Yesterday’s post about what to do when new habits won’t stick included this postscript: “The good news is that no belief about you, me, or it being fundamentally broken, flawed, or wrong is true. Not a titch.”
Most of us face this belief in flaw from time to time. It can be a deep-seated habit. One reader asked for tips on how we can really believe that we and the world are not fundamentally flawed, wrong, or broken. Here are two exercises you can do to “own” the belief that we are fundamentally fine.
A ladder. Acknowledge that you currently believe the opposite, that you think there is something wrong with you, me, or it. Feel how thinking that thought feels. (Hint: instead of words to describe your feelings, look for sensations in your body and describe them.) Sit with it. Allow whatever reactions may pop up; just noticed them. Then ask yourself, “What thought would feel better?” Patiently wait for the answer; it may take 20 seconds or so. Feel what that new thought feels like. Repeat that question with this new thought. Keep iterating until you feel really good.
Some logic. There is no way you can prove true beyond doubt your old belief about you, me, or it being broken, wrong, or flawed. There is also no way to prove true the new belief that you, me, and it are not broken, not flawed, not wrong. Funny, isn’t it? We hold onto the old belief without proof. Yet we resist the new belief because there is no proof. If we can hold onto the old belief without proof, then it makes perfect sense to adopt the new belief without proof. Why would we do that? Because it feels better. And because, with the new belief, we are much, much, much more likely to have the freedom, joy, growth, and reward we seek.
In your corner,
Mike
PS: You need no special rituals to do these exercises (though you can add any you like). You can do these at breakfast, on your commute, or whenever.
Today’s photo credit: comingstobrazil via photopin cc
Hey Michael,
First of all…what’s a “titch?” Secondly…I love this post. And thirdly…HAPPY BIRTHDAY from Eileen & I.
All the best,
Paul
Hi Paul,
First, a “titch” is a small amount. More common in Britain, I first heard it used in my favorite movie, “It’s a Wonderful Life.” When George wakes up from his nightmare and runs back home, he hugs his youngest daughter, Zuzu. Zuzu had come home from school with a cold. She tells her father that she is feeling better, “And not a titch of temperature.”
Second, thank you!
Third, thank you!
Mike