Overcome Limiting Beliefs

"I think, therefore I am." ~ Rene' Descartes

The above quote, from the French philosopher, mathematician and writer has stood the test of time and speaks to the power that our thoughts have in shaping our lives.

It's true our thoughts play a major role in shaping everything from the opinions we have of ourselves to the everyday decisions we make along the course of our lives. For if we limit those thoughts through fear then we affect the opportunities and experiences of life that are waiting for us.

If we could somehow get beyond the rational (and often limiting) thought processes that dominate our lives we would find that virtually anything is possible. But how do we do that?

One of the first things we have to do is shift our thinking away from the fact that failure is bad. "...for I have learned more about success from failure than I have from the victories I have savored." That's a quote by yours truly. When it comes to success, one of the biggest lessons in my life has been to accept failure or "setbacks" for what they are—learning opportunities. It's not common practice for me to seek failure but I have learned to embrace it for everything it offers in the way of knowing what not to do inasmuch as I have learned what to do. The experiences have allowed me to accelerate my life in so many areas in spite of the number of "setbacks" that I've had the pleasure of experiencing.

Our minds tend to draw false generalizations based on isolated or past unpleasant events or occurrences. It assigns meaning to each one of those events in such a way that leaves an indelible mental imprint of "experience" the likes of which drive our perceptions, and thus our decisions going forward. It is up to us how we frame those experiences and store them in our subconscious minds.

The beliefs you hold true will make up the fabric of your life's experience. What most of us have difficulty understanding is that the beliefs we have of the world are essentially made up of the subconscious decisions we have made that are principally defined from a conscious personal perspective. Despite the commonalities that "seem" to exist among us, it is safe to say each and every one of us has a slightly different perspective of reality. This reality is made up by our subconscious based upon the experiences of our lives and our conscious reaction to personal circumstances. The only reason any of our beliefs hold value is because we have decided or accepted that they are worthy of the value we assign to them.

Limiting beliefs prevent us from experiencing life at its fullest. Why then would any of us knowingly accept these thoughts? The short answer is that we wouldn't, but all too often we either accept it as an inherent part of our reality or we begin to believe it is a part of who we are personally.

Want to get past this? Then first accept the fact that you can change reality. That's right, reality is what you make of it. That may seem trite or overly simplistic but the fact remains that you decide your own reality. Remember, our reality is shaped by how we process our experiences. Begin by processing your experiences through the lens of a limitless filter. Open your eyes to new experiences with an attitude of expectation over limitation.

To change your perception of reality and the acceptance of limiting beliefs being a natural part of your life, begin by changing the way you identify with destructive thoughts. Stop allowing yourself to be defined by limiting beliefs. If you think you'll never be financially independent, you never will be. Think about how powerful a statement that is.

If limiting beliefs have the power to prevent you from experiencing the goodness of life then it only seems logical that the opposite holds true. Removing the limits from our beliefs can only serve to open the aperture of perspective and opportunity that awaits us. For if you believe you can in fact become financially independent then it is also true.

Whatever you think you know is most likely a figment of your limiting beliefs and overactive imagination. If there's one thing I've learned over the years is that things are seldom what they first appear to be. We tend to exaggerate and stress over situations and conditions that never materialize because of the presumptive conclusions we draw. Most times we're wrong.

What limiting thoughts have a hold of your life? Are you ready to look past them with the knowledge and awareness that you have the power to do just that?

In order to break the backs of limiting beliefs we must push past our assumptions and step forward with confidence knowing that whatever the situation presents, we can handle it. Processing thought is a good first step, but action must closely follow if our subconscious is to be convinced.

Once you begin eliminating limiting beliefs your life will take on a noticeable change. You will have an almost inexplicable basis of confidence, you will be less fearful, you will begin to see (literally and figuratively) more clearly, and you will begin to understand that you can achieve anything you desire. Happiness will become a new foundation of existence for you as you come to the realization that limiting thoughts have no place in your life.

Until next time!

-G-



We're proud to announce Gary's next book, set to be released this summer. FEAR is a Thief is the first in a self-empowerment series that is written to show people how to get past fear using five fundamental truths as a basis for understanding and taking action for a better life.

Also be sure to check out: KEY HORIZON, the second novel in the G. Weston spy series. This thriller is receiving rave reviews across the spectrum and has captivated a new following of "spy-fi" readers. 

Get your copy of Westfal's first novel Dream Operative.

Order your copy of these exciting novels today at Amazon.com.

For a comprehensive perspective on the diversity of Gary Westfal, please visit his website (www.gwestfal.com).
 
If you'd like to receive a notification anytime Gary publishes a new blog (currently about every two weeks), visit his Facebook page: G. Gary Westfal, Writer, Artist Educator.

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Find Your Center

Spirituality...if that word spooks you or sends up a proverbial warning flag, hang with me for a bit longer as I take you away from what most readers will expect to be a blog post about religion.

Far from it...

The essence of why I ever started the Introspection series rests with my desire to raise a "spiritual" level of awareness of the connectivity we have with a higher plane of consciousness we all possess, whether we know it yet or not.

Our subconscious is connected to a powerful source of energy that allows us to disconnect from the daily "noise" that dominates, diffuses and competes for our attention. The source is a place where that still, small voice of reason and wisdom resides. Some call it God—hence the religious implications—while others refer to it as the Higher Self, Chi, the Universe, Superconsciousness, or the Center. What you personally call it isn't as important or as relevant as the fact that it is very real and very powerful.

Your Center is something you can access at will. It is highly sensitive to the universal flow of energy we call life. It is a container of many sublime virtues, some of which are; joy, creativity, intuition, trust, love, integrity, compassion, and aspiration to name just a few.

Far too many of us are searching for something outside ourselves in an effort to satisfy an internal deficiency. We feel alienated, lonely, empty...incomplete. This feeling should serve as a clear indicator that we are out of synch or off course with our true and intended purpose and that a course correction is in order. Our typical first reaction is to look outside ourselves for solutions—a new car, a new mate, a better job—all of which typically result in only temporary and/or hollow satisfaction at best.

One of the best ways to address an internal deficiency is with an internal approach—an introspection. Simply defined, an introspection is an honest examination or observation of our innermost self from both a conscious and emotional perspective. "Great," you may say, "So how do I go about conducting an introspection?" Good question...

In order to hear the quiet leading of that still, small voice we must enlist the faculties of our Higher Self, or our spirit. The best way to go about doing that is to seek wisdom through meditation, prayer, or contemplative mindful awareness. Unfortunately, society continually bombards us with "conscious overload" placing a high emphasis on conscious and physical interactions that are designed to "stimulate" us and provide fulfillment. Yet, I think we can all agree that despite the array of options we have to achieve that objective, something remains amiss. That something lies at the center of who we truly are.

You may have heard the terms "body, mind, and spirit," yet, there are few sources that teach anything having to do with the imbalance that exists by the absence of a focus on the spiritual. Sure, one could argue that there are religious sources designed to address the spiritual aspect, but as a reminder, this article is not so much about the spirit from a religious point of view as it is from the broader context of a higher plane of consciousness that connects us with the divine resources of love, wisdom, knowledge, happiness...and to one another.

A powerful sense of peace and wisdom exists as we connect with our Center. So how do we access it? An overly simplistic answer can be found through the practice of meditation. Our Center contains a veritable storehouse of valuable insight the likes of which can only be found within a deeper level of consciousness. Meditation allows us to connect with our Center in such a way that connects us with infinite wisdom. Keeping things simple, you should find a quiet place to spend a few moments each day solely for the purpose of introspection through meditation or prayer or mindful awareness. Focus on your breathing while remaining alert to stray thoughts that distract you from being fully present, or aware, in the moment. The benefits of introspection are life-altering. Whatever answers or solace you seek is already an inherent part of you and will be there waiting for you in some form or fashion. All you have to do is make an effort to discover the prize that awaits.

It is true that life will bring us exactly what we ask of it. That which connects us with a higher power of consciousness lies at the Center of who we are and drives us to act according to its leading. So, be careful what you ask while knowing that whatever you ask, you shall indeed receive.  

Until next time!

-G-

"Your Center is that place where your story lies...that place where the truest essence of you resides."                     ~ G. Westfal
                                                                                                                                                 


Just released: KEY HORIZON the second novel in the G. Weston series.
Get your copy of my first novel Dream Operative.

Visit my website (www.gwestfal.com) or Amazon.com and order your copy of these exciting novels today!

If you'd like to receive a notification anytime I publish a new blog (currently about every two weeks), visit my Facebook page: G. Gary Westfal, Writer, Artist Educator

Once there, click on "Get Update via RSS" on the bottom left of the column. You'll be subscribed and will receive a notification anytime I publish a new blog or provide updates to my novel series. Please help me by recommending this blog to others and by "liking" my Facebook page.

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How Do We get From Here to There?

How do we get from here to there?  Where exactly is “there” anyway? If you’ve ever wondered how some people just seem to have a knack for having more in life, you’re not alone.

It’s not inherently wrong to desire more. We can’t help it actually. We’re naturally programmed toward “more” as a basic tenet of our survival instinct. If this is true then why are we consistently met with obstacles in our pursuit of more? One of the least obvious reasons is that we haven’t given ourselves permission. Oh sure, we may “think” we’re ready. After all, who among us isn’t ready to handle a boatload of lottery winnings for example?

Answer: Most every one of us.

Reason: Our limited programming is almost always in the way.

It’s an accepted fact that our subconscious mind does not know the difference between reality and imagination. Think of the many times you watched a movie. How many times were your emotions stirred, your fears ignited or your adrenaline spiked as a result of watching the scenes play out? The proof of our psychological and physiological reactions to a movie is the proof of the power of our subconscious mind over our conscious mind.

It does not know the difference between real and imagined because there are no filters at the subconscious level. It simply reacts according to the stimulus it is exposed to because everything it is exposed to is believed to be real. You can use this fact to your advantage in your personal development efforts.

In order to affect change in your own life you must begin to play your own movie by visualizing the changes you desire. Begin by incorporating as many of the five senses as you can into your visualizations. The more vivid your visualizations, the better your results will be. I hear many achievement experts talking about creating a burning desire. I believe a burning desire is a basic element of creating an effective and convincing visualization and is essential in keeping us on track to achieving more. This is the first step toward reprogramming your mind for real and lasting change. The more you fight for a belief, the more you own it.

It has been said that the subconscious mind is five times more powerful than the conscious mind. Yet very few people are even aware of the power they have to control the direction of their lives using their own conscious thoughts (think choices and decisions), let alone the potential that exists in the subconscious mind.

Remember, you can AFFECT more as you BECOME more. Your sphere of influence is increased commensurately as your limited thinking is decreased. The only way it’s going to decrease however, is if you take control of your thoughts and actions and redirect them in a manner that supports your desire to achieve more.  

Our thoughts send energy outward from ourselves into the universe toward what I call “the Source.” The Source is that which we originated from and that which we truly are. It is our wisdom connection. Some may choose to believe that the Source is God, while others believe it is a collective of human consciousness. However you personally decide to believe is up to you as long as you understand there is a higher power that is ready and willing to facilitate your every desire. I know because I live it and experience it daily. You already have the knowledge you need. You can choose to change any aspect of your life that you desire at any time. You can even go for a total makeover if that’s your desire. The only limitation is your own limited thinking telling you that change is not possible.

We’ve been taught throughout our lives that our best form of learning is through experience, sometimes painful experiences. What if I told you there was a different way, a better and an even faster way? What if you could learn with grace and ease without chaos and confusion? Remember, you already have the answers within.

You are the sum total of the decisions and choices you’ve made to this very point in your life. The “circumstances” you find yourself in right now are the collective result of how you see your life. But we must remember that we are not defined by our circumstances, rather by our attitude in those circumstances and our resolve to change them. For some of us, that’s a good thing as we’ve manifested good things by the decisions and choices we’ve made in our lives. These decisions and choices manifest our circumstances and affect the very manner we see and experience life. We demonstrate our own reality to ourselves every day of our life. If we have sadness, poor health, lack or deficiency in our finances, we tend to adopt this perspective and begin to consider it our reality. The reason we create this reality is that we’re good people doing the wrong thing for the right reason. The right reason is that we want to be loved and to perpetuate good. The wrong thing, fortunately, is rather simple to fix.

It’s time for you to WAKE UP to the fact that YOU are the creator of your own experience. That’s powerful enough for you to read it again. You have the ability to create your own experiences. And today, I’m here to tell you how to do that. You can touch, feel, taste, and experience anything you desire. In fact, if it’s a desire, it’s already meant for you. You could go so far as to say, it’s your destiny. You just have to acknowledge it and step out of the way and allow it to perpetuate, materialize, and manifest itself. The truth is that you only need to change one person in your life to improve your life: yourself.

In order to connect to the Source you must program your subconscious mind to accept your conscious thoughts. You must get out of your own way in order to bring about the very changes you seek. Your inherent biases must be effectively dealt with and set aside in order to fully manifest your desires. You must SHIFT the energy of acceptance by removing doubt, fear, and uncertainty. You deserve more.

We’re told to avoid negative thinking “at all costs.” I take that lesson pretty seriously in my own life. However, it’s OK to engage your negative thinking in order to affectively eliminate it. These limiting thoughts are in the way of your desires so they must be dealt with in order to make room for new things that are on their way to you the second you begin to visualize your desires.

Here are some real steps you can take TODAY to affect change in your life, to empower yourself to achieve more. I call it the Empowerment Process. Approach this process with an open mind and an expectation that your desires will come to fruition. The are absolutely no reasons for them not to materialize.

Find a quiet and relaxing place and time to conduct the following simple exercise to connect with your source.

1.       Accept the fact that you’re already in relationship with a higher power.

2.      Relax and visualize. This has a grounding effect through a connection with that which has come before us: earth, minerals, the wisdom of generations, energy. Begin to see yourself firmly “grounded” to the earth beneath your feet.

3.      Radiate: You are an abundant source of energy that radiates from within. Turn up the radiation dial of your energy. Watch as the aura that surrounds you increases its intensity. Bask in the warmth that radiates from your core. This is a precursor to the transitory state of aligning yourself with what you already are: energy.

4.      Transition: Close your eyes, tilt your head back slightly, and look up as if looking into your subconscious mind. Imagine an intense golden beam of light emanating from your body through your forehead, through the ceiling, through the clouds, the stars, and the edge of the universe where everything transitions from blue to black. You notice a speck of light in the distance and project yourself to it instantly. Welcome to the Source. This is the place of limitless possibilities; a place where you can create anything you desire. A place where “more” is automatically assumed and freely granted.

5.      Expression: Silently communicate to the Source. Say these words:

“I don’t know how I’m going to achieve more, I only know I will, and I am grateful.”

As you say these words focus on the very reason you are here. Is it poor health, insufficiency, failing relationships, the need for inspiration? Let go of the burden and allow the solution to find its way to you. It is here where you’ll find it.

6.      Expand: You are in the presence of the Source so why not spend a moment to allow your mind to enjoy the experience. It’s as important to listen as much as it is to communicate. As you absorb the experience of this place, allow your mind to absorb the wisdom that exists here. Be perceptive to any insights or inspiration you may gather. It’s not unrealistic for your desires to begin to materialize even before you return to a fully conscious state of mind. Before you return, silently thank the Source.

7.      Gratitude: Begin to relax your eyes and return your eyes and head to a more natural and comfortable position as you unwind and allow the energy of your experience to find its way into every fiber of your being, every part of your physical, emotional, and intellectual body. Watch with a confident smile as your old limiting beliefs recede to make room for your new empowering insights, thoughts, and inspiration. Become aware of your physical body once again, and when you’re ready, open your eyes once again.

After following these simple but powerful steps you should know with confidence that you have downloaded new programming into your mind. Unlike affirmations, you won’t need to repeat your command because it is now part of you. Pretty cool, huh? Your only responsibility at this point is to know that you are positioned to receive.

Should any doubts emerge, meet them in the moment by declaring an opposing statement that supports your desires. Your doubts and uncertainties will fade as you begin to see the power of this process. In fact, the experience of the empowerment process is typically more joyous than the results it brings. You’ll want to repeat the process often as it is, after all, who we truly are.  

Until next time!

- G -


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Please visit my website: www.gwestfal.com
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If you'd like to receive a notification anytime I publish a new blog (currently about every two weeks), visit my Facebook page: G. Gary Westfal, Writer, Artist Educator To get your copy of my novel Dream Operative, visit my website or click here. Be sure to look for my next novel, Key Horizon, coming soon.

Once there, click on "Get Update via RSS" on the bottom of the left column. You'll be subscribed and will receive notification whenever I publish a new blog or provide updates to my novel Dream Operative. And help me by recommending this blog to others and "liking" my FB page.

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Dreams...

Dreams…

Grab your favorite beverage and pull up a chair, because we’re gonna chat about something that’s as elusive a topic as it gets ─ even more so than, say, politics or whether or not alien life really exists.  Note: It’s no accident that I mention politics and alien life in the same sentence, but that’s a totally different topic altogether…unless, of course, the elements of your latest dream had something to do with both ─ which is completely plausible in this day and age.

Okay, take a moment to think about the last dream you had.  If you’re like most, that may be a daunting task.  While we’re typically able to recall remnants of our dreams, rarely are we able to fully recall enough of a dream to “put the pieces back together,” so to speak.  Depending on the encounter, we may recall random glimpses of what occurred during a dream that we quickly discount as “weird or bizarre.” 

Human thought exists on several layers or aspect planes.  Loosely defined, our minds operate in three dimensions: the conscious, the subconscious, and the alter-conscious.  It is the alter-conscious plane where dreams principally occur, and the one aspect that is the most elusive and difficult dimension to define.  All three dimensions freely interact with one another and have some level of affect or influence on each other.

A great deal of focus has been given to the study and science (both psychological and physiological) of our dreams.  Because of our cognitive limitations, we're not yet able to fully understand how to control and/or manipulate our dreams.  Therefore, like the early pioneers of our existence, we do the best we can by assigning meaning and interpretation through symbology and conjecture.   

An understanding of dream symbology requires a delicate approach and an admission that this too is not an all-inclusive or absolute method of clearly defining that which still eludes us.  With every attempt to increase the wisdom of our understanding through symbolic reference, we must be open to the likely possibility that we are simply wrong.  After all, symbolism is not an all-encompassing approach that is universally applicable to a population of those who dream of common symbols.  That said, this “uncharted territory,” is a rich forum for unbridled opinions, insights, theories, and interpretations ─ all of which lend themselves, albeit in an eclectic manner, to the advancement of our understanding of a fascinating aspect of the human psyche.

One of the methods used to understand dream symbology is a practice called amplification.  Amplification is a process of focusing on the remnant elements of a dream that we’re readily able to recall.  Those elements are analyzed as symbols that are associated with similar elements and circumstances we have come to know through the knowledge, wisdom, and interactivity of life.  In other words, we associate the alter-conscious with the conscious…the unknown with the known…in much the same way we do with virtually any science or process of discovery. 

It has always intrigued me to listen to someone describe a dream they have had.  From a listener’s perspective, we associate only our own symbolic visual, emotional, and psychological references while listening.  We can never truly enjoy a first-hand account of another person’s dream…unless of course, we’re paired with them in the same dream.  Yes, that has been known to happen.  See?  I told you this could go in virtually any direction. We’ll save that for another time however. 

Suffice it to say, our dreams, as elusive as they may appear to be, have a purpose.  That purpose is, in large part, a deeply personal process that I believe offers infinite possibilities of insight and introspection ─ both of which can increase knowledge, wisdom and spiritual acuity.

What are your dreams telling you?  Are they a mere reflection of your conscious life?  If so, do they offer insight on the state of your life…opportunity, warning, assurance?  Carefully analyzed, do they reveal a hidden nature previously unknown and plausibly possible, yet to be discovered? 

Drop me a line and share the experience of your dreams.  And don’t be concerned about how bizarre it may sound.  We’re principally looking for signs and symbols.  In fairness, I’ll be the first to disclose one of mine.  For some reason, the major themes of my dreams seem to be most closely associated with maneuver, conflict, weapons, driving, and water.

Walking down a dusty street, minding my own business, I was approached by a man.  He had a sinister sense and directed me to sit at a table at the edge of the road.  I sat, curious as to what he wanted.  He placed a hammer on the table.  I took it as a threat.  He confirmed the threat and told me I was to go with him to be interrogated.  I looked around to assess the situation and saw that there were other men behind me.  Several thoughts ran through my mind…what information would I divulge?  What were my escape and evade options?  The dream “warped” (dreams tend to move quickly sometimes, going from one scene/experience to the next) and I was with an unknown ally.  We were hiding from a pursuer and were forced to make a decision to jump off a rooftop into a body of water... 

The dream elements became sketchy after that, as they often do.  But there were the typical elements of maneuver, conflict, weapons, water, and even some kind of vehicle in the end.  Chew on that and let me know what YOU think!

Embrace the experience of your dreams! 

 

Until next time!

- G -

"Dreams are made of the elements that are an intrinsic part of who we are, the guide of our souls, and the possibilities of our existence."
─ G. Westfal

If you'd like to receive a notification anytime I publish a new blog (currently about every two weeks), visit my Facebook page: G. Gary Westfal, Writer, Artist Educator 

Once there, click on "Get Update via RSS" on the bottom of the left column. You'll be subscribed and will receive notification whenever I publish a new blog or provide updates to my novel Dream State. And help me by recommending this blog to others and "liking" my FB page.

Please visit my All American Warriors! bog at: http://allamericanwarriors.blogspot.com/

Please visit my website: www.gwestfal.com

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