Our subconscious holds what I like to call a “recording” of the past. Our whole body understands this recording as “truth”, because these are the things that, in fact, we lived through. And so like a well-worn record, the meaning we’ve made in the past – the dots we’ve connected subconsciously – are played on repeat, shaping our perceptions, actions, and ultimately forming our beliefs and our entire reality.
In this recording you have created a view of YOU that is based not necessarily on truth, but on the feedback you received about yourself from the world around you. The thoughts and opinions that your subconscious recorded from the people around you as you grew up and also as an adult.
If you were raised with the belief that you are ugly, then your subconscious will highlight and show you all the words, facial expressions or body language of people around you that supports this belief. It is the job of your subconscious to find the proof for what you believe.
Likewise, if you were raised with the belief that you are smart, then your “algorithm” will find proof of your “smartness” in the behaviour and responses of the people around you.
This is called “confirmation bias” and to some extent we are all influenced by it. This is not a “good” or “bad” thing, it’s just one of the many tools we come pre-programmed with to help us deal with the overwhelming amount of information that our brain has to process every second. Here’s an idea of what comes your brain’s way from moment to moment:
“The subconscious mind can process 11 million bits of information every second. But our conscious minds can handle only 40 to 50 bits of information a second.”
Matching “proof” to already established beliefs is simply an efficient way for our brain to sort through millions of bits of data to help keep us alive! But clearly, if we don’t challenge our limiting beliefs then we run the risk of being trapped by them forever.
“We learn our belief systems as very little children, and then we move through life creating experiences to match our beliefs.” – Louise Hay
“We forget that we create the situations, then we give our power away by blaming the other person for our frustration. No person, no place, and no thing has any power over us, for “we” are the only thinkers in our mind. We create our experiences, our reality, and everyone in it. When we create peace and harmony and balance in our mind, then we will also find it in our lives.” – Louise Hay
“Your thoughts are like the seeds you plant in your garden. Your beliefs are like the soil in which you plant these seeds.” – Louise Hay
The good news is this… you don’t have to remain stuck in the belief system you grew up with. You can trade in your old beliefs for a new set, and then your brain will go about its business as usual: highlighting from your environment all of the proof of your (new) beliefs.
The first step in breaking free from these limiting beliefs lies in becoming aware of what your thoughts and beliefs are. You have to become the observer of your thoughts, the witness to your thinking. Meditation is a powerful tool on this journey, cultivating introspection without judgement. By witnessing your thoughts, you will begin to identify the limiting beliefs that may be holding you back.
Once you’ve become aware of these beliefs, you can challenge them and replace them with more empowering alternatives. Remember, your thoughts are like seeds you plant in your garden. Your beliefs are the soil in which these seeds grow, and sometimes replacing the soil is exactly what your plants need.
Here are a few thoughts to help you on your journey:
- Observe your thoughts: Notice the thoughts that run through your mind without judging or fighting them.
- Challenge negative beliefs: Remind yourself that your view of yourself is mostly a recording of other people’s opinions. Ask yourself, “is this really true?”
- Cultivate self-compassion: Speak to yourself kindly in all circumstances.
- Practice mindfulness: Don’t get stuck in the past or the future, pour your energy into what you need to take care of in every present moment.
Remember, you do not have to be defined by your past. You have the power to create a new reality for yourself. By becoming aware of your beliefs and choosing to replace them with more empowering ones, you can break free from the chains of the past and unlock your full potential. You are the author of your own story. It’s time to write a new chapter.
– pierre –
Today’s LIVE meditation is: Finding silence.