopono mantra – “I’m sorry. Please forgive me. I love you. Thank you” – we can release negative energies, cultivate inner peace, and create a life filled with harmony and abundance.
Ho’oponopono invites us to take responsibility for our inner world, acknowledging that all negativity stems from within. Through forgiveness, we liberate ourselves from the chains of resentment and bitterness, allowing us to move forward with a lighter heart. Self-love, the foundation of Ho’oponopono, empowers us to accept our true essence, fostering resilience and self-worth.
As we delve deeper into Ho’oponopono, we dispel common misconceptions, recognizing that this practice is not a magic spell replacing professional help. It is a journey of self-discovery, requiring dedication and a willingness to confront and release negative energies.
Ho’oponopono is a gift, an invitation to unlock our innate potential and create a life of fulfillment and joy. Embrace its transformative power, embrace forgiveness, embrace self-love, and embrace the limitless possibilities that await you.
I found I preferred Evolution = Conscious Mind after listening to an audio program when I heard Dr. Robert Anthony use the term Ego equals Conscious Mind. That got me thinking.
It almost sounded like that famous equation E=MC squared. “Energy = mass times the speed of light squared”.
In simple terms Einstein’s equation states that energy and mass (or matter) are virtually identical. When the right circumstances are present, energy can manifest as mass, and mass as energy.
Ego = Conscious Mind
So, when I thought of E=CM squared and Ego equalling Conscious Mind, what came to mind is that ego is often attached to something negative. I saw all the layers of thoughts that we internalise, building one on top of the other. All those thoughts that as children we accept as being gospel because we know nothing else.
When we’re young, we’re an open book, a blank slate being written first by our parents and as we grow, perhaps by siblings, teachers, and peers. We’re a garden freshly tilled waiting for seeds of consciousness to be planted. What we hear, what we see, what we feel, – these are the nutrients that we put on our garden. Depending on the mental and emotional content of these nutrients, we can have a flourishing garden or be overrun with weeds.
The more a single idea (be careful – that’s hot) is layered into our minds, and couple that with a physical experience of very hot or being burnt or scalded, that idea becomes subconscious. We know that we know it without thinking. When confronted with something cooking on the stove, or an open fire we now have an instinct that keeps us safe.
Fire is a physical threat. Physical violence is a physical threat. We also have emotional and mental threats to our well-being. More bolstering of our egos to deal with these layers of safety. Sometimes not necessarily serving our bests interests.
Influences
Thanks to Bannon Morrissy for this image
All those are responses to outside influences. Then we have influences that are detrimental to our evolution that we impose on ourselves.
• The times we say, “I can’t do this”.
• The times we feel shy meeting new people and then it happens again and again until we have embedded it into our consciousness that we’re shy.
• Times we’ve got up in front of people to speak. We jabber away not really knowing what to say and at the end of it what we’ve said. We’re embarrassed about this inability and wish the ground would just swallow us up. Another layer.
• Anytime fear creates a black hole in our psyche becomes a layer.
• When our self-esteem won’t allow us to step forward into an opportunity becomes a layer and on and on it goes.
Is it any wonder that that life seems such a struggle?
This isn’t just e=cm² its e=cm³, then to the 4th power, 5th power. It builds exponentially and becomes habitual behaviour.
Then we may reach a breaking point. We realise that, yes, some of these things are our ego keeping us necessarily safe, but there are other things we’ve swallowed along the path that are just not serving us anymore. Stuff we need to ditch like a shirt that doesn’t fit anymore. Throw away the coat of habits that aren’t user friendly. Get ourselves a new wardrobe.
And it’s not only a metaphorical wardrobe we may have to get rid of because of mental and emotional garb that no longer fits or serves us. There may be elements of our physical wardrobe that require changing. In our physical wardrobe there may be items that we haven’t worn because they’ve gone out of fashion or don’t suit us anymore.
Decluttering on the physical plane can affect us on the other planes as well and vice versa. Sure, we can make our spaces tidier, but we may need to make room for new clothes.
How do we rid ourselves of these ego constructs that have embedded themselves in our subconscious? Once we donned it as an overcoat to protect us from a sudden shower and as time has gone on it has become an armour that weighs us down.
If we consider the law of attraction this armour sits in our subconscious and sabotages the good things we’re trying to initiate in our lives. Shyness, self-esteem, fear – all armour that can keep us from authentically showing up in the world.
We may be productive members of society, bringing a valuable contribution to the world and on another level be stuck. Deep in our subconscious we’ve got a
going on keeping us from moving forward. Here’s the ego reaching out from our subconscious still trying to keep us safe and we may be unaware of the effect it’s having on our evolution.
Often it has something to do with our relationships. If we find ourselves being inexplicably angry at a situation or a person this can be a marker for something going on subconsciously. By looking more closely at what the person or situation represents to us we can gain clarity as to a remedy. It could be a health issue, or financial, relational, or vocational.
Create affirmations, listen to hypnotic suggestion audios, create goals around reversing these counter intentions and then take action steps toward their achievement. All these things if done consistently will bring about change. There may not be immediate affects and the real benefits may only show up after some time has gone by. Be patient and gentle with yourself.
If you’ve not yet wrapped your mind around what your counter intention is you may need some help. Often those closest to us can see pieces of our personality that we’re oblivious to.
If you’ve got a good partner or friend who you can allow to be brutally honest with you, get them to give you an idea of where they think your shortcomings are. This could be a good indicator of what counter intentions may be at work in your life.
So, once you’ve got a head lock on what counter intention is you’ll have some idea of how the ego created this consciousness. From here you can make the changes required to move past this. You can learn what it’ll take to evolve your mind into a consciousness that is more aligned with who you want to be. But what does this mean for healing?
Once you know how you want to be then you’ll instinctually know what you’ll have to do. Once that doing flows from your being you’ll enjoy the benefits of having. When you’re working towards healing especially if it is a chronic complaint, there’ll be multiple layers to deal with. Often it is not a simple fix. We wish it was.
Each step toward healing we sow a seed, and then another. And just like clearing out our wardrobe it helps to keep weeding this inner garden. By nurturing the good plants in the garden as they grow the weeds sometimes fade as our garden flourishes. They’ll still be there, but because they’re not getting the same amount of light their growth is inhibited.
When we do what is beneficial for our healing and are consistent with we creating a healing atmosphere. as I mentioned previously – create affirmations, listen to soothing music. There is so much on YouTube. You’ll find something to create that healing mood. And take actions that move you towards being in full health.
Your thoughts create your reality, the more you think about something it can become concretized into a belief. Be careful with your thoughts. Be gentle with them. It can be easy to attach yourself to negative thoughts which become negative beliefs.
It’s thought that 75% of our self talk is negative. If we can catch it as a thought and change it we can begin to create neural pathways in our brain. The stronger we build those pathways of positive beliefs the more solid they become. When we change our mind, we can change our life.
These neural pathways are like branches on a tree, a tree which started as a seed and gathered all the nutrients from its environment. The tree is the repository of all your thoughts and depends on the quality of your mindset.
Find the thought that lights a spark within you that will light the lantern to bring you out of the tunnel of your suffering in onto the pathway back to health. Create a mind that is conditioned to heal rather than remaining in the space of dis-ease and suffering. Be kind to yourself.
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Have you ever noticed yourself getting inexplicably angry? Have you written up some SMART goals, made some affirmations and intentions around them, then taken some action to bring them to fruition only to find that the stated date passes and you’re no closer to the goal? In these cases and others you can explain away and gloss over you, may experience the vagaries of a counter-intention. So, what is a counter-intention, and do you need to heal it.
Counter-Intention
Intention is defined as the purpose governing a specific set of actions. When we make a healing intention we create a goal to bring it into being. If we place that goal in the SMART framework (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, Time-Bound) and take consistent and persistent action towards it with a resolute faith we will create a tangible reward. But what if it doesn’t? I don’t how many times I’ve struggled with the frustration of a thwarted goal. Counter-intention at best would have us maintain the status quo; at worst we’d be moving in the wrong direction.
In the military, there is a parade ground move called an “About Turn”. At the command, the parade in sync will take a specific sequence of steps to turn the parade 180 degrees. A counter-intention is that specific set of steps hiding in the underground of our consciousness thwarting the attainment of our goal.
When the formula you created in a spreadsheet stops working, or a line of code in a program is corrupted, that is a counter-intention. There’s something going on beyond what we’re conscious of, subverting the journey toward our goal.
How Counter-Intention Shows Up
The counter-intention takes shape over time and lies dormant in our unconscious. It is some seemingly small interference to the balance of our psyche. We allow it to pass without question again and again. They are behaviours defined for us by an authority figure either parental, at school, or at work. We can through osmosis absorb counter-intentions from the world around us as we see those we trust defer to people in professional fields – doctors, lawyers, accountants, managers. Well, they trusted them and they’re alright.
And we may be ok with some of these, living out our lives, setting and achieving goals, ticking along in a relatively comfortable fashion – UNTIL WE’RE NOT. Something throws out our equilibrium. A doctor’s prognosis, an adverse report at work, passed over for a promotion, failing a paper at college or university, redundancy. These pull the rug from under us, trip us up and suddenly we’re left feeling very anxious, unstable, angry, and frustrated.
How we regard and respond to these challenges gives us a clue to the counter-intention we are holding unconsciously.
Responding to Counter-Intention
I am challenged by people in authority. Isn’t it interesting that the word authority contains within it the name of Thor – God of Thunder and some time Avenger. Is there something in the appropriate use of power for me? And what does this mean to my responding to a counter-intention
In the past, I’ve been offered the possibility of standing in for the incumbent only to have that job given to someone else with less seniority. It is a real kick in the ego. I believe most of us intuitively know the best way to lead and manage a group of people.
When I see that not happening I tend to get very angry but don’t feel I have the power to be able to do anything about it. So I distance and withdraw myself from that authority figure. They’ve got no idea what’s going on for me. I’m not sure it that’s a good thing or a bad thing. And then there is Shakespeare – “There is nothing either good or bad but thinking makes it so”.
Seeing something that makes us angry, or frustrated can be a great signifier that a counter-intention is going on within. If we can turn this back on ourselves we get some idea of how we can respond to it. There is something to the saying, When we change ourselves, we change the world”.
So I look at the behaviour of those authority figures and ask myself am I somehow doing this to myself. What do I notice about myself that could be triggering this anger in the actions of another? I struggle with procrastination and maintaining momentum. I see what could be described as callous behaviour in the other and wonder if I am being callous with myself? Is it that he appears to just not care? Am I caring for myself and my psyche sufficiently?
Resolving Counter-Intention
These unconscious counter-intentions may also be manifesting as physical symptoms. Are you experiencing symptoms of a sort? How these express themselves may give you some indication as to how to ease them. In doing so, perhaps you resolve the counter-intention. When you discover the root of your anger, frustration, or symptoms you’re on the road to resolution.
My struggles with procrastination and creating momentum are related to my self-esteem. Am I good enough to put this stuff out there? Am I being too big for my boots? I used to mire myself in some harmless addiction like cards or movies unaware of the feelings of powerlessness that were sitting in my unconscious. Who was I angry at when I was angry at an authority figure? I was angry at myself for feeling powerless.
And yet I was perpetuating my own powerlessness by procrastinating and allowing fear to stay my hand as ideas for blog posts sifted in and out of my consciousness. I could have been a willing participant in my own rescue but weakly chose the easy path.
Fear creates constriction, a pulling in of our talents instead of projecting them outwards through creativity. When I generate momentum through embracing my creative self, constriction lessens, and I feel freer.
Healing is freedom. Freedom from whatever it is that is keeping us in DIS-EASE, keeping us from WHOLENESS.
The absence of alternatives clears the mind marvellously.
Henry Kissinger
The quote from Henry Kissinger sums up the importance of clearing. Mental clarity is important for someone wishing to achieve their dreams or working towards a goal. Without clarity we are unable to focus. Without clarity, the universe or source is unable to bring us our heart’s desires. Yes, we need to let go of any attachment to outcomes for how this goal or dream will arrive in our life. At the same time, we need to have a clear purpose and take decisive action to towards these things we aspire to. When we use these 3 clearing methods – Tapping, Uncovering our Beliefs and Nevillizing, we give ourselves an opportunity to zoom in on actions to move us toward our desires.
Deciding what is most important will bring clarity. Is it Health, Wealth, Career, or Relationships? Perhaps it is a Spiritual desire. When we make that decision, we remove alternatives and bring focus to what it is we wish to achieve. If we know it is health, what is about our health that is important. What do we want to get better at? Are we experiencing some sort of disease from which we want to heal? Is our wish to increase our fitness levels? Likewise, if it is wealth, career, relationships, or spirituality what are the questions that life is asking of us now. When we provide answers, we provide clarity. There are some great tools to help us in this clearing process.
Clearing Method 1 – Tapping/EFT
Since the lockdown I have been using Tapping more and more. This has continued after our lockdown in New Zealand finished. During that time I had some mild emotional issues to deal with. I also experienced these physically. I used Tapping to good effect.
I had resisted using Tapping for a long time but it had lately come to the fore of my consciousness as a key clearing tool and I felt I could not ignore it any longer. And I’m glad I persisted with it. It eased some of my symptoms.
Tapping accesses several acupuncture points and by tapping these in a particular sequence we can alleviate the symptoms we’re experiencing and with consistent use clear the source of the affliction.
The points used are the karate side of the hand, crown of the head, between the eyebrows, temples, under the eyes, mid-point between nose and mouth, mid-point between mouth and chin, soft part just above the left side of the chest, soft part between thumb and fore finger and back to karate point.
The mantra used is “Even though I’m experiencing (affliction), I completely love accept and forgive myself. This is said three times while tapping each of the points.
Whatever the discomfort you’re feeling see if you can give it a number between 1 and 10. After one round of Tapping see if the magnitude of the discomfort has dropped significantly. If there is no appreciable difference continue with the Tapping.
Clearing Method 2 – Nevillizing
“Assume the feeling of the wish fulfilled”.
Neville Goddard
Nevillizing comes from the works of Neville Goddard a 20th century mystic. From his teacher an eccentric Ethiopian rabbi Abdullah he learned the law of consciousness and how to read the Bible from a psychological perspective. On his return to the United States he began lecturing around these concepts.
This is a great way of clearing for us to manifest something important in our lives. As we’re focusing on a wish, instead of thinking and visualizing it as an event that is going to happen in the future, we carry our minds forward so that we imagine it as having already become manifest. We assemble our consciousness so that our wish, or desire is not still coming but that it has already arrived, it is already a foregone conclusion.
If we have a wish for our health, for our career, for our finances, for our relationships it would be helpful to have a coach to keep us on track, to keep us accountable, to keep us focused on maintaining this feeling of having our wish fulfilled.
When I look at Nevillizing I deeply understand the reason for every morning writing out my goals. If I can sustain the feeling throughout the day of the assumption of the wish fulfilled, I bring those goals to me in a more timely manner.
Having an accountability partner would help hold the vision as a foregone conclusion. Keeping us clear of thinking that may distract and interfere with the attainment of their goals.
Joe Vitale has a saying, “Feel it real”. I understand this as focusing on our vision, experiencing it as both physical and also mental constructs. Not only will it encompass thought, but also how we visualize it, how we hear it, and the tactile and taste experiences that will magnify the process needed for the attainment of this goal and vision. By accessing these senses through visualisation, and feeling it real we are polishing the lamp of our dreams. As we polish we open ourselves to the genie within and become the granter of our own wishes.
Clearing Method 3 – Finding our Beliefs
Our subconscious mind is like the mother board for our lives – processing all that needs to happen behind the scenes for us to have it relatively easy. And as life has evolved so beliefs have been added to the soup of our existence. They may have been important at the time but have since begun to limit what it is possible for us to achieve.
Finding our beliefs and clearing them is a liberating experience. Beliefs, especially unconscious ones, can show up in our lives as counter intentions and thwart our best laid plans and our most desired goals. We can be led into situations where self-sabotage comes into play and we cannot believe what we have done – asking ourselves “Why did I ever do that”.
Beliefs can also show up as projection – seeing something in another that is a behaviour that we have not yet owned for ourselves. By owning these we can actualise a positive trait.
And as Jung stated, “Everything that irritates us about others can lead us to an understanding of ourselves.
As we understand ourselves and our motivations more, we become clearer by letting go of that which does not serve us.
We examine our broth of beliefs and add heat through focus. Those that are not in service to our highest ideals and values rise to the top as scum collects on the top of soup. We can then skim them off and discard, leaving our broth with a cleaner and clearer flavour.
Beliefs become lenses and filters to our mental processes and perspectives. These then influence the way see our lives.
When we clean our lenses and filters of the dust of limiting beliefs we create a view that is both empowering, and can move us forward.
Les Brown tells a wonderful story (it’s probably not totally pc today but speaks to an idea we have about ourselves). A man arrives at a slave auction and is scanning the slaves to work out which he should choose. They all seem reasonably similar in demeanour except for one who seems to carry himself a little better, with more dignity than the others.
The man asks the slave trader if this particular slave is for sale. The trader tells him no and the man asks why. He’s told that back in Africa the slave’s father is a king and so the slave still thinks of himself as coming from royal parentage and bears himself accordingly.
When I heard that story today, it made sense from a clearing perspective. Sometimes we are slaves to our thoughts and by reaching for the highest thought we have about ourselves, by embracing the values that engage those thoughts we can carry ourselves as though we too have majesty and divinity within.
Change through Clearing Methods
As we engage in clearing our lives begin to change. I remember when I believed I didn’t have enough time. I can’t remember what I was reading at the time. It was probably something telling me that if I changed my thoughts I could change my life. I decided to try it out on the perspective I had around time. I began thinking that there was enough time to do all I needed to do in a day. It took a while. Eventually I felt I had plenty of time. There was a clear change in my life. It affected my work, my recreation. I slept more peacefully as I wasn’t worrying about how much time I had.
Creating this new relationship with time is the perfect Nevillization of a goal. We are imagining time as already having passed and everything that we’ve wanted to achieve has come to pass.
Tapping also provides us with a clear experience of change as we follow and persist with the process in order to gain some healing around our discomfort, our pain.
These clearing methods require some perseverance if we’re to evoke lasting change for ourselves. The journey is worth it.
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