Skip to main content

My New Practice Part I Behavior Change

I am now open for business. I have started seeing patients in my new office and in their homes. Actually doing the work has made it abundantly clear that this is the work I am meant to do. So what is it that I offer?

By allowing for time in a relaxed setting, we(the client and I) are able to explore their situation in a depth and fullness that is just not possible in brief office visits. The history and development of the patterns and habits that make up the individual's life can be explored and understood. The emotions and thoughts that go along with the behaviors also come to light. By listening with full presence and bringing attention to not only the story but the beliefs behind the story, we can begin to uncover the roots of the patterns that can lead to "stuckness" or repetitive, unconscious and undesirable behavior patterns. We all learn behavior patterns in our developmental years as part of our maturation that allow us to cope with our emotions and situations. These patterns become entrenched over the years and may be helpful transiently but incongruent to our overall goals and aspirations. The chemistry of our behavior patterns may not be immediately obvious (how food or other substances) can provide comfort when we feel sad, angry or scared; but we all find what works for us. Using our substance or behavior of choice allows us not to feel our pain. The problem comes when we realize that these patterns of behavior are hurting us while they get us through the rough spots.

Change and becoming "unstuck" evolves out of developing a conscious awareness of our thoughts and feelings that lead to repetitive behavior patterns. The reason that true change is so rare in our world(quitting smoking, losing and maintaining weight loss, developing and continuing an exercise program) is that we do not operate at the level of belief. We try to use our will to change the behavior and the fundamental beliefs which underly the behaviors are not known , explored or changed. However, if we bring the light of awareness to the darkness and isolation surrounding our patterns and then find and remember new beliefs, we can move to a better place. With unconditional support and a firm resolve, life can and does change. However, the key is developing new perceptions and beliefs.

Once we are being guided by new beliefs, we become free and obtain the power and energy to change ourselves and maintain that very healthy change. This is true empowerment. We are no longer trapped victims; we are free and conscious. The world then becomes much bigger and more open.

Comments

Congratulations on your new practice!

Popular posts from this blog

Connecting to the World

This is a picture from the Eucalyptus Grove At UCSD -- my dogs' favorite walk. Upon our return from our adventure, I read this from Buddhist psychologist, Rick Hanson. I really resonate with this aspect of connection. Connecting is in 3 directions -- inside with oneself, with others and with the world. When we strengthen one direction, we simultaneously strengthen our general connection. This is guidance to connect more deeply with the world. What makes you feel connected? I'd like to know.   Are we really so separate? The Practice   Love the world. Why?   Your brain evolved in three stages (to simplify a complex process): Reptile - Brainstem, focused on AVOIDING harm Mammal - Limbic system, focused on APPROACHING rewards Primate - Cortex, focused on ATTACHING to "us" With a fun use (to me, at least) of animal themes, the first JOT in this series -  pet the lizard  - was about how to soothe the most ancient structures of the...

A Guest Post from Jenna Walters

Tai Chi for Health Tai Chi is a secret weapon in the battle against the physical and mental demands of life. It has been able to help improve health in individuals with illnesses ranging from peritoneal mesothelioma to migraines . Its quiet and slow movements bring a calm balance to the mind. It also brings strength and balance to the body. Tai Chi demands very little from its participants. The focus is on body awareness and deep breathing. Its stretching is soft and fluid and its movements are low-impact. Young, old, athletic, or the rehabilitating can all gain better health with Tai Chi. Studies have shown that Tai Chi improves physical health . Although the movements are slow and require no added weight, those that practice Tai Chi become stronger in both upper and lower body. There is also proof that flexibility and balance are improved. The fact that the gentleness of this exercise has such positive results makes it perfect for the unfit, the elderly and for those recovering f...

Evolutionary Book

I am in the midst of reading a truly great and novel book. Written by Philip Shepherd, New Self, New World  is a deep analysis and different perspective on what is wrong with today's world and why so many of us struggle to find peace and happiness. The book shares with the Pando Method the concept of "coming out of the head and into the body" (the other brain) as a means to see with greater clarity and awareness. We at Pando Health Groups are using our approach of what we call "Center Point Rest" as a conscious process of descending from the thinking mind to the low abdomen. This form of meditation, while brief, gives the individual the opportunity to stop the continuous flow of thoughts and "drop down" into the body and then rest in this quieter, very different space. We find it to be a powerful way to connect with oneself and our true nature as opposed to the ongoing "bombarding thoughts". It truly does change one's state and opens up...