As we grow events happen and we react to them. This reaction is based on the beliefs we hold. Whatever the event our thoughts fit our beliefs. A typical example is where someone receives a compliment, but because their unconscious belief, created in early childhood, is they are not worthy of such a compliment they react to confirm their unworthiness. Such as: "You look lovely" - "No I don't my nose is too large" or "my behind's too big". "You made a really good job of that" - "No, I messed up that bit" or "I could have done it better". It is worth noting that for the most part the conditioning is not intentionally designed to give this belief system, but comes as a consequence of how we have all been conditioned in a similar manner, going back as many generations as you care to look.

Adult behaviour is then a reflection of personal beliefs. Two people may experience the same thing, but each views it from their personal perspective, creating their own reality. Our reality is confirmed and reinforced by everything around us, the media and those we meet. We look, listen, see and engage in whatever confirms our view of reality, tending to ignore or "not go there" for the bits that our feelings tell us don't fit. An example of how much we choose to see is after having purchased a new car we suddenly start to notice greater numbers of "our car" on the road, the number of cars has not altered but our perception has.

Based on lifelong conditioning the world we inhabit is one where there is very limited love, of which we don't deserve any. There is a shortage of everything required for living a good life, which we have to work hard for and even then may never get. To get on in life you have to prove you're better than the next person. You have no power or influence in most areas of your life; you just do as you are told. Without a job you will have no money so won't be able to pay the mortgage, feed yourself, survive etc.

That's life as we know it Jim!

But is it? Most of us are unaware of how much power we have to influence our own lives. From childhood we have been conditioned to give our power away to others because that's what we are taught is right. Your power comes from awareness and choice. You are free to make whatever choices you wish. There are times when you may consider the options available to choose from as not being options, but they are there nonetheless. Your choices are based on your beliefs. The more you are aware of your beliefs the more varied and informed your selection of options will be.

previous page       next page