FINDING YOUR STATE OF CLARITY
Navigating Confusing Times with Confidence and Purpose
Chapter 1. What is Life?
It is a question that has plagued humanity for centuries, and yet it remains one of the most fascinating and inspiring topics to ponder. Life is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon that encompasses everything from the smallest single-celled organisms to the most complex and intelligent creatures on the planet.
As we contemplate the meaning of life, we are struck by its beauty and wonder. Life is a symphony of colours, sounds, and sensations that fill us with awe and wonder. It is the dance of the seasons, the rhythm of the tides, and the beat of our own hearts.
And yet, life is also a mystery. We do not fully understand its origins, its purpose, or its ultimate fate. But perhaps that is what makes it so intriguing. Life is a journey of discovery, a quest to unravel the secrets of the universe and our place within it.
So let us embrace the mystery of life and celebrate its beauty and complexity. Let us be inspired by its majesty and wonder, and let us strive to unlock its secrets and discover the true meaning of our existence.
Life is a breathtakingly beautiful symphony of events that plays out from birth to death. Like a carefully crafted melody, it weaves together a series of interconnected moments that continually evolve, shift and transform over time. Each note is a reflection of the many processes that define the essence of life: growth, development, adaptation, and change.
From a biological perspective, life is a miraculous dance of processes that occur within every living organism. It is a complex and intricate tapestry of metabolic reactions, cellular activities, and physiological responses that keep us alive and thriving. From the spark of our first breath to the final sigh of our last, we are constantly in motion, an expression of the life force that animates us.
But life is more than just biology. It is also a journey of the heart and mind, a journey that takes us through the highs and lows of human experience. We grow and learn, we experience joy and sorrow, we love and lose, and through it all, we are transformed. From the innocence of childhood to the wisdom of old age, we are shaped by the unique path we travel.
In essence, life is a work of art, a masterpiece of constant adaptation and change. It is a symphony that is shaped by the many internal and external factors that influence us. We are the composers of our own lives, and every moment is an opportunity to create something beautiful. So let us embrace the magic of this wondrous process, and dance with joy to the music of life.
Chapter 2. The Dance of Evolution
Evolution is a grand dance, an intricate and complex performance that has been playing out for billions of years. Like a choreographed masterpiece, it weaves together a series of interconnected events that have shaped the history of life on Earth. It is a process of constant adaptation and change, driven by the forces of nature and the endless interplay of living things.
From the humble beginnings of life on our planet, evolution has been the driving force behind the diversity of life that we see today. It is a process that has shaped the anatomy, behaviour, and physiology of every living organism, from the tiniest microbes to the largest mammals. Through the dance of evolution, new species emerge and old ones vanish, and the world is forever transformed.
At its core, evolution is said to be a story of survival. A dance of competition, where the strongest and most adaptable organisms thrive and pass on their genetic material to the next generation. Those who are not suited to their environment fall behind, and their genes are left behind in the dance. Over time, this leads to the development of new traits and the emergence of new species.
But evolution is also a dance of cooperation. Living things are intricately connected, and their interactions can lead to new opportunities and new forms of life. Symbiotic relationships between different organisms, such as those between bees and flowers or humans and their gut bacteria, are examples of this dance of cooperation. Through this dance, life on Earth has grown in richness and complexity.
Evolution is not a linear process, but a branching one. The tree of life is a testament to the diversity of living things that have emerged over time. Each branch represents a new species, each leaf a unique individual. And yet, despite this diversity, all living things share a common ancestry. We are all part of the same dance, the same grand performance.
As we look to the future, the dance of evolution continues. The challenges facing our planet, from man-made pollution to the loss of biodiversity, are reminders that this dance is far from over. But we also have the power to shape this dance, to guide it towards a more harmonious and sustainable future. By understanding the intricate and complex nature of evolution, we can play an active role in shaping the world around us.
In essence, evolution is a dance of life, a never-ending performance that has shaped the history of our planet. It is a story of adaptation and change, of survival and cooperation. As we continue to dance this grand dance, let us remember that we are all part of this amazing and beautiful process. Let us celebrate the diversity of life and work towards a future where the dance of evolution is in harmony with the world around us.
Chapter 3. The Spark Within: The Science and Metaphysics of Human Animation
The human body is a complex and wondrous thing, filled with intricate systems and processes that work together to create a living, breathing being. But what animates this incredible machine? What is the source of the spark that sets it all in motion?
Science tells us that it is the flow of electrical signals through the nervous system that powers our movements and thoughts. It is the firing of neurons and the release of neurotransmitters that allow us to feel and perceive the world around us. But while these explanations are fascinating in their own right, they do not fully capture the essence of what animates the human body.
Metaphysics, on the other hand, offers a more profound understanding of the source of our animation. It suggests that there is a spark of divine energy within each of us, a force that is both within us and beyond us, that imbues us with consciousness and vitality.
This concept of the spark within is reflected in many different cultural and spiritual traditions, from the idea of the soul in Christianity to the concept of prana in Hinduism. It speaks to a deeper truth about the nature of our existence, that we are not simply physical beings but are also imbued with something more.
So while science may offer us a glimpse into the mechanics of our animation, it is the metaphysical understanding of the spark within that truly inspires us to explore the mysteries of our being. It reminds us that we are more than the sum of our parts, that there is a force within us that transcends our physical form, and that gives us the strength and resilience to face whatever challenges life may bring.
Chapter 4. The Three Voices of the Self
As human beings, we have always been fascinated by the intricate workings of the mind. From the most primitive to the most advanced civilizations, we have always sought to understand the mysteries of our own consciousness. In recent times, the scientific community has made great strides in unravelling the complexities of the human brain, leading to remarkable discoveries about how the brain, heart, and gut communicate with each other.
The three brain theory tells us that our mind is not limited to the brain but extends to the heart and gut. Our heart and gut have a mind of their own, and each one communicates with the other in a complex dance of emotions, thoughts, and sensations. This interconnectedness forms the basis of our mental and emotional well-being.
Think of your mind as a symphony, with the brain, heart, and gut each playing a unique instrument. When each of these instruments is in harmony, the symphony is beautiful and uplifting. However, when one of these instruments is out of tune, the music becomes discordant, and we experience negative emotions such as anxiety, depression, and stress.
The brain is the conductor of this symphony, coordinating the different parts to create a cohesive whole. The heart is the rhythm section, setting the beat for the music of our emotions. The gut is the bass, providing the foundation for our mental and emotional stability.
By learning to listen to the three voices of our self - the brain, heart, and gut - we can gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and our emotions. By paying attention to the sensations in our body and the feelings in our heart, we can become more attuned to our needs and take better care of ourselves.
So, listen closely to the music of your mind, and remember that you are the conductor of your own symphony. When you learn to harmonize the brain, heart, and gut, you create a beautiful and uplifting melody that will bring you joy and inner peace.
Chapter 5. The Wounded Soldier Within: How Mindfulness Can Soothe the Battleground of Stress
In the battlefield of life, stress is a weapon that can leave us battered and wounded. It is a relentless force that attacks our bodies and minds, leaving us exhausted and overwhelmed. Like a soldier on the front lines, we can become battle-hardened, desensitized to the chaos around us, but also carrying the scars of our wounds.
Our brains, hearts, and guts are the three generals who command our responses to stress. Each has its own strategy, but when they are not in sync, the battle can become chaotic. Our brains can become overwhelmed with worry, our hearts can race with anxiety, and our guts can churn with unease.
In this battlefield, mindfulness is the soothing balm that can heal our wounds. It is the gentle voice that reminds us to take a step back and observe the chaos without getting caught up in it. Like a skilled mediator, mindfulness helps to bring the generals into alignment, calming the storm within us.
Through mindfulness, we can become like the wise commander who surveys the battlefield, seeking to understand the lay of the land, the strengths and weaknesses of our own forces, and the strategies of our enemies. We can learn to take a step back and observe the patterns of our thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations, without getting lost in them. We can train ourselves to become more resilient, more adaptable, and better equipped to face the challenges that life throws our way.
In the end, the battle against stress is not one that can be won outright. But with mindfulness, we can learn to cultivate a sense of inner peace and calm, even in the midst of chaos. We can learn to be kind to ourselves and to others, to offer ourselves the same care and compassion that we would give to a wounded soldier. And we can learn to thrive, not just survive, in the face of life's challenges.
Chapter 6. Managing Evolutionary Growth: A Symphony of Change
Life is a journey of personal evolution, a dance of growth and change that we all participate in. It is a dance that is not always easy, filled with twists and turns, challenges and opportunities. But by managing our personal evolution, we can navigate this dance with grace and purpose.
Like the dance of evolution that has shaped the history of our planet, our personal evolution is a complex and interconnected process. It is shaped by the forces of nature and the endless interplay of our experiences, thoughts, and emotions. We are constantly adapting and changing, driven by our desire to survive and thrive.
But personal evolution is also a dance of self-discovery. As we navigate the challenges of life, we encounter stress, doubts, death, and love. These experiences shape us, helping us to grow and evolve into the best versions of ourselves.
Stress is a natural part of life, a response to the challenges we encounter along our journey. Like the resistance in a workout, stress can help us to grow and become stronger. But too much stress can overwhelm us, leading to burnout and exhaustion. To manage our personal evolution, we must learn to balance the stress we encounter, finding healthy ways to cope and grow.
Doubts are another part of the dance of personal evolution. We all experience moments of uncertainty and fear, questioning our abilities and choices. But doubts can also be an opportunity for growth and self-discovery. By embracing our doubts, we can learn to overcome them, developing greater resilience and self-confidence.
Death is the ultimate challenge we all face on our journey of personal evolution. It is a reminder of the impermanence of life and the importance of living in the present moment. But death can also be a source of inspiration, driving us to live our lives with purpose and meaning.
And then there is love, the most powerful force in the dance of personal evolution. Love connects us to others, helping us to find meaning and purpose in our lives. It is a reminder that we are not alone on this journey, that we are all part of a larger dance of life.
To manage our personal evolution, we must learn to embrace all of these experiences, the stress, doubts, death, and love. We must learn to navigate the twists and turns of life with grace and purpose, using our experiences to grow and evolve into the best versions of ourselves.
In essence, personal evolution is a dance of self-discovery, a journey of growth and change that we all participate in. By embracing the challenges we encounter along the way, we can manage our personal evolution and navigate the dance of life with grace and purpose. So let us embrace this dance, with all its challenges and opportunities, and let us use it to become the best versions of ourselves.
Chapter 7. Navigating Life's Symphony - Finding Clarity in Times of Stress and Doubt.
Life is like a symphony, full of ups and downs, highs and lows, and an array of emotions. The music can be beautiful, but it can also be overwhelming at times. When we find ourselves lost in the midst of the symphony, we can feel stressed, doubtful, and uncertain about what to do next. But just like a conductor guides the orchestra through the performance, we too can navigate our way through life's symphony and find clarity in times of stress and doubt.
The first step towards finding clarity is to acknowledge the feelings of stress and doubt. It's like a dance - we must recognize the rhythm and tempo of the music and allow ourselves to move with it. We cannot force our way through, but rather, we must dance with the music and let it guide us. By accepting these emotions and tuning into the music, we can begin to explore their source and understand what's causing them.
As we embark on our quest for clarity, we can use mindfulness practices such as meditation or deep breathing as our compass. These techniques can help us find our footing and stay grounded as we journey through life's symphony. By staying present and attuned to the music, we can gain a new perspective on our situation and find new solutions.
Another valuable practice is journaling. It's like keeping a travel diary of our journey through the symphony. By writing down our thoughts and feelings, we can sort through our emotions and gain a deeper understanding of ourselves. We can reflect on our experiences and explore what we've learned from them, which can help us grow and move forward.
It's also important to seek support from others. Just like traveling with companions, having trusted friends or family members, or seeking the guidance of a therapist or counsellor, can provide valuable insights and help us gain a fresh perspective on our situation. Sharing our thoughts and feelings with others can help us feel less alone and more connected to the world around us.
Finally, it's important to remember that personal growth is a journey, not just a destination. It's like a quest to find the meaning of the music. We won't always have all the answers, and we won't always make the right choices. But by staying committed to our growth and learning from our experiences, we can continue to travel through life's symphony and find greater clarity and purpose in our journey.
In conclusion, navigating life's symphony and finding clarity in times of stress and doubt is an essential part of our quest for personal growth. By acknowledging our emotions, using mindfulness as our compass, journaling as our travel diary, seeking support from others, and staying committed to our journey, we can dance our way through even the most complex and challenging movements. Let us remember that every note and every step is an opportunity to learn, grow, and become stronger individuals.
Chapter 8. Awakening the Unconscious Mind
The first step towards transforming our lives is to awaken the unconscious aspects of our mind. These hidden parts of ourselves shape our reality and influence our thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. Like a symphony with many instruments, the unconscious mind plays a powerful role in the music of our lives.
To awaken the unconscious, we need to become like dancers, attuned to the rhythms of our own inner world. We must learn to move with the flow of our own thoughts and emotions, to be fully present in each moment, and to embrace the journey of self-discovery.
Just as a pilgrim embarks on a quest with faith and preparation, we too must prepare ourselves with the right resources to navigate this inner terrain. The core aspects of NLP and Kinesiology can serve as our guides, providing us with tools to tap into our unconscious mind and reprogram our thoughts and behaviours.
Through NLP, we can learn to reframe our thoughts, change our language patterns, and create new neural pathways in our brain. This allows us to shift our perspective and see things in a new light, opening up new possibilities for growth and transformation.
Kinesiology, on the other hand, can help us connect with our body's wisdom and inner knowing. By using muscle testing to communicate with our subconscious mind, we can gain insights into our deepest desires and uncover the root causes of our limitations.
As we begin to awaken the unconscious mind, we may encounter resistance and discomfort. But like a traveller on a journey, we must stay committed to the path and have faith that the lessons we learn will ultimately lead us to greater clarity and understanding.
In conclusion, the process of awakening the unconscious mind is an essential part of our inner transformation. By becoming like light bearers, illuminating the hidden aspects of our mind, we can gain deeper insights into ourselves and our reality. Through the use of NLP and Kinesiology, we can tap into our inner wisdom and transform our thoughts and behaviours. So let us embrace this journey of self-discovery with open hearts and minds, knowing that the rewards will be great.
Chapter 9. Programming Your Mind for Success with NLP
The mind is a symphony of experiences, perceptions, and reactions. It processes our reality through the nervous system's five senses and communicates that reality through the complex systems of language and non-verbal communication. But what if we could learn to program our minds to achieve our desired outcomes consistently?
Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) is the study of human behaviour, particularly the study of excellence, for the purpose of understanding the mental and emotional strategies used to produce consistent desired results. It's like learning the dance steps to a successful performance, or embarking on a quest armed with the knowledge to navigate the obstacles.
The first step in understanding NLP is to break down its components. "Neuro" refers to the nervous system or the mind through which our experiences are processed via the senses. "Linguistic" encompasses language and other non-verbal communication systems through which our neural representations are coded and given meaning. Finally, "Programming" refers to the ability to discover and utilize the programs that we run in our neurological systems to achieve our specific and desired outcomes.
Think of it like a symphony conductor, who uses their skills to bring together various instruments to create beautiful music. Similarly, NLP allows us to use the language of the mind to consistently achieve our specific and desired outcomes. By understanding the core concepts of NLP, we can program our minds to think in new and empowering ways.
With NLP, we can learn to identify and modify our limiting beliefs, create empowering self-talk, and develop the mental strategies to achieve our goals. By mastering the principles of NLP, we can transform our inner dialogue and change the way we see ourselves and the world around us.
Just like a traveller who equips themselves with the necessary tools for their journey, learning NLP is an essential resource for our personal growth and transformation. It's like having a map that guides us towards our goals, while allowing us to explore new paths and possibilities.
In conclusion, Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) is a powerful tool for personal growth and transformation. By understanding the language of the mind and how to program it, we can achieve our specific and desired outcomes consistently. Whether it's navigating the challenges of life, improving our relationships, or realizing our dreams, NLP can help us achieve success and fulfillment. So, let's use the power of NLP to program our minds for success and live our best lives.
Chapter 10. Harmonizing Body, Mind, and Spirit: The Symphony of Kinesiology
Kinesiology is a symphony of Western techniques and Eastern wisdom, a dance of physical, emotional, and spiritual health. Like a master conductor, kinesiology identifies the discordant notes that interrupt the body's natural healing process, and brings them back into harmony.
Through the gentle art of muscle testing, kinesiology evaluates the body's structural, chemical, emotional, and energetic imbalances, and restores its natural healing energy. It is a journey into the body's inner workings, revealing the hidden energies that underlie every muscle, tissue, and organ.
Kinesiology recognizes that the body has an innate wisdom, an intelligence that is always seeking balance and harmony. By tapping into the body's energy flows, kinesiology helps to release the untapped potential within, and to restore the body to its optimal state of health and well-being.
Just like a skilled acupuncturist, kinesiology uses the power of energy flow to heal the body. It uncovers the blockages that interrupt the flow of energy, and gently corrects them through acupressure massage, light touch, and other simple techniques. As a result, the whole body is affected, and the person is brought closer to achieving any goal of their choice, whether it's in sports, relationships, learning, or coping with life's challenges.
Kinesiology is a journey of self-discovery, a pathway to a more vibrant and fulfilling life. It is not limited to dealing with ailments, but also helps to improve mental and physical coordination, and to relieve pain and stress. By learning the simple and effective tools of kinesiology, you can unlock your body's full potential, and live a life of balance, harmony, and joy.
Chapter 11. Binaural Beats and the Cosmic Symphony
Meditation is an art that has been practiced for centuries, and it is no surprise that science has been intrigued by its effects on the human mind and body. Advancements in technology have led to the discovery of binaural beats, a natural phenomenon that can entrain brain waves using sound to achieve a specific mental state. Binaural beats use Hertz (Hz), a unit of frequency that measures one whole wave cycle per second.
There are five different brain waves measured using frequency: Delta, Theta, Alpha, Beta, and Gamma. Each of these brain waves offers various benefits such as deep sleep, creativity, focus, analytical thinking, and memory retention. Binaural beats can increase cognitive enhancement, reduce anxiety, and help enter a meditative state, among other benefits.
Music is composed of waveforms that oscillate at different frequencies, and Hz are often used to describe musical and sound-related frequencies. The standard tuning fork used to tune musical instruments is 440 Hz, which is considered by some to be inharmonious with cosmic movement, rhythm, or natural vibration.
Before the Italian Music Commission decided that all musical instruments should be tuned to 440 Hz, musical instruments were tuned to 432 Hz frequency because of its pure tone of math fundamental to nature, which transmits beneficial healing energy. The number 432 is considered sacred because it is mathematically consistent with the universe.
The universe is based on harmonic series such as 72, 144, and 432. For instance, 144 (a "C" tone in Hz) is a perfect harmonic of the speed of light. Additionally, the heart has the least effort for pumping blood to endocrine glands when operating in a rhythm of 72 beats per minute, which is understood to be the foundation beat of compassionate love.
As musician and researcher Brian T. Collins notes, the greatest musicians, such as Mozart and Verdi, based their music on the natural vibration of A=432. It has been found that this original tuning was used in ancient cultures and is found on antique instruments such as the Stradivarius violin, archaic Egyptian instruments, Tibetan monks' hand-made instruments, and the ancient Greeks, who predominantly tuned their instruments to the 432 Hz frequency.
The discussion on frequencies is essential because everything is in a constant state of vibration. Sound is the most basic state of vibration, and frequencies can impact our emotional and physical states. Binaural beats, when combined with the right frequency, can create a cosmic symphony that resonates with the natural vibration of the universe.
Chapter 12. Awakening to the Power of Perception
In this segment, we embark upon a journey of self-discovery, where we explore the intricacies of the human mind and how this understanding can guide us towards personal growth and a more harmonious connection with the world around us.
Neuro-Linguistic Programming, or NLP, was born from the brilliant minds of Richard Bandler, John Grinder, and a host of others, who sought to unravel the mysteries of human communication. This revolutionary model sheds light on how we process external stimuli and how our internal representations shape our perception of reality. It reminds us that the "map is not the territory," that the image we have of the outside world is but a projection of our internal processing.
When an external event occurs, it is filtered through our sensory channels - visual, auditory, kinesthetic, olfactory, and gustatory - and we create an internal representation of that event. This representation is a unique blend of our internal pictures, sounds, dialogue, and emotions, which creates a specific state within us.
Our internal representation and physiology merge to create a state, whether it is a happy, sad, motivated, or any other emotion. However, this state is not fixed, as we can change it by changing our internal representation. This is where NLP comes in, as it provides us with the tools to shift our internal representations and create more empowering states.
However, the journey towards a more fulfilling life is not without its obstacles. Our internal processing is not perfect, and it can be subject to deletion, distortion, and generalization. Deletion occurs when we overlook certain aspects of our experience, while distortion happens when we make misrepresentations of reality. Generalization, on the other hand, involves drawing broad conclusions from one or two experiences.
Yet, even with these limitations, the human mind is a remarkable information processing unit, capable of handling 134 bits of information per second. It does this by chunking the information into roughly seven bits, which allows us to process and make sense of the world around us.
But why do two people respond differently to the same stimulus? It is because we all filter the information through our unique set of five filters: Meta Programs, belief systems, values, decisions, and memories. These filters shape our perception of reality, and by understanding them, we can take control of our internal processing and create the life we desire.
In the end, NLP is more than just a model of communication; it is a journey towards self-discovery and personal growth. It reminds us that we have the power to shape our internal representations and create a more fulfilling life. It encourages us to embrace the chaos of the universe and find patterns amongst the information. So, let us embark on this journey together and unlock the limitless potential of the human mind.
Chapter 13. Awakening to the Filters that Shape Our Reality
Our perception of reality is shaped by a complex web of filters that determine how we process information, make decisions, and behave. These filters are like lenses through which we view the world, and they can have a profound impact on our thoughts, emotions, and actions.
One of the most important filters is Meta Programs. These are the keys to the way we process information, and they help us understand how people sort and make sense of the world. Meta Programs include factors such as whether we are motivated by pain or gain, whether we put more stock in how we rate our own performance or feedback from others, and whether we first think about what’s in it for us or what’s in it for others.
Another important filter is values. Values are how we decide whether our actions are good or bad, or right or wrong, and they are arranged in a hierarchy. Our values change with context, and they may be state-related, although they are definitely less related to state than are beliefs.
Beliefs are generalizations about how the world is, and they create or deny personal power. They are essentially our on/off switch for our ability to do anything in the world, and they are deeply ingrained in our subconscious.
Memories and decisions are also important filters that shape our reality. Memories are collections of memories that are organized in a certain way, and decisions may create beliefs or affect our perceptions through time.
These filters determine our internal representation of an event that is occurring right now, and it is our internal representation that puts us in a certain state and creates a certain physiology. Remember, in this model, the Internal Representation is not the territory.
By becoming aware of these filters and how they shape our reality, we can gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and others. We can learn to recognize our patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving, and we can develop the ability to change them when they no longer serve us. So let us awaken to the filters that shape our reality and take control of our lives.
Chapter 14. The Dance of Emotion and Reason: Unravelling the Mystery of the Unconscious Mind
The human brain is a masterful work of art, balancing the two primary systems of emotion and reason. Like the opposing energies of the masculine and feminine, emotion and reason may seem at odds with each other, but they work in harmony to create optimal brain functioning.
The conscious and unconscious minds are two distinct parts of the mind. The conscious mind is what we are aware of in the present moment, while the unconscious mind operates outside of our conscious awareness, like an auto-pilot. It is here, in the depths of our unconscious, where memories, associations, and emotions are stored, waiting to be called forth into consciousness.
The unconscious mind has its own set of prime directives, which govern its functioning. It stores memories, makes associations, organizes all our memories, and represses memories with unresolved negative emotion. It also runs the body, preserves it, and maintains the integrity of the body. The unconscious mind is highly moral, enjoys serving, and needs clear orders to follow. It controls and maintains all perceptions, generates, stores, distributes, and transmits energy, and maintains instincts and generates habits.
Yet, despite its many functions, the unconscious mind is often a mystery to us. We may not be aware of the automatic behaviours that hurt us, or understand why we continue to repeat cycles of negative thinking and behaviour. That is where the importance of awareness comes in. By developing an understanding of the unconscious mind, we can become more aware of the beliefs, fears, and patterns that may be holding us back or causing us emotional pain.
This awareness can help us engage in emotional cleansing, where we release negative emotions and beliefs that no longer serve us. With techniques like visualization and affirmation, we can program the unconscious mind with positive goals and intentions, leading to greater success, happiness, and fulfillment in all areas of our lives.
So let us dance with the unconscious mind, and unravel the mysteries that lie within. Let us embrace the power of awareness, and use it to transform ourselves and our lives. For the unconscious mind is a treasure trove of wisdom, waiting to be discovered by those who seek it.
Chapter 15. The Art of Mastering Success: Five Principals to Achieve Excellence
Success is a journey that requires discipline, focus, and a positive mindset. To excel in life, one needs to have a clear vision and a well-defined plan. In this chapter, we explore the five principals of success that can help you achieve your goals and aspirations.
Principal One: Know Your Outcome
Setting well-defined goals is the first step towards success. A clear outcome provides direction and purpose, allowing you to stay focused and motivated. Knowing what you want is the foundation for achieving it.
Principal Two: Take Action
Taking action is the second step towards success. It is not enough to have a plan; you must take positive steps towards achieving your goals. Getting out of your head and into the real world is essential. Remember, nothing equals nothing, so take action.
Principal Three: Have Sensory Acuity
Having sensory acuity is the third step towards success. Your sensory perception provides valuable information about your environment, and noticing those things that can assist you in your goal is critical. It allows you to identify opportunities and challenges, enabling you to make informed decisions.
Principal Four: Have Behavioural Flexibility
Behavioural flexibility is the fourth step towards success. The Law of Requisite Variety states that the system or person with the most flexibility of behaviour will control the system. Reading the situation with your sensory acuity and adapting your behaviour to suit is essential. Remember, change is the only constant, and flexibility is the key to adapting to change.
Principal Five: Operate from a Physiology and Psychology of Excellence
The final step towards success is operating from a physiology and psychology of excellence. Your internal state and physiology are intimately related and determine your behaviour. Utilising this knowledge to operate at your optimum is critical. Your thoughts, emotions and physical state all influence each other, so taking care of your overall wellbeing is crucial.
State vs Goal
Understanding the difference between goals and wishes is crucial to success. Goals are well-defined outcomes, while wishes are emotional states or values. By mastering your internal emotional state and behaviour, you can relearn new and better ways of creating positive internal representations. Remember, success is a journey, and mastering your internal state is the foundation for achieving excellence.
Chapter 16. Empowerment: Empowerment through Symphony of Action
In life, we often find ourselves on the effect side of the equation, looking outside ourselves for excuses and reasons for not achieving what we want. However, if we want to take control of our actions, decisions, and responsibility, we must embrace the situation and move towards the cause side of the equation. This is where true empowerment lies, as it enables us to produce results instead of making excuses.
The journey towards empowerment is like a dance, where we take charge of our actions and embrace our unique rhythm. It's like a symphony of action, where each note is deliberate, intentional, and produces a harmonious sound. Just as in a symphony, every instrument has a unique part to play, and every action we take has a role in shaping our lives.
But to truly empower ourselves, we must also recognize the importance of symbiosis. We must learn to read the situation with sensory acuity and adapt our behaviour to suit, just as a conductor adapts to the needs of each section of the orchestra. We must have behavioural flexibility, which means having the ability to adjust our behaviour to create the results we want.
And just like a journey, empowerment requires us to take positive steps towards our goals. It requires us to know our outcome and set well-defined goals, and to operate from a physiology and psychology of excellence. This means utilizing our internal state and physiology to operate at our best.
In the end, the key to our evolution is embracing the situation so that we can get the learnings. We must be willing to learn and grow, to adapt and change, and to take responsibility for the results we produce. So let us embrace the symphony of action, the dance of empowerment, and the journey towards becoming our best selves.
Chapter 17. The Power of Clear Focus
Have you ever been to a symphony performance where the conductor skilfully directs the attention of the musicians to produce a harmonious sound that touches the soul of the listeners? In the same way, you need to be the conductor of your thoughts, directing your focus to produce the outcomes you desire.
Just as a dancer needs to have complete focus on their movements to deliver a captivating performance, you need to have a clear and focused mind to achieve your goals. Without clarity, your mind can become scattered, leading to confusion, stress, and difficulties in your relationships. But with clarity comes the power to focus, to take action, and to feel calm and motivated.
Imagine embarking on a journey to a destination that is unknown to you. Making excuses and arguing for your limitations will only hold you back. Instead, clear the lens of your mind and see the world how you want it, with laser sharp vision. Like a skilled navigator, you can chart your course and stay the course.
Neuroscientists use tools like fMRI and EEG to measure brain activity, and these tools can measure our thoughts because thoughts have weight and mass. The more weight you give to your thoughts, the more gravity will pull those things towards you. Your thoughts have a real mass in the world, and when enough of them come together, things in the real world can change.
It is essential to focus on what you want because energy flows where attention goes. Like the law of attraction, your focus pulls things towards you, whether positive or negative. So, embrace the situation so that you can get the learnings, because that is the key to our evolution.
As Henry Ford famously said, "Whether you think you can or think you can't - you are right." The power lies in your focus, and when you have a clear mind and a focused intention, you become the conductor of your life's symphony. You can dance with purpose and passion towards your goals, and become the pioneer of your future.
Chapter 18. The Mirror of Perception
Perception is Projection, and the world we see is a reflection of the world within us. Like a mirror, our outer world reflects back to us what we hold within ourselves. It is a universal principle that what we put out is what we get back, and what we attract is a reflection of who we are.
Just as a mirror only reflects what is in front of it, our perception filters incoming information and deletes, distorts, and generalizes it. We only attend to what we are capable of attending to, leaving out so much information that it's impossible to fully grasp the world around us.
But what we leave out is just as important as what we pay attention to. The unconscious mind operates in the shadows, illuminating unresolved problems that we need to become aware of. As we gain clarity, we become more attuned to the aspects of ourselves that we have projected onto the people and events around us.
Like doors of perception, our unconscious mind opens up to reveal the unknown, connecting us to the world and to ourselves. As we embrace the mirror of perception, we come to understand that the world is not something separate from us, but rather an extension of who we are. By aligning ourselves with what we want, we attract what we need to evolve and become the best version of ourselves.
As Eckhart Tolle said, "If you get the inside right, the outside will fall into place." And so, we must look inward to create a state of clarity, for only then can we fully appreciate the beauty of the world around us.
Chapter 19. The Symphony of Neurotransmitters: The Language of the Mind-Body Connection
The human body is a complex orchestra where every cell plays a unique and vital role. In this symphony, neurotransmitters are the musical notes that harmonize the communication between neurons and cells. Like a skilled conductor leading the orchestra, the neurotransmitters synchronize the mind and body into a seamless performance.
These chemical messengers are not limited to the brain but rather extend their reach throughout the body, enabling the orchestration of bodily functions and emotional responses. They are the essential building blocks for learning, memory, mood, and emotion, shaping our perception of the world and how we react to it.
The discovery of the neurotransmitter's extensive reach has revolutionized the understanding of the mind-body connection, linking thoughts and emotions to physiological responses. The discovery of memory's holographic storage throughout the body highlights the power of neurotransmitters to transmit information to every single cell in our body.
As we become more aware of the immense influence of neurotransmitters, we must recognize the impact of our internal dialogue on our physical health. Every thought, feeling, and emotion can be transmitted through these chemical messengers, leading to physiological changes in the body.
Just as the skilled conductor leads the orchestra to create a harmonious melody, we too can lead our body's orchestra by choosing to create a positive internal dialogue. By nurturing our thoughts and emotions, we can improve our physical and mental health, promoting a state of balance and harmony within the mind-body connection.
In conclusion, the neurotransmitters are the language of the mind-body connection, facilitating communication and shaping our perception of the world. The more we become aware of their impact, the more we can harness their power to promote optimal health and well-being. So let us listen to the symphony of neurotransmitters and conduct our bodies towards a harmonious melody.
Chapter 20. The Alchemy of Change
Change is like a chrysalis, a transformation that happens in a flash, but only after a long period of gestation. Like a caterpillar that sheds its old skin to become a butterfly, we must first shed our limiting beliefs and negative emotions before we can soar into our full potential.
Just as alchemists sought to turn base metals into gold, we too have the power to transmute the leaden aspects of our lives into golden opportunities. The process of change is both scientific and magical, with our thoughts and actions shaping the very fabric of the universe.
Our minds are the alchemical laboratories, where we can transmute our thoughts and beliefs into our desired reality. Like the double-slit experiment, where observation changes the behaviour of particles, our thoughts and beliefs have the power to shape the world around us.
Our nervous system, like a hologram, reflects the patterns of the universe, and by changing ourselves, we can change the world. Just as the butterfly effect shows how small actions can have big consequences, our personal evolution impacts those around us, and we can create a ripple effect of positive change.
In the words of George Bernard Shaw, "Those who cannot change their minds, cannot change anything." We must be willing to let go of our old ways of thinking and embrace the unknown, for it is in this space of possibility that true transformation can occur.
So let us embrace the alchemy of change, and through our thoughts and actions, transmute our lives into works of art. Let us be the change we wish to see in the world, and in doing so, inspire others to do the same. For as we each become the architects of our own destiny, we can create a world that is truly beautiful and magical.
Chapter 21. The Symphony of Ecology
Ecology is like a symphony, where each note and instrument plays a vital role in creating a harmonious whole. In the same way, every action we take has a ripple effect on the world around us, from the immediate consequences for ourselves and our loved ones, to the wider impacts on our communities and the planet.
Just as a composer carefully crafts their music, we too must consider the consequences of our actions and behaviours. The ecology of change is essential, for without it, we risk creating disharmony and chaos.
The global impact of our actions is like the conductor of the symphony, guiding each individual note towards a beautiful and unified whole. If we all considered the consequences of our actions from a global perspective, how different would the world be?
Like the ecology check, we must evaluate the signs of consequences for ourselves, our families, our businesses, our society, and the planet. Only by doing so can we create a world that is sustainable, equitable, and just.
Just as a symphony requires every instrument to play in tune, we too must work together to create a harmonious world. We must collaborate and cooperate, recognizing that our individual actions have a collective impact.
Let us be the composers of change, creating a symphony of ecology that resonates with the beauty and diversity of the natural world. Let us be mindful of the consequences of our actions, and work towards a future where every note is played in harmony, and every living being thrives.
Chapter 22. The Mosaic of Personal Growth: Piecing Together the Themes of Healing and Goal-Setting
In the pursuit of emotional healing and personal growth, one must gather the scattered pieces of knowledge and weave them together to form a beautiful mosaic. Each tile represents a key theme that, when pieced together, reveals a larger picture of what it takes to achieve success and happiness.
Like a skilled artist who carefully selects each tile for its unique colour and texture, one must also approach personal growth with intention and purpose. For example, having a clear understanding of what you want to achieve, and taking positive action towards it, is crucial for manifesting your goals. However, it is equally important to develop observational skills, like sensory acuity, and to operate from a physiology and psychology of excellence to maintain emotional wellbeing.
Just as each tile in a mosaic plays a specific role in the overall design, so too do the themes covered in this section. By understanding the difference between a goal and a state, recognising the principle of cause and effect, and shifting your focus towards positive outcomes, you can make intentional choices and take responsibility for your life.
But personal growth is not just about individual success. Like the ecological balance of our planet, our actions have consequences that ripple through society and the world around us. Understanding the impact of our choices on the environment and society, and aligning our goals with our deeper desires and motivations, can help us to make more responsible and ethical choices.
As you continue to piece together your own personal mosaic, remember that the tiles of beliefs, values, emotions, and the reticular activating system also play integral roles in your overall sense of wellbeing and success. And with the power of meditation and binaural beats, you can calm your mind and train your brain to focus on what truly matters.
In the end, the beautiful mosaic of personal growth is not just a reflection of your own journey, but also a testament to the interconnectedness of all things.
Chapter 23. The Art of Goal Setting: Crafting a Recipe for Success
Just like a master chef carefully selects ingredients and follows a recipe to create a mouth-watering dish, setting goals requires precision and attention to detail. Each goal is like a unique recipe, with specific ingredients, measurements, and methods that must be followed to achieve the desired outcome. But just like with cooking, even with the perfect recipe, there is still room for variation and improvisation.
Setting goals is a reflection of the human spirit - the desire to improve, to grow, and to achieve greatness. But just like how a painting is not complete without the artist's unique touch, setting goals requires personalization and authenticity. The BeSMART technique acts as the canvas upon which you paint your goals, ensuring that they are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound.
But, just like how a canvas can be marred by conflicting emotions, limiting beliefs, and self-doubt, so too can our goals be sabotaged by these internal barriers. In this chapter, we explore the art of goal setting, delving into the importance of unearthing conflicts and limiting beliefs.
By asking the right questions and exploring the depths of our psyche, we can uncover the unconscious thoughts and emotions that may hinder our progress. It is akin to adding the perfect seasoning to a dish - a small but crucial detail that can make all the difference.
Through this exploration, we craft a recipe for success - one that is tailored to our unique circumstances and goals. Just like how a chef may modify a recipe to suit their tastes, we too can make adjustments to our goals as we progress.
With this approach, we can paint a masterpiece of achievement and success, one that is imbued with our personal touch and authenticity. The art of goal setting is not just about reaching a destination; it is about the journey of self-discovery and growth. And just like with any great work of art, the process is just as important as the end result.
Chapter 24. The Art of Manifesting - Unlocking the Power Within
Have you ever wondered how some people seem to effortlessly attract their dreams into their lives while others struggle to make anything happen? The process of manifesting can often feel like an enigma, shrouded in mystery and confusion. But just like any skill, it can be demystified and mastered with practice and patience.
Think of manifesting as painting on a canvas - you have the tools and the paints, but it's up to you to create something beautiful. You may start with an idea in your mind, but it takes focused effort and attention to detail to bring it to life. The same goes for manifesting - you may have a desire in your heart, but it takes intentional action and belief to make it a reality.
The first step in unlocking the power of manifesting is to understand that it's not just about wishful thinking. It's about aligning your thoughts, emotions, and actions with your desired outcome. It's like tuning a guitar - if even one string is out of tune, the entire melody will sound off. Similarly, if your thoughts, emotions, and actions are not aligned with your desired outcome, you will struggle to manifest it.
The next step is to set a clear intention. Just like a sailor needs a destination to set their course, you need a clear goal to manifest. This goal should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. This is known as the SMART goal framework. Without a clear intention, you may find yourself drifting aimlessly, unsure of where you're headed.
Once you have a clear intention, it's time to start visualizing. Visualization is like sketching out your painting - you're creating a mental image of what you want to manifest. This mental image should be vivid, detailed, and filled with positive emotions. You should see yourself already in possession of your desired outcome, feeling grateful and excited for its arrival.
But visualization alone is not enough - you also need to take action. Action is like adding colour to your painting - it brings it to life. You need to take consistent, inspired action towards your goal. This means stepping out of your comfort zone, facing your fears, and taking risks. It's not always easy, but it's necessary to make your dreams a reality.
Finally, you need to trust in the process. Just like a painting takes time and patience to complete, manifesting also takes time and patience. You may encounter setbacks and obstacles along the way, but trust that everything is happening for your highest good. Believe that the universe is conspiring in your favour and that your desired outcome is on its way.
In conclusion, manifesting is an art form that requires practice and patience. It's about aligning your thoughts, emotions, and actions with your desired outcome, setting a clear intention, visualizing, taking action, and trusting in the process. By demystifying this process, you can unlock the power within and start creating the life of your dreams. So, pick up your brush and start painting your masterpiece today.
Chapter 25. The Power of Belief: How Your Mindset Shapes Your Reality
Our beliefs are like the colours on a painter's palette, shaping the world that we see and the lives that we live. They are the foundation upon which we build our thoughts, actions, and decisions, and they have the power to either empower us or limit us.
Just as a painter can mix and blend colours to create a beautiful work of art, we too can blend our beliefs to create the reality that we desire. However, much like a painter who has limited paint, we often limit ourselves by holding onto beliefs that no longer serve us.
We may have inherited beliefs from our parents, society, or culture that have become unconscious and hold us back. For example, the belief that "I am not good enough" may have been ingrained in us from childhood, affecting our self-esteem and confidence as adults.
But the power of belief doesn't stop there. As the field of epigenetics shows us, our beliefs can actually alter our genetic expression, influencing our health and well-being.
That's why it's important to take a step back and examine our beliefs, to see if they are serving us or holding us back. By gaining clarity and awareness of our beliefs, we can then choose to adopt new ones that empower us to live the life that we desire.
Belief is the foundation of the placebo effect, which has been shown to have a significant impact on our health and well-being. Our mindset and beliefs can influence everything from our stress levels to our immune system, and even our ability to heal.
The mind and body are intimately connected, and our beliefs play a crucial role in this relationship. By understanding this connection and the power of our beliefs, we can transform our reality and live the life that we truly desire.
Chapter 26. The Hierarchy of Values: Uncovering Our Unconscious Drivers
Our beliefs are like the paint on a canvas, colouring our perception of the world, but it is our values that give the painting its depth, texture, and emotional resonance. They are the brushstrokes that make up the masterpiece of our lives, each one contributing to the overall composition in its own unique way.
Just as a pilgrim seeks riches, we too are constantly seeking something, driven by our values, whether we are aware of it or not. But like a painting, our values are not static, they change and evolve over time, shaped by our experiences, our environment, and our personal growth.
Our values are the foundation upon which we build our lives, and they form a hierarchy of importance, with some values taking priority over others. We organize them into a complex web of relationships, each value influencing and being influenced by the others.
Like the delicate balance of a spider's web, our values can be easily disrupted by external factors, causing conflict and friction that can lead to self-sabotage. But if we become aware of these unconscious drivers and identify the conflicts that are causing us to stumble, we can use this information to create meaningful change in our lives.
Love, gratitude, respect, appreciation, listening, affection, and empathy are just some examples of the human values that shape our lives. But it is up to us to decide which of these values are most important to us, and how they fit into the various contexts of our lives.
We may find that our core values for life are different from our values for our career, or our values in a relationship. But by understanding these differences, we can begin to reconcile the conflicts that arise when these values clash.
For example, if we prioritize success and money in our career, but neglect our love for what we do, we may find ourselves feeling unfulfilled and unhappy. But by incorporating our love for our work into our career values, we may find that success and money come more easily.
Likewise, if we prioritize security in our relationships, but neglect our love for our partner, we may find ourselves in a relationship that is lacking in passion and fulfillment. But by valuing love and passion equally, we may find that our relationship becomes stronger and more satisfying.
By uncovering our hierarchy of values, we can begin to understand what truly motivates us, both in positive and negative ways. And by learning how to alter these values, we can take control of our lives and create the masterpiece we were meant to paint.
In the annals of academia, few names shine as brightly as Morris Massey. Not content with mere teaching excellence, Dr Massey's work transcends the bounds of mere scholarship and delves deep into the realm of human relations. His contributions to the field of management and values are unmatched, and his impact is felt to this day.
As a leading resource for the Young Presidents Organization International in the 1980s and 90s, Dr Massey's insights into values, generations, and Significant Emotional Events have made him a trailblazer in the world of workplace psychology. He has been cited as one of the 27 most influential workplace experts of the time, with his seminal work "What Works At Work" (Lakewood Publications, 1988) cementing his place as a true visionary.
Dr Massey's research has revealed that a person's values and beliefs are developed over three distinct periods. During the Imprint Period (ages 0-7), we absorb everything around us like sponges, often accepting what our parents say as true. It is a time of confusion and blind belief, where we begin to form a sense of right and wrong.
The Modelling Period (ages 7-14) sees us trying on different beliefs like clothes, copying the people around us, especially our parents and teachers. We are no longer blindly accepting everything we hear, but instead developing a critical sense of what we believe.
Finally, during the Socialization Period (ages 14-21), we are heavily influenced by our peers. We seek out people who are more like us and are drawn to values and beliefs that resonate with our peer group. The media, including social media, can also play a significant role in shaping our values during this time.
Ultimately, our core values are typically formed from a variety of sources, including family, friends, religion, school, geography, and economics. And like the pilgrim who believed a pilgrimage would lead to riches at just six years old, our values can often be shaped by significant events and experiences in our lives.
Dr Massey's work serves as a reminder that our values are constantly evolving and that we must remain aware of their origins and influences to truly understand ourselves and our motivations. It is only then that we can create meaningful change and live a life that is truly authentic to ourselves.
Chapter 27. The Kaleidoscope of Human Values
Imagine a kaleidoscope with its intricate patterns and constantly changing shapes. Just like a kaleidoscope, human values are complex and constantly evolving. The psychological theories of Abraham Maslow and Clare Graves show that human beings have a hierarchy of needs and values, and that these needs and values change as individuals grow and develop.
Maslow believed that self-actualization represented the highest level of need and the prime motivation for a psychologically healthy individual. Graves expanded on Maslow's work by identifying eight different ways in which people perceive psychological health, with each level representing a different set of values and priorities.
The levels of values range from the basic need for survival to the desire for global harmony and minimalist living. Each level oscillates between the focus on self and the focus on the collective. As individuals grow and develop, they move from "I" to "We" and back again.
At the core of human values lies a container, which is the nervous system, and an environment in which an individual lives. These two elements interact to create the content of values. Over time, more complex thinking and patterns overcome less complex thinking, offering more freedom to act in ways that are appropriate to the environment.
If we accept that human values are the driving force behind the evolution of the human psyche, then it becomes crucial to understand how we can transition from one level of development to the next. One of the keys to making such a transition is to adopt new perspectives, new ways of looking at the world around us.
As human beings, we tend to get stuck in our ways of thinking and perceiving the world. We become accustomed to our own perspectives and ways of doing things, and often resist change, even when it may be beneficial for us. However, in order to grow and evolve as individuals and as a society, we must be willing to challenge our assumptions and explore new ways of seeing the world.
By adopting new perspectives, we open ourselves up to new ideas and experiences, which in turn can help us to develop new values and beliefs. These new values and beliefs can then shape our actions and behaviours, ultimately leading to a shift in our overall level of development.
Of course, adopting new perspectives is not always easy. It can be uncomfortable to question our own assumptions and challenge our deeply held beliefs. However, it is only by doing so that we can truly grow and evolve as individuals and as a society.
If we want to continue to evolve and develop as human beings, we must be willing to adopt new perspectives and ways of looking at the world. This is the key to transitioning between one level of development to the next, and ultimately to achieving our full potential as individuals and as a species.
The kaleidoscope of human values is constantly changing and evolving, just like the patterns in a kaleidoscope. Each individual has their own set of values and priorities, shaped by their unique experiences and environment. As we grow and develop, our values shift, and we move closer to our true selves, striving to reach self-actualization and a sense of fulfillment.
Chapter 28. The Symphony of Values: Tuning Your Life's Orchestra
As we journey through life, we each have our own unique orchestra of values playing within us. Each value has a distinct sound and pitch, and when they harmonize together, they create a beautiful melody. However, sometimes these values may clash or create dissonance, and we must learn to tune our orchestra to create a symphony.
To do this, we must align our values in their hierarchy of importance. We must assess each value through four tests, much like a musician tunes their instrument before a performance. We must consider the logical level of abstraction, syntax, motivation direction, and possible conflicts.
Just as musicians must practice and rehearse to perfect their performance, we must also practice aligning our values and fine-tuning our lives to achieve harmony. By doing so, we can create a masterpiece in our personal and professional lives.
As we align our values, we must also understand the global implications they have. Our personal growth can have a ripple effect on the world around us, as societies mirror the values of its people. By transforming ourselves, we can transform the world.
But like any musical performance, creating harmony and transforming the world requires building rapport. In the next lesson, we will delve into the process of building rapport, an essential skill for creating connections and making positive change in the world.
So let us tune our orchestra of values and create a symphony that will inspire and uplift those around us.
Chapter 29. The Art of Rapport: Creating a Symphony of Harmony in Your Relationships
Our beliefs are the foundation upon which we build our lives. They shape the way we perceive the world around us and influence the decisions we make. If we are in harmony with our beliefs, our lives can be a symphony of joy and fulfillment. The same applies to our relationships with others.
Rapport is like a conductor, orchestrating the notes of our communication and relationships into a beautiful melody. It is a process of responsiveness that involves matching and mirroring the other person's physiology, tonality, and words. Just as a musician must tune their instrument to create harmony, so too must we tune ourselves to build rapport with others.
Like a skilled musician, we must have sensory acuity to notice the subtle traits in a person's communication. We must match their posture, gestures, facial expressions, and even their breathing. We must pay attention to their tone, tempo, timbre, and volume of voice, as well as the words and phrases they use. By doing so, we create a cooperative flow of energy that induces a change in state and fosters harmonic resonance.
Through the art of rapport, we can master the art of persuasion with integrity and create the future we want. It is a powerful tool for building better relationships and navigating difficult people. When we are in rapport with ourselves, we can achieve a deeper level of self-awareness and self-acceptance. This, in turn, enables us to be more authentic and vulnerable with others, strengthening our bonds and enriching our lives.
So, just as a symphony requires each musician to tune their instrument to the same pitch, we must also tune ourselves to the frequency of those around us. By doing so, we create a masterpiece of harmony in our relationships, and our lives become a beautiful symphony of joy and fulfillment.
Chapter 30. The Hidden Language of Rapport: Understanding the Subtle Indicators
The process of rapport is like a dance between two individuals, each step and movement in sync with the other. And just like in a dance, there are subtle indicators that reveal the connection between the partners. These indicators may be overlooked by the untrained eye, but to those who understand the language of rapport, they speak volumes.
The first indicator of rapport is a feeling of warmth inside yourself. It's a sense of ease and comfort that you feel when you are in the presence of someone who you are in sync with. This warmth is a reflection of the energy exchange between two individuals, a sign that the connection is being established.
The second indicator is a colour change, either a blush in the other person or a feeling of warmth in yourself, which usually occurs about a minute after the first indicator. This physical manifestation of the connection is an outward expression of the internal synchronization between two individuals.
The third indicator is a statement that may or may not happen, such as "Are you a Capricorn?" or "I feel like I've already met you before." These statements reveal a sense of familiarity and comfort with the other person, an indication that the connection is being established.
The fourth indicator is when you lead the other person to shift in the same way you do. This is the ultimate test of rapport, as it shows that the other person is not just mirroring your behaviour, but that they are truly in sync with you.
To put the indicators of rapport to the test, it's important to be aware of the internal state of mind of both individuals. It's best to try this out with someone who is in a positive mindset, as you don't want to adopt a negative state of mind. Once you establish rapport, be the leader and notice if they start mirroring and matching your physiology, tonality, and words. If they do, it's a strong indication that the rapport is genuine.
As you become proficient in the language of rapport, you may even be able to lead someone out of a negative state of mind and into a positive one. The hidden language of rapport is a powerful tool, a key that unlocks the door to better relationships and greater success.
Chapter 31. The Akashic Canvas: Painting a New Reality with Quantum Intelligence
In theosophy and anthroposophy, the Akashic records were believed to hold the vast compendium of all universal events, thoughts, words, emotions, and intent that ever existed or will exist, spanning beyond just human life forms. Like a celestial canvas, the Akashic records serve as a medium where everything is recorded, waiting to be accessed and revealed.
Similarly, in the realm of quantum science, the canvas of possibility lies in the probabilistic nature of electrons, waiting to be collapsed into particles by the observer's perception. Our perception, shaped by our beliefs, values, attitudes, and memories, determines the reality that we create. The empty space that surrounds us holds a certain intelligence, which can either work for or against us, depending on our ability to tap into it.
In the course Achieving the State of Clarity, we delve deeper into the process of releasing negative emotions and limiting beliefs, drawing from the power of our unconscious minds and the quantum field. Like an artist with a paintbrush, we have the power to create a new reality by following the steps laid out before us. Our active imagination serves as the palette, and the canvas is the Akashic records, waiting to be transformed into a masterpiece.
As we begin this transformative process, let us remember that we are the artists of our own lives, with the power to shape and mould our reality. With the guidance of the Akashic records and the quantum field, we can release ourselves from the limiting beliefs that have held us back and paint a new canvas of infinite possibilities.
Chapter 32. The Unravelling of Time
As we journey through life, we accumulate memories like pieces of a puzzle. Our experiences, both good and bad, shape who we are and how we view the world. However, sometimes these memories can become tangled and twisted, creating limiting beliefs that hold us back from achieving our full potential.
But what if we could unravel time and lay our memories out like a timeline? What if we could see our life experiences like a movie, with each scene playing out in sequence? Through the technique of Timeline Therapy, we can do just that.
Imagine your memories as a film, with the first scene at the beginning and each subsequent scene following in order. Now, take that film and unravel it, laying it out in a line. This is your timeline, a visual representation of your life experiences.
Our minds store these memories sequentially, with the most recent events at the forefront of our consciousness and the older memories buried deeper within us. Through Timeline Therapy, we can tap into this storage system and unlock our full potential by cleaning up the past.
The process involves finding the root cause of negative emotions or limiting beliefs and preserving the positive learnings from those events. By removing the charge that is still attached to old memories, we can release the negative emotions or beliefs that have been holding us back. This is human evolution in action, as we learn from our experiences and use that knowledge to shape our future.
However, finding the root cause of negative emotions or limiting beliefs is not always straightforward. Often, it is not the significant or traumatic events that cause these emotions, but rather a seemingly insignificant moment that has been grouped together with other events that share the same emotion. This is known as a gestalt, and the work must occur at the beginning of the gestalt to effectively release the emotion or belief across the entire timeline of memories.
The unravelling of time is a powerful tool, allowing us to access our past experiences and use them to shape our future. By releasing limiting beliefs and negative emotions, we can replace them with something that supports and nurtures us. As we continue to unravel our timeline, we unlock our full potential and evolve into the best version of ourselves.
Chapter 33. The Inner Mechanics of Our Mind: Understanding the Power of Our Thoughts
Our mind is like a complex machine with many intricate parts, each playing a unique role in determining the outcome of our experiences. The thoughts we have are the fuel that powers this machine, driving it towards success or failure.
Just as a mechanic understands the inner workings of a car engine, we must also strive to understand the inner mechanics of our mind. By doing so, we can gain control over our thoughts and use them to create the life we desire.
One important aspect of mental mechanics is the role our beliefs play in shaping our reality. Our beliefs act like the steering wheel of our mind, guiding us towards our goals or steering us away from them. If our beliefs are limiting, then they can act as a roadblock preventing us from achieving our desires.
Another crucial component of mental mechanics is our emotions. They are like the engine that drives our thoughts, providing us with the energy to pursue our goals. Our emotions are like the fuel that powers our mental machinery, and we must learn to harness them to achieve our dreams.
However, just like a machine, our mind can break down if it's not maintained properly. Negative thoughts and limiting beliefs can create blockages in our mental machinery, leading to a breakdown in our ability to manifest our desires. To avoid this, we must regularly perform mental maintenance, clearing out negative thoughts and beliefs that are hindering our progress.
By understanding the inner mechanics of our mind and keeping it well-maintained, we can unlock the full potential of our mental machinery. We can use our thoughts and beliefs to create the life we desire, just as a skilled mechanic can use their knowledge to create a powerful machine.
So, let us take the time to understand our own mental mechanics and learn to control our thoughts and beliefs. With this knowledge, we can manifest our deepest desires and live a life full of abundance and joy.
Chapter 34. The Symphony of Health: Harmonizing the Mind, Body, and Soul
The human body is a symphony, a beautiful composition of diverse instruments that blend to create a harmonious melody. Just as every note in a symphony is essential to the composition, every aspect of our health is interconnected and vital to our well-being. Holistic approaches to health recognize the interplay between the mind, body, and soul and seek to address health issues by treating the whole person, rather than just their symptoms.
The current medical system often focuses on the physical aspects of health, neglecting the emotional and spiritual dimensions. This fragmented approach to health can result in a lack of understanding of the underlying causes of illness and a failure to address the root of the problem.
Holistic approaches to health, on the other hand, view the body as a complex system where each part is connected and interdependent. Just as a conductor directs the various instruments in a symphony to create a beautiful sound, holistic health practitioners work to harmonize the different components of the body to achieve overall well-being.
By integrating conventional medicine with alternative therapies such as mindfulness, acupuncture, and yoga, holistic health practitioners aim to address the physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of health. This approach recognizes that each individual is unique, and therefore requires personalized care that addresses their specific needs.
In the symphony of health, stress can be likened to a discordant note that disrupts the harmony of the composition. Chronic stress can lead to a range of health problems, including anxiety, depression, and heart disease. Mindfulness, a key aspect of many holistic health practices, can help to mitigate the effects of stress by bringing awareness to the present moment and promoting relaxation.
Holistic approaches to health are not a panacea, but they represent a step in the right direction towards a more integrated and personalized approach to health care. By recognizing the interconnectedness of the mind, body, and soul, we can work towards achieving a more harmonious and balanced existence.
Chapter 35. The Orchestra of Your Inner Dialogue
Your mind is a symphony of thoughts, beliefs, and emotions that play a continuous melody. Each note contributes to the overall harmony of your consciousness. Just like an orchestra, your inner dialogue requires a conductor who directs the rhythm and tempo of the music.
Positive self-talk is the maestro of your inner orchestra. It guides your thoughts and beliefs towards a resonant frequency that empowers and inspires you. The music that plays within you determines the quality of your life. Therefore, it is crucial to cultivate a positive inner dialogue that sings in harmony with your soul's purpose.
Think of your self-talk as the lead singer of your band. It sets the tone for the entire performance. If it sings in a low, flat, or negative pitch, the audience (yourself) will feel disheartened and uninspired. On the other hand, if it sings in a high, uplifting, and positive pitch, the audience will feel invigorated and motivated to take action.
Just like any musical ensemble, your inner dialogue needs practice and refinement. You must train your mind to catch the negative notes and replace them with positive ones. It's not about ignoring the dissonance but acknowledging it and transforming it into a harmonic chord. With time and practice, your inner dialogue will become a masterpiece, a symphony that inspires and elevates you to new heights.
So, become the conductor of your inner orchestra and lead it towards a beautiful symphony of positivity, hope, and inspiration. Let your self-talk be the lead singer that captivates your soul and enchants your mind. Remember, you have the power to create a musical masterpiece that resonates with the universe and attracts all the abundance and success you deserve.
Chapter 36. The Art of Habit Formation - Sculpting Your Life's Masterpiece
Our habits are like clay that can be moulded and shaped into the masterpiece of our lives. But just like a sculptor, we must first learn the art of working with this malleable material.
The science of habit formation is like the blueprint for our sculpture. It guides us on how to structure our habits and ensure they become a permanent part of our daily routine. However, just like every sculptor adds their unique touch to their creation, we too must personalize our habits to fit our own lives.
Think of each habit as a stroke of the sculptor's tool. One stroke may seem insignificant, but over time, the collective strokes create a masterpiece. So, too, with our habits, each action we take is a small stroke that gradually melds and shapes our lives.
But just as it takes time and patience to create a masterpiece, forming lasting habits requires the same level of dedication and persistence. We must be willing to embrace the process, even when it feels uncomfortable or unfamiliar.
So, let us approach the art of habit formation with the same passion and creativity as a sculptor does their work. Let us mould and shape our lives into the masterpiece that we envision.
Chapter 37. The Symphony of Self-Talk: How to Harmonize Your Inner Dialogue for Lasting Habits
Imagine a beautiful symphony where each instrument plays a unique melody, yet they all blend together to create a harmonious sound. Just like a symphony, our minds play different notes of self-talk, but we can choose to orchestrate them to create a beautiful melody of positive inner dialogue that leads to lasting habits.
Our minds are like an orchestra, where every thought, every word we speak to ourselves, is like a musical note. The thoughts that we dwell on, repeatedly and habitually, become the melodies that shape our lives. When we use positive self-talk, we create a beautiful and inspiring symphony that motivates us to take action towards our goals.
However, just like an orchestra needs a conductor to lead the musicians, we need to be the conductor of our inner dialogue. We must become mindful of the negative self-talk that hinders our progress and replace it with positive self-talk that empowers us.
Think of your inner dialogue as a choir, where each voice represents a thought or belief. When we allow negative self-talk to dominate our inner choir, it's like having an out-of-tune voice that disrupts the harmony. But, when we cultivate positive self-talk, we create a choir of voices that sings in unison and creates beautiful melodies.
To build lasting habits, we must create a symphony of self-talk that motivates us to take consistent actions towards our goals. We must learn to direct our inner choir and replace the negative self-talk with positive affirmations that encourage us.
Just like a symphony requires practice and dedication, cultivating positive self-talk requires practice, patience, and persistence. When we consistently replace negative self-talk with positive self-talk, we create a symphony of self-talk that inspires us to take action towards our dreams and goals.
So, let's be the conductor of our inner orchestra and create a symphony of positive self-talk that empowers us to build lasting habits. Let's replace the negative self-talk with positive affirmations and cultivate a choir of voices that sing in harmony, creating a beautiful symphony that motivates us to reach our full potential.
Chapter 38. The Phoenix Rises: How Overcoming Trauma Builds Resilience
As we navigate through life, we encounter various trials and tribulations that test the limits of our strength and resilience. Some of these challenges leave us with deep emotional wounds that can be difficult to heal. These scars can shape us in profound ways, but they do not have to define us.
The process of overcoming trauma is akin to the mythical creature, the phoenix, rising from the ashes. Like the phoenix, we can emerge from the fire of our experiences, stronger, wiser, and more resilient.
Trauma can break us down to our very core, but it can also awaken a powerful force within us that propels us towards healing and growth. In this chapter, we will explore how overcoming trauma can help us build resilience and transform us into powerful agents of change.
Like a caterpillar metamorphosing into a butterfly, the process of overcoming trauma involves a profound transformation. We shed our old skin and emerge with a newfound strength and sense of purpose. It requires courage and determination to face our pain and work through it, but the rewards are immeasurable.
As we journey through the process of healing, we discover the power of resilience. We learn that we are capable of overcoming immense challenges, and this knowledge gives us the confidence to face whatever life throws our way. We become like a tree that has weathered countless storms, with roots that run deep and branches that reach towards the sky.
Ultimately, the experience of overcoming trauma helps us to become more compassionate, empathetic, and connected to others. We learn that we are not alone in our struggles and that our experiences can be a source of strength for ourselves and others. We become like a beacon of light, illuminating the path for those who are still searching for their way.
In Achieving the State of Clarity course, we explore the journey of overcoming trauma and how it can help us build resilience. We discuss the power of self-compassion, the importance of seeking support, and the role of mindfulness in the healing process. Together, we will discover the transformative power of resilience, and how it can help us rise from the ashes of our pain and become the best version of ourselves.
Chapter 39. The Art of Equilibrium
Life is full of unpredictable moments that can throw us off balance and leave us feeling overwhelmed. Even after clearing the negative effects of our past, we may still encounter triggers that stir up unwanted emotions and limiting beliefs. But fear not, for there is a way to bring our state of mind back into balance and defuse these triggers.
Think of it as a toolkit, filled with various tools that can be used in different situations. This toolkit is designed to assist you in the moment, providing you with simple and effective ways to overcome overwhelm and regain your equilibrium.
The art of equilibrium involves mastering these tools and learning how to use them effectively. Through practice and repetition, they become second nature, allowing us to navigate life's challenges with ease.
The tools in this toolkit are specifically designed to defuse triggers and bring our state of mind back into balance quickly. They are simple yet effective, allowing us to regain control of our emotions and thoughts in a matter of moments.
One such tool is the power of breath. By focusing on our breath and taking deep, slow breaths, we can calm our nervous system and reduce the impact of triggers. Another tool is mindfulness, which involves being present in the moment and observing our thoughts and emotions without judgment. This allows us to acknowledge our triggers without becoming overwhelmed by them.
There are many other tools in our toolkit, such as gratitude, visualization, and self-compassion. Each tool has its own unique purpose and can be used in different situations to bring our state of mind back into balance.
The art of equilibrium requires practice and dedication, but the rewards are immense. By mastering these tools and learning how to use them effectively, we can overcome overwhelm and defuse triggers, allowing us to live a life that nurtures and supports us.
In conclusion, the art of equilibrium is about adding these tools to our toolkit and using them effectively in the moment. By doing so, we can navigate life's challenges with ease and grace, while maintaining our equilibrium and staying true to ourselves.
Chapter 40. The Art of Clearing the Path and Building a Strong Foundation
The journey to achieving clarity and living a fulfilling life is like walking a winding path. Along the way, we may come across obstacles that hinder our progress and limit our potential. In the previous chapter, we learned how to unearth limiting beliefs and negative emotions that hold us back, and how to release them. Now, armed with newfound freedom, we are ready to take the next step on our journey.
To continue our path towards clarity, we must equip ourselves with tools that will help us navigate any obstacles that may come our way. It is like building a sturdy foundation to support us as we move forward. The Achieving the State of Clarity online course offers a wealth of techniques that are like building blocks to create this foundation.
These techniques draw on the wisdom of kinesiology and meditation, and they have been proven to be some of the easiest and most effective tools for managing stress and clearing our minds. They are like a toolkit that we can carry with us wherever we go, providing us with the support we need in the moment.
In the midst of life's challenges, we may find ourselves triggered, overwhelmed, or struggling to regain our balance. However, with the tools we learn in this course, we can defuse those triggers, overcome the overwhelm, and bring our minds back into a state of balance quickly.
Just as an artist needs a variety of brushes to create a masterpiece, we too need a range of tools to build the foundation for a fulfilling life. The Achieving the State of Clarity course offers us the opportunity to acquire these tools, to add them to our toolkit, and to use them to build the life we truly desire.
Chapter 41. Reconnecting with Nature: The Art of Living in Rhythm with the Earth
Just like a painter uses different colours and strokes to create a masterpiece, the process of healthy living involves a variety of techniques that work together to create a harmonious and fulfilling life. Now that you have learned the art of clearing out old beliefs and emotions, it's time to delve deeper into the beauty of nature and discover how to live in rhythm with the earth.
In the Achieving the State of Clarity course, we will explore the concept of circadian rhythms, the natural 24-hour cycle that regulates our sleep-wake patterns and responds to the environment. By operating within this cycle, we can avoid mental and physical illness and feel reconnected to nature and society. We will also discuss the practice of earthing, or grounding, which involves connecting your skin to the earth and has been shown to have positive effects on the body, including anti-inflammatory and mental health benefits.
In addition, we will highlight the importance of minerals as the building blocks of our body and the nine principles for wellbeing, which serve as a reminder of simple things we can do to reconnect with nature and live a healthy life. By embracing these principles and reconnecting with the natural rhythms of the earth, we can find true happiness and fulfillment in our lives.
Just as a skilled artist can create a masterpiece by using the right colours and techniques, so too can we create a beautiful and fulfilling life by reconnecting with nature and embracing the principles of healthy living. Let us embark on this journey together and discover the art of living in rhythm with the earth.
Chapter 42. The Unseen Knowledge
As we journey through life, we accumulate knowledge through various experiences, education, and interactions. Yet, there is a vast ocean of information that remains hidden from our conscious mind. It lies in the depths of our unconscious, waiting to be discovered.
Just like the ocean, our unconscious mind is mysterious and powerful. It holds the key to unlocking our full potential, but we must be willing to dive deep and explore its depths. For everything that we know, there is so much more that we do not know.
But fear not, for this is where the beauty of our mind comes in. Just like how we access the internet for information when we need it, we can access the hidden knowledge within us whenever we desire. All we need to do is remember.
Think of your unconscious mind as a treasure trove, waiting to be discovered. The knowledge you have gained from this program is a precious gem that you can add to your collection. You may not carry it around with you all the time, but you can access it when the time is right.
As we come to the end of our journey in the Achieving the State of Clarity course, we conclude with an audio session that uses the BeSMART goal you have set for yourself, projecting it into your future. The goal that once felt inhibited by negative emotions and limiting beliefs that held you back is now free to flourish and thrive.
The unseen knowledge that lies within us is a powerful force that can transform our lives. It is up to us to dive deep, explore its depths, and unlock its full potential. For once we do, there is no limit to what we can achieve.
Chapter 43. The RAS: Unlocking the Power of the Unconscious Mind
As you embark on your journey towards achieving your BeSMART goal, it's important to understand the power of your unconscious mind and how it can help attract the energy and resources you need. Just like a facial recognition technology can quickly identify a familiar face in a crowd, your mind can scan for every detail in your SMARTS goal and bring to your awareness the very things that will aid you in achieving it.
This process is made possible through the reticular activating system (RAS), a small but powerful network of neurons in the brainstem that filters sensory information and regulates arousal levels, attention, and alertness. By stimulating the RAS through techniques such as visualisation and affirmation, you can increase your motivation and focus on the actions that will lead you to achieve your goals.
In this chapter, we will explore the science behind the RAS and how it plays a significant role in achieving goals. We will use an audio process to project your goal into the future, allowing your unconscious mind to start attracting the energy and resources you need to achieve it.
Just like a GPS system that guides you towards your destination, the RAS helps you to identify and focus on the relevant stimuli in your environment that can help you achieve your goal. This process is known as selective attention, and it allows you to prioritize the information that is most important for achieving your goals while ignoring distractions.
As you listen to the audio process and project your goal into the future, notice how your unconscious mind starts to bring into your awareness the very things that will aid you in achieving your goal. By unlocking the power of your RAS, you can attract the energy and resources you need to make your BeSMART goal a reality.
Remember, everything you know, you do not know until you access it. By stimulating your RAS and tapping into the power of your unconscious mind, you can access the knowledge and resources you need to achieve your goals. The journey towards your goal may be challenging, but with the power of your RAS on your side, you can overcome any obstacle and achieve success.
Chapter 44. The Tightrope of Ideology: Balancing Between Conviction and Open-Mindedness
In life, we often find ourselves walking on a tightrope, trying to maintain a balance between opposing forces. In the realm of ideas, the tightrope becomes even thinner and more treacherous. On one side, we have the lure of ideology, a seductive force that promises us easy answers, absolute truths, and a sense of belonging. On the other side, we have the uncertainty of open-mindedness, a daunting abyss that requires us to question everything, to entertain multiple perspectives, and to embrace ambiguity. How do we navigate this tightrope of ideology, and how do we avoid falling off?
First, we need to understand the dangers of ideology. Ideology, like gravity, can pull us down and trap us in a fixed worldview that blinds us to the nuances of reality. Ideology can turn us into zealots, ready to defend our beliefs at any cost, even if it means sacrificing our empathy, our curiosity, and our humanity. Ideology can also create echo chambers, where we surround ourselves with like-minded people who reinforce our biases and shield us from dissenting voices. In short, ideology can be a powerful force that narrows our vision and limits our growth.
But does that mean we should abandon all convictions and embrace nihilism or relativism? Not at all. Convictions can be a source of inspiration, motivation, and moral guidance. Convictions can give us a sense of purpose, a reason to wake up in the morning, and a hope for a better future. However, convictions should not be treated as dogmas, but as hypotheses that need to be tested, challenged, and revised. Convictions should be open to scrutiny, debate, and empirical evidence. Convictions should be flexible enough to accommodate new information and to adjust to changing circumstances.
In other words, we need to balance between conviction and open-mindedness, between passion and humility, between faith and doubt. We need to cultivate a healthy scepticism that questions everything, including our own beliefs. We need to embrace the unknown, the uncertain, and the ambiguous, as opportunities for growth and learning. We need to seek out diverse perspectives, dissenting voices, and conflicting opinions, as sources of insight and creativity. We need to be willing to change our minds, to admit our mistakes, and to apologize for our errors.
In conclusion, walking on the tightrope of ideology is not an easy task, but it is a necessary one if we want to live a meaningful, fulfilling, and responsible life. We need to resist the gravitational pull of ideology, while also embracing the gravitational pull of convictions. We need to balance between certainty and curiosity, between passion and reason, between identity and diversity. We need to be like acrobats, who perform daring feats of balance and grace, without losing sight of the ground, or the sky, or the audience. We need to be both disciplined and creative, both focused and flexible, both authentic and empathetic. We need to be human, in all our complexity and potential.
Chapter 45. Mastering Life's Symphony: Reflections on a Journey of Growth and Transformation
As I look back on my life's journey, I am struck by how far I have come. When I first pondered the question "What is Life?" I felt overwhelmed by the mystery and complexity of existence. But after reading and implementing the teachings in this book, combined with doing the Achieving the State of Clarity training, I have gained a newfound sense of clarity and purpose.
I have learned to approach life as a symphony, a beautiful tapestry of interconnected moments that continually evolve and transform over time. I have come to see myself as the composer of my own life, with each decision and action creating a new note in the melody of my existence.
Through the techniques outlined in this book and course, I have learned to cultivate a deep sense of awareness and presence in my daily life. I have learned to observe my thoughts and emotions without judgment, allowing me to respond to life's challenges with greater ease and grace.
I have also learned to embrace the power of gratitude and positivity, recognizing that every moment is an opportunity to create something beautiful. By focusing on the good in my life and cultivating a sense of appreciation for all that I have, I have been able to manifest more abundance and joy than I ever thought possible.
But perhaps most importantly, I have learned to embrace the mystery of life and to trust in the journey. I have come to see that life is not about achieving some ultimate destination or perfecting every aspect of our existence. Rather, it is about learning to dance with the ever-changing rhythms of the universe, finding joy and beauty in every moment, and growing and evolving in ways that honour our true selves.
In many ways, I feel that I have become a master of life's symphony. I am no longer overwhelmed by the complexity and mystery of existence, but rather am inspired by the endless possibilities that each new day brings. I am grateful for the guidance and wisdom that this book and course has provided me, and for the profound impact it has had on my journey of growth and transformation.
As I look forward to the future, I am excited to continue to compose my life's symphony, with each new moment adding a unique and beautiful note to the melody. I am grateful for the gift of life, and for the opportunity to explore its many wonders and mysteries. And I am inspired to share the teachings of this book with others, in the hope that they too may find clarity, purpose, and joy on their own journey of self-discovery.