Are you holding onto beliefs that no longer serve you? If so you’re not alone, friend! Though it’s a natural part of the growth process, it can be incredibly hard to fully release them.
So if you struggle with releasing limiting beliefs, today I share an age old therapeutic approach, through a new lens.
And it all started when I woke up in the middle of the night in pain, to receive a message.
The Message in Pain
Back in the 80’s, I did gymnastics for a hot second. We’d play a game at the end that I loved, using a large rainbow parachute. We’d all work together to make it go up and down and kids would take turns sitting underneath it. I think…
The details of the game are fuzzy. Thankfully, they’re not needed for the message that came through in the early morning hours today.
It started like most nights…
Physical pain.
But something shifted this time.
I realized that I woke up with pain…
To receive a message.
I only knew this because the message came immediately upon waking. Apparently, I needed my hand held with this one.
Upholding Belief Systems
Let’s dive into this 3am message….
I was given the image of the rainbow parachute and as I connected with the memory of the game, the message started to flow.
It took everyone playing the game to give life to the parachute. To make it billow up into the air into this magnificent rainbow dome.
Together, we created it and held it up.
Using fabric to create an experience together.
Though the parachute was very real, it was an illusion that we created together.
It was only together that it could be held up and maintained.
And though you could let go to sit underneath to have a different experience, it was maintained.
But if just one more person let go, the dome would begin to falter.
As each additional person lets go, the dome is no longer what it was.
Even if a few are holding on, it can no longer hold the shape it once did.
And then we see it for what it always was.
A piece of fabric that together we held up to create this illusion that gave us all an experience.
Fabric of Reality
If we see the fabric as the fabric of reality, this childhood game is seen through a new lens.
If we see this as a metaphor for the illusion of the reality that we’ve created and upheld through our shared beliefs, the idea of releasing these limiting shared beliefs might become a little more accessible.
It might also sound incredibly daunting.
Notice your experience as you read this.
Not to judge it, but to gain valuable information through what arises.
Releasing Limiting Beliefs
If you’re curious, but releasing deeply engrained systemic beliefs feels a little harder than lifting a piece of rainbow fabric….I’m right there with you!
Start small. You can download this handout if this approach speaks to you.
Step 1:
Pick a belief you’re feeling ready to release.
Maybe draw it out or use the handout from above and label each section or “pair of hands” that is holding it up, like the example below.
Imagine each pair of hands or section as a layer that upholds the belief.
Perhaps it’s an individual, a fear or even another belief.
You can make additional parachutes for any beliefs that are part of the equation. For example, I explored the belief that my purpose is rooted in work and go deeper into that belief.
Remember, these can run deep. Another reason why they can be so hard to release.
It might feel challenging to do this exercise. It was much harder than I expected it to be. So please be patient and kind with yourself in this process.
Step 2:
Once you have dug into the belief, honestly ask yourself,
What layer am I ready to release or at least work with?
And remember that beliefs rarely vanish overnight…especially deep-seated limiting societal beliefs.
For me, I’m diving into the astrological placements. Clearly, its something I came here to work on and knowing that gives me the motivation and compassion to do the work.
If You Feel Stuck
If you feel stuck on what to let go of, try writing a list of reasons that: contradicts , invalidates or allows you to see the belief with a different perspective.
For example, if you are working on the limiting belief of lack, notice all the ways in which you feel abundance in your life.
This approach might even become a back and forth dialogue between the conflicting parts of self.
Part 1: I don’t have enough money.
Part 2: I use autopay for of my bills, without even considering if I have enough.
Part 1: But I need a bigger home, which I can’t afford.
Part 2: Why do I think I need a bigger home?
Part 1: Because I need to level up like my friends.
Part 2: Why am I in competition with my friends?
And so on….
Shifting Through A New Approach
Friends, this isn’t some new novel idea.
It’s a tried and true therapeutic technique.
It’s simply packaged a little differently. Through a beloved childhood game.
And maybe that’s all you need to shift a limiting belief into one that serves you.
New packaging.
A new lens.
Perhaps helping you to discover any amount of self-empowerment in the process.
I intentionally say discover because an aspect of you is always in a state of empowerment. Patiently waiting for you to let go of the parachute that makes you think otherwise.
Until next time friends, stay curious!
You Might Enjoy
- The Illusion of Safety Through Control: Learning to Surrender to Life
- From People-Pleasing to Presence: A Healing Unfolding
- What Emotional Can Triggers Teach Us
- Transmuting Judgment: From Expectation to Compassion
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Creative Offering:
If these words serve you, let them fly.
If you teach from them, may they bloom again.
Credit is kind. Integrity is everything.
Blair is a registered dietitian, certified intuitive eating counselor, E-500 RYT and Reiki Master. She integrates spirituality with modern day science to help people heal and reclaim their relationship with their body and food.
Disclaimer:
These are my current musings. This content is intended for informational and inspirational purposes only and does not constitute medical, psychological, or therapeutic advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the support of a qualified healthcare provider or mental health professional regarding any concerns or conditions.