In the practice of hypnotherapy, or in this instance "inner journaling", images are utilized to evoke change in the subconscious mind. The work involves cleaning and clearing, also looked upon as releasing and then planting new mind programs that will build upon themselves. It's important to know that the mind works backwards. Once an image or program is planted, it will take on it's own life which includes making a plan and then working it forward. For example, today I'm going to work in the area of my eating issues. I've had these most of my life and while I've made lots of progress over the years, when stress is high, some of these find new ways of inching into my life. If you have any kind of disorderly eating, which most of us do, then you will recognize this as your own.
Nothing is perfect and perfection is never the goal. Sigh of relief!
Journaling early in the morning works best for me. My inner mind and my "journal master" like to know that there will be no interruptions. As we enter the creative center of the subconscious mind, it's easy to understand why this is the choice environment. There is power in stillness. Just sitting in the center of quiet opens the mind to what wants to show itself. Sometimes negative programs come forward, so this is the opportunity to release them. The subconscious mind doesn't judge, so it doesn't know if you want to keep the negative programs. The more frequently these are played without being released, the more conditioned they become.
Lately I've let some negative eating programs play out. Obviously, this is not what I want, but in the moment they are playing, the obstructionists are ever present skillfully pushing their desires, making up fantastic stories. Foods mysteriously appearing in my shopping cart and fridge. The obstructionists are the parts of me that are highly conditioned to wanting the addictive behavior. We all have these and in certain areas of life, especially addiction, it's important, even vital for survival, to know how to dismiss or manage them.
In this blog I'm working directly in my own subconscious mind and inviting you to sit with me and follow the process. It's not complicated, but it does take a special discipline. You might believe that discipline is something you can't do, especially if you are disorderly, but in truth, most disorder is actually disciplined or conditioned. Addictions are conditioned. Today I'm going to address some very old conditioned or negatively disciplined mind programs that need releasing.
Mind programs are in layers. That is why they can re-occur. Some layers are easier to remove than others. Some are partially removed, while others sit and hide, waiting for a good stressful moment to re-appear. This is what I'm dealing with right now.
It's time to take out my journal and give power to my pen. Just their appearance on my desk acts as a catalyst for deepening my trance state. When stress is high, it's actually easier to release or deepen. I can sense my body's happiness at seeing the journal and pen. It's anticipating release and that is reason to rejoice. Imagine being a tense body and then finally someone arrives and loosens you. See what I mean?
Deeper down, I'm in the area of my eating issues. I have an area already assigned to these. The image is delightful....warm and serene. A beautifully appointed condo...walking around now, enjoying the interior decoration and design. I'm setting the scene for what comes next. There is no point in fighting, punching or attacking any negative behavior for that only etches or conditions it further. Entering the kitchen. Opening the refrigerator and cupboards. Healthy foods present. Admiring them, tasting some and feeling the joy of healthy eating. In the past, my eating was far from healthy, and so I have new conditioned mind programs in this area.
As I look to the back of the fridge, I see some foods that are usually not present. Most are chocolate or sugary. While some are allowed, I'm not happy that these are placed in the back. That is a hiding behavior, set up to deceive. I know this part of me. It's programs are very old and very dangerous. If not cleaned and cleared, they can attach themselves to other parts of my life. Not something I want.
Moving those objects forward. Noticing there are too many. Reading the thought programs attached to the objects....the reasoning, excuses, etc. Calling in the responsible "childSelf." Using a gentle, but firm voice. My Higher or Therapeutic Self is in charge. I'm the writer, director and producer of my life and not the childSelf. Obviously, I could have just removed the items, but it's important to discipline the part of me that slipped up. There is no discussion. Nothing. No words. No thoughts. Just action. Removal of what needs to go and celebration of what can stay. Standing back and admiring the "job well done." Another person enters. This is an "older Self." Thanking the child for giving her health and for being an important part of the "health team."
I'm taking this subject a bit further, because the undesirable food did come into the house and so that must be addressed as well. I don't like throwing things away, so the behavior needs to be managed where it originated....in the supermarket.
Mind travel is very quick!! Off to the market with the child and the older Self. Sensing the shopping cart, feeling the cool metal under my hands, brings me further down into the trance. Touching the child's hair...holding the hand of my elder and now walking down the aisles, passing items that aren't needed in our "high level health program." Breathing and relaxing. Feeling the freedom from compulsion...
There are two types of motivation....negative and positive. While I use both, the positive motivator or freedom from compulsion is my favorite. Each time I remember to feel the feeling, the sense of freedom is re-etched in my mind, becoming stronger and more powerful. It makes me smile inwardly...
