1. Notice the habit.
2. Realize there is a choice: to continue in the same direction, or to stop. Choose to stop.
3. Give the new direction.
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Examples:
1. "Doing something unnecessary."
2. "Choosing to stop."
3. "Not doing that."
1. "Stiffening the whole self."
2. "Choosing to stop."
3. "Not stiffening the whole self."
1. "Stiffening the neck."
2. "Choosing to stop."
3. "Not stiffening the neck."
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1. Awareness: We notice the reality of what is, right now. There is no judgment involved in this step. What is noticed is simply a fact, neither positive nor negative.
2. Free Will and Inhibition: We recognize that we have free will; once we realize this, we are exercising it, by choosing either to continue on in the same habitual direction, or to stop that direction.
3. Direction: We very actively, with real strength of purpose, certitude, and conviction, aim our thinking (not our habitual muscular activity) into the direction we wish to go.
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This process implies a "pre-direction", something that motivates us to work through these steps. We need to first know what we want; that there is a goal that we're aiming towards. This goal may be as simple, general, and as huge as Life itself. Or it may be something more specific, such as "good health", or "less pain in the knees", etc.
A "post-direction" is also a good idea: to celebrate the successful completion of those three steps. This is not about celebrating the result; it is about celebrating that we were able to carry out those three steps. Gratitude for our thinking minds. Gratitude for free will and the ability to exercise it. Gratitude for the fact that every time we follow through on these three steps, we are taking a positive step towards our goal.
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Everything is contained in these three, simple steps. But two essential elements are required for them to bear fruit: patience and trust. Trust in the fact that every single thought has an immediate corresponding effect on the whole self, including the body; trust that there is an internal organizing factor within us which carries out those effects; trust that, in good time, with much repetition, the effects will be felt by us and the goal will be reached, without our needing to do anything else.
Or, in more metaphysical terms:
ReplyDelete1. Discernment between the Real and the illusory.
2. Abstention from the illusory.
3. Concentration on the Real.
Or, in moral terms:
1. Discernment between Good and evil.
2. Abstention from evil.
3. Concentration on Good (practice of virtues).
Lark Ascending has a point; hypnosis training teaches that making negative statements can reinforce the unwanted behavior. Saying "not" is often lost in the subconscious. For that, and other reasons, it's good to focus on the positive goal, rather than stopping the negative action.
ReplyDelete1. Doing something unwanted.
2. Choosing to change.
3. Doing something positive.
You hint at that concept with your "pre-direction." Also, "post-direction," or simply gratitude, can work magic. :) "Thank you that I have the freedom to become healthy, happy, energized, motivated, empowered, successful..." Yes. Thinking--and speaking--DOES change you.