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Hunting Your Beliefs
Tom Cruise’s behavior, at least as portrayed recently
in the news, is an example of belief systems run amuck. While promoting
his new War of the Worlds movie, in an interview with Matt Lauer of the
Today Show, he launched an attack on the field of psychiatry. He asserted
that psychiatry is a pseudo science, and that treating depression with
medication simply masks the problem. He insists that all depression can
be cured with vitamins and exercise—and that this is the answer
for everyone.
During his interview, while touting his knowledge of the subject matter,
Cruise was visibly agitated each time he was challenged on his opinions.
He was clearly taking it personally when Mr. Lauer did not accept his
assertions.
In my opinion, this exemplifies the havoc caused by being trapped in our
own belief systems—in other words, believing ourselves. Cruise is
so blinded by his belief system, that he cannot recognize all facets of
what psychiatrists call depression.
Though I actually agree with Mr. Cruise on some points, it is his dogmatic
self-righteous posture, and the hubris tied to taking things personally
that gives life to his making prescriptions in matters for which he is
clearly under qualified.
Have you experienced nervousness, agitation or intense relentless defensiveness
when talking about issues you feel strongly about? If so, this could be
a gift, an opportunity to use a tool Ray Dodd, author of The
Power of Belief calls “hunting our beliefs”.
This technique, stemming from the ancient wisdom tradition of the Toltec,
was known as “stalking”. It consists of a set of practices
and tools for looking at fear-based beliefs based on the lies of the “story-teller.”
Stalking is a practice for hunting aspects of the mind that are not serving
our happiness. Toltec stalking (not to be confused with contemporary stalking
as in the dark obsessive behavior of criminals in Hollywood movies) is
a technique for watching ourselves being ourselves—where we become
the actor and the observer simultaneously. It is in this way that we heighten
our awareness. It is important not to judge as we observe ourselves being
our selves, but rather to become the objective observer, witnessing our
behavior, thought patterns, emotional responses, beliefs, and agreements.
It is a transformative process, as we cannot change anything about ourselves
without having awareness.
We can hunt our beliefs, agreements, concepts, opinions, attitudes, actions,
and points of view about anything that makes us unhappy (such as money,
mental health, relationships, religious beliefs, etc.). As we enter into
the process, we start with an inventory of the beliefs (agreements, concepts,
etc.) that engender intense negative emotional reactions or otherwise
diminish our energy and obstruct our personal happiness.
For example, you notice that when you are around certain people (even
yourself) you become particularly negative, judgmental, or uncomfortable.
Take an inventory from an objective point of view what you observe in
the present when these feeling arise. Write the inventory in a journal.
Include the event and the emotional quality of the reaction. Then sit
quietly with yourself—-meditating or dreaming about your observation
and ask yourself what experiences, beliefs, agreements from the past underlie
the observable behavior.
Let’s say for example you find yourself having an emotional reaction
to someone who takes control of a situation without respecting your needs,
wants, and desires. Where did you feel controlled in the past? What agreements
did you make about feeling controlled? Did you agree to act as if you
were going along with program and silently rebel underneath, act out,
wrench control, or any other of a myriad of possibilities? Ask yourself
if your present reaction is based on past behavior, and you will become
more aware of the emotional content of your reaction. Then inventory what
you believe about the emotions you have listed.
Next is a most important step. Ask yourself if you are telling yourself
the truth, or whether your interpretation also is a lie coming from pop
psychology, someone else’s belief system that you believe is better
than yours, or a present-day program you have tried on that doesn’t
quite fit. Then take full responsibility for all of it, remembering not
to judge you, and especially not to take even yourself personally. At
this point of awareness, the muck is cleaned out leaving space for change.
You, the hunter, using the same volition and energy used to stalk yourself,
can now use this energy to create through your own intention and to observe
the actions of others with discernment. Having detached from the past,
you are now able to focus your attention outside yourself, and interact
with people though respectful communication. The rewards will proliferate
and you will know that you are doing your best not to participate in this
very personal version of the War of the Worlds.
Michele Laub is a certified
BeliefWorks Mentor in the Toltec Wisdom Tradition. She has been
a passionate change-agent for herself and others for over twenty years.
A teacher, psychotherapist, hypnotherapist and life-coach, she brings
a myriad of tools to the work including kinesiology and ceremony. Michele's
direct and compassionate style can assist you in heightening your awareness,
embracing transformation and creating a life that reflects your unique
gifts and talents. She says, “ I only use what has been effective
for me. This really works! I’ve had huge transformations in my own
life - more loving family relations, business success, and sustained weight
loss.”
Contact Michele for a sample
session at: michele@everydaywisdom.us
/ http://www.everydaywisdom.us/
Property of Michele
Laub, Human Potential Unlimited 2005. All rights
reserved. Reprint rights are granted to all venues so long as the article
and by-line are reprinted intact.
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