The Reality of Words
This episode highlights the power of our minds and our word choice, thought-patterns, Neuro-Linguistic Programming, ancient rituals, and a 6 step program for you to apply today to manifest positive shifts. We will delve into the act of noticing when our minds’ narrative tangents, and we’ll take steps together to understand the actuality of our reality, and how to play out scenarios to our benefit, not our detriment.
// Introduction:
Gandi says “you have to be the change, but it begins with your own transformation.” And that made me realize, Sometimes we have a resistance to our own existence. Sometimes we use words and thoughts that jeopardize our happiness, success, and transformation of our day to day reality. And as I say that I wonder. I wonder if we could strip back and un-program the societal programming. To undo the constructs. To let go of the thoughts that do not serve us, could we all shine brighter as a species? As a world? As a collective? could our generation help to be the change for good?
// Method to Manifesting 101:
Here are 6 easy steps that I use all the time that I’d like to share with you, which will help you to implement neuro-linguistic programming, giving you tools and practices to use every single day:
1. Set positive goals. When you start planning out what you want in life, focus on what you want, rather than on what you don't want. Don't make negative goals about things you want to lose or avoid. Instead, think of what you'd like to achieve, attain, and develop.
Phrase your goals so that they best express your complete desire. For instance, if you want to have a partner, instead of making your goal "Meet someone special," make it "Live my life with someone I truly love."
A goal that sounds satisfying to you will motivate you more than a goal that only expresses a step in the plan.
2. Ask yourself positive questions. Self-questioning is a fundamental practice of NLP. Ask questions about the things you would like to change in your life. Your mind tries to answer any questions you pose, so make sure to phrase your questions in a way that will lead to useful, positive answers. For instance, instead of asking "What's wrong with me?" you might ask:
What can I do to feel better?
In what ways would I like to change my life?
How will my life improve if I make these changes?
How can I help to serve others better?
3. Edit your mental images. Practitioners of NLP believe that thinking of an image of people, events, or other things can help you understand how you feel about them. To do this, picture someone or something that irritates you. Next, make changes to the image in your mind as if you were editing it on a computer.
Picture people or things that make you feel bad turning darker and moving further away.
Picture people or things that make you feel good turning brighter and coming closer to you.
Notice how all these changes make you feel.
4. Mess with negative voices in your head. The way you speak to yourself in your head has a lot to do with your happiness and mental health. Most psychologists will tell you to notice how you are talking to yourself and change your tone to a loving and encouraging one. NLP has a different approach: it suggests that you mess with the sound of the negative voice so that it has less power.
If you hear yourself thinking something like, "You'll never get this done," repeat the message but with a distorted sound.
Make it sound like a goofy cartoon character, like Donald Duck or Mickey Mouse or Fred Flinstone (yes I’ve been watching cartoons from the 60’s the past few saturday with my husband while eating waffles).
Notice how different versions of the voice make you feel, and how the negative message can get distorted. Don’t let yourself take yourself so seriously all the time.
Step Number 5. Play out scenarios backward. When you have a bad experience that is haunting you, treat it like a movie. Play it backwards, starting from after it occurred to right before it occurred. Do this several times until you have memorized the backwards sequence.
Now add a different ending, one that you like better.
Notice how you feel about the experience.
6. Visualize colors and connect them with feelings you would like to experience. For example, if you want to feel confident, imagine a color that looks confident to you, such as a bright orange. Imagine a bright square of that color before you. In your mind, step into the square and focus on feeling that emotion. Imagine exactly how it would look and feel to be in the square.
When you next want to experience this feeling, visualize the square in front of you. Step into it, and notice how you feel.
// RAINBOW ASKING MANIFESTATION TECHNIQUE
I’m obsessed with colors and rainbows and light exercises, and also want to recommend something Lacy Phillips calls “Rainbow Asking” -- Lacy has a podcast called “Expanded”, and has amazing courses and workshops through her “to be magnetic” site. She is highly gifted and a real expander for me. She has this technique that I absolutely love, and want to share with you:
Sit on a chair. Close your eyes. Place your palms on your thighs. Focus on your breath. Now visualize drawing up red energy from the earth through your left leg, your root chakra and down your right leg. With your next breath, visualize red energy coming through your right leg now, through your root chakra and down your left leg. Do it a couple of times until that chakra feels cleansed, bright, and strong. Now repeat that same step with orange through your second chakra, yellow through your third, green through your fourth, blue through your throat, purple through your forehead, and white over the top of your head.
Once you’ve finished with the colors and chakras, place your left hand on your heart and take a moment to witness anything coming up for you – good or bad. With each thought, I want you to silently say, I love you. (Lacy says this is equal parts an NLP neuroplasticity exercise as it is hippy dippy). You’re replacing your subconscious fear loop (ego) with acceptance, which creates new neural pathways. It’s also putting you in a heart centered place. Once you feel the warm energy of your heart activated, I want you to ask The Universe for clarity. “Show me ______”. This can be what you’re calling in that still feels fuzzy. Or an answer to anything really. This is a great practice to briefly get out of the illusion of your ego and into communicating with your heart and soul about your true trajectory. Pictures could come to you, downloads, ideas, answers, or nothing at all. Exactly what you’re supposed to receive will present itself.
As always, thank you for reading along, listening to, sharing, and subscribing, and don’t forget to stay Mindful & Divine.
x.shana
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Questions? Want to Work Together or Discuss a Future Project? Email shana@mindfuldivine.com