Sub-Conscious Programming

Right from the in-utero stage, we begin to consume millions of bits of information from the world around us, in order to learn its ways and their effect on our survival.

The spoken and unspoken thoughts of people around us; from our parents, family members, relatives, neighbors, friends, teachers to programs on TV and computer, help in programming our sub-conscious mind.

The wave-like electric activity of the brain, which is categorized into 4 main states (depending upon the number of wave-cycles per second), plays a major role in this un-conscious programming.

From womb to the age of two years, the brain operates in Delta brainwave state, the lowest frequency of about 1.5 to 4 wave cycles per second. (At all other ages, this is the operative state of deep, dreamless sleep.)
Anything that is repeated most often and with most intensity is immediately absorbed, and adopted as truth, in this state.

From the ages of two to six, the brain primarily operates in Theta wave state of 4 to 7 wave-cycles per second.  (This is the operative state of hypnosis, deep meditation, day-dreaming, or dreaming in sleep. This also occurs during those everyday routine actions that become so automatic that we mentally disengage from them, such as bathing, shaving, brushing teeth etc). This brain state is very receptive to free-flowing ideas in the environment. No wonder children absorb all that they see and hear.

After the age of 6, the brain vacillates between the Alpha state of 7 to 13 wave-cycles per second (a relaxed yet alert state, which is also observed when we are feeling calm, peaceful and meditative. This state is the super-learning state) and Beta state of 13 to 38 wave-cycles (a state ranging from that of regular activity, vigilance, concentration, logical thinking to that of panic, worry and stress reaction.)

Most of our deep subconscious programming happens by the age of 7. However, we continue to be programmed when our brain is operating in Delta, Theta or Alpha states. Under stress, our brain operates from the highest range of Beta state, which is highly resistant to new thoughts and ideas.

(In modern times, television is the biggest programmer of our subconscious beliefs; especially if it is in playing in the bedroom. Pregnant mothers should be very careful of what they think and watch. No one should be sleeping in a room very TV is playing. Children should not be exposed to TV programming. Advertisements on TV affect our psyche more than all other advertisements put together.)

By the age of 7 years the basic foundation of our sub-conscious beliefs is laid. These sub-conscious beliefs attract corresponding experiences in our lives, which further strengthen them. Thus childhood beliefs continue to affect our entire life. About 80% of our thoughts originate from our seven-year-old mindset.

When we come to understand that a lot of the information in our energy field is not really helping us (and perhaps harming us), we can decide to change it; but the new programs can only be installed under right brainwave states.

Emotional Freedom Technique

This morning I got up late (of late this has become a common pattern), and the first thought was, 'oh, no.' Immediately a voice said, "Do EFT." I have been doing and teaching EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique), but somehow had never thought of doing it for such a minor thought (I do it only when grappling with some intense emotion). Next I was taught how to do it in simple three steps. (I had already simplified the original technique, but this three step one completely took me by surprise.) 

The first step was the usual Karate Chop one (the words flowed without thinking), "Even though I am feeling guilty, I deeply and completely love myself." (said three times while tapping on the side of my hand) The second step took me to my chest. I kept tapping (furiously) and saying, "I am feeling guilty. I am feeling guilty." and the third step took my hands to the top of my head, where again I tapped fast, repeating, "I deeply and completely love myself." I kept repeating this until the energy wore off. 

I do not know 'who' was guiding me (for past 4 days, I am doing an exercise of inviting Hanuman energies within me. This was inspired by Sohrab Ardeshir's channeling of Shiva Energies. Those who are interested in this and much more, please visit his website www.phoenixrising.in) Later I found myself tapping all over my face, with special attention to the EFT points, repeating 'I am feeling guilty' and then to the crown, "I deeply and completely love myself." (felt like a monkey, doing that with both my hands)

I realized that these small little 'oh, no's create small little packets of guilt which we brush aside. Over a period of time these accumulate into a HUGE pile of guilt, which attracts more situations to be guilty about and THEN I indulge in EFT to RELEASE that GUILT......ahhhhhhhh!! This morning I was guided to release tiny bits of whatever comes up, when it comes up, without storing it in my cells......Thank you God. Thank you Hanuman. Thank you Shiva. 

Inner Churning

Our negative aspects (which are an integral part of our being) reside at the psychological level (the mental body), which is a shallower (outer) level than our Inner Self (which is calm, peaceful, wise and joyful).

In order to access our Inner Self (the divinity within our humanity), we HAVE to pass through the outer layers (and encounter our demons).

In Hindu mythology, this process of inner churning is depicted as the ‘Samundra Manthan’, in which Vish (poison) flows out before the Amrit (nectar/ elixir of immortality).

The poison has the power to destroy, if it is not contained with understanding (in mythology, it is depicted as Shiva holding it in his throat/ the vishuddhi chakra); hence, cultivating and integrating understandings (that are brought out along with the posion) is very important before partaking of the Amrit (expressing our Inner Light).

When we can acknowledge our own bright light, shining through the veils of our mental/ emotional body, we can acknowledge the same in others...

Aligned with my Life Purpose

In 5th century BC, the famous Chinese scholar Confucius had said, “Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.” These wise words ring true even in the 21st century and perhaps always will; but how to know which job you would love? 

Before you go about finding that out, you need to understand that our heart always wants to fulfill the purpose of our life; and our life always provides us with enough resources in the form of talents, skills, interests, and time, to fulfill that purpose. 

You only have to ‘connect’ with that purpose; the rest will simply follow.

In order to find your unique life-purpose, ask yourself a few questions, one by one, “What am I good at? What special skills do I have? What talents have I brought with me into this world? What do I enjoy doing? What do I do well? What do I like to read about? Which processes am I most interested in? During which activities do I express enthusiasm and wonder? In which situations do I remain most joyful? In which situations am I least self-conscious? Which activities get me excited and bring me joy? What drives me? What do I secretly dream about? What do I desire so much that I am willing to do whatever it takes to get it? What one thing do I want to do that would fill the empty parts of my heart and soul? What projects stir my compassion and excite my imagination?”

Pause after each question, introspect and honestly write down the answers that come to your mind. See the emerging pattern. Pay attention to oft-repeated words in your answers. These are the clues that will lead you to an alignment with your heart/soul-purpose.

Once you are clear about 'where to go', you will be led by hand through various synchronicities which will follow as surely as day follows the night.

When you take the first step of clearly defining your soul purpose, the Universe takes as many steps as needed for its fulfillment. 

This is exactly what happened in my life....and continues to happen...:)

What am I good at? I am good at communication, especially written communication. I am also good at simplifying concepts. I am good at man/ material/ system/ time management. I am good at interpersonal relationships. I am good at honoring my commitments.

What special skills do I have? I have a gift of gab. I can speak well. I can connect with people. I can offer compassion and empathy. I can help people introspect. I can sing. I can cook. I can manage people/ things/ schedules. I have healing hands. I can channelize energy for healing. I can teach complicated concepts in a simple manner.

What talents have I brought with me into this world? I am full of life and enthusiasm. I have always excelled at whatever I have undertaken. I have the capacity to give my 200% to whatever I take upon me. I can sing, dance, act, cook, speak, write, co-ordinate, and manage well.

What do I enjoy doing? I enjoy cooking, singing, dancing, reading, writing, sharing concepts, leading workshops, empowering myself and others, introspecting, and encouraging introspection.

What do I do well? I am good at singing, dancing, writing, acting, anchoring shows, leading introspective workshops, and helping others heal themselves.

What do I like to read about? I like to read about self-empowerment, cosmic design, benevolent divine plan, ascension and other esoteric stuff based in scientific principles.

Which processes am I most interested in? The process of self-empowerment interests me the most.

During which activities do I express enthusiasm and wonder? When I buy and arrange fresh flowers at home. When I am in my kitchen garden, deciding what to harvest, cook and eat. When I am walking around in my flower-filled garden. When I am basking in the Sun. When I am in natural surroundings. When I see something beautiful. When I am swimming, cycling, singing, dancing, cooking, leading workshops, writing, reading, and interacting with like-minded friends.

In which situations I remain most joyful? When I am spending time with my family. When I am in an empowering workshop. When I am all alone, at home with myself. When I have the freedom to be. When I am singing, writing, reading, cooking, serving, and entertaining friends.

In which situations am I least self-conscious? When I am in complete acceptance of myself.

What drives me? My desire to create heaven on earth, starting with my heart and my home.

What do I secretly dream about? I dream about a world where all will have freedom to be themselves.

What do I desire so much that I am willing to do whatever it takes to get it? I desire the freedom to be who I am.

What one thing do I want to do that would fill the empty parts of my heart and soul? I want to offer 100% compassion and empathy to myself.

What projects stir my compassion and excite my imagination? The project to bring heaven on earth, beginning from my heart and home.

My life purpose is to ‘Establish Heaven on Earth, beginning from my own Heart and Home.’

My life is on track. I am 99.999% aligned with my life purpose. Yipppppeeeeeeee!!!!

Whenever I feel stressed (my energy field contracts), I come to know that I am not flowing with life...... I am not in alignment with my life-purpose in that moment.

On the other hand, when I am in alignment with my heart (which knows my life purpose) my energy field expands; I feel spacious and joyful. Life flows through me in music, dance, laughter, compassion, and writing.....

I am grateful to my various stress-reactions for bringing me this profound understanding and opportunity for course-correction. 

I am grateful to my heart for keeping me 'on course'....

Pain Management

If you are experiencing any pain in any part of your body, it is an indication that some GUILT (regret over something done or not done + anger directed towards self that seeks punishment) is being PROCESSED (some energy is being integrated and some is being released).

A simple tool of pain-management is deep breathing. With every inhale inflate your abdomen like a balloon and with every exhale feel the balloon deflating. Visualize all the pain being released with each exhale.

Offer compassion (unconditional love + deep understanding) and gratitude to the cells/ tissues/ organs in pain.

Freedom from Stress

Sit quietly. Close your eyes. Take three deep breaths. Now ask yourself, "What is the purpose of stress / anxiety/ panic in my life? Why have I invited it in my experience? How is it serving my growth and evolution? What lesson is it teaching me? Is it in my best interest to release it NOW?” Listen to the answers. The answers may surprise you and give you a fresh perspective.

If you do not wish to look for the purpose (or the idea overwhelms you), Tell yourself, “Even though I do not understand how this stress may help in my growth and evolution, I trust that the universe knows its business. I surrender this stress to the universal wisdom. And so be it.” You will be surprised at the peace this simple prayer will bring to you.

Whenever you find yourself falling in old habitual patterns of feeding stress, offer compassion to yourself by saying, “Dear God, I know I am falling in the old trap. Please let me be kind to myself.”

Heaven on Earth

When we join our hands together in joy and gratitude for the gift of life; when we communicate and share the riches that each of us brings to the whole- without clinging or grasping- without feeling inferior or superior; when we recognize the common source of our humanity- common origin of our dreams and longing, hopes and fears; when we see that we are all joined together in a great miracle of existence; when we combine our inner wealth to create a treasure of love and wisdom that is available to all.....WE, the people, together with all of nature create Heaven on Earth...:))

Many Faces of Fear

When do we desire something? When we think that it is lacking in our life.....And every lack is accompanied by a fear.........Fear of never having it.

Most of the times, we DO NOT ALLOW ourselves to RECEIVE what we desire, because there is another kind of fear lurking underneath......that of leaving our comfort zone (however, constricting that might be)....How will my life change once I have what I desire? What will I need to give up to have what I desire? My conditioning says, I can't have my cake and eat it too; so which one would I not get to do- eat or have? THIS IS THE UNDERLYING HIDDEN FEAR.

The fear of upsetting the apple cart; the fear of leaving the comfort zone; the fear of the unknown.

This fear keeps us in chains, boundaries, boxes, social constructs. This fear doesn't let us embrace our power, our magnificence, our glory, our freedom, and our BLISS.

This is the fear which brings up a desire and yet, doesn't ALLOW its fulfillment.

It is time now to EXPOSE this fear, FACE it, and call its hoax. It is time now to EMBRACE our POWER in COMPASSION for SELF in all its hues..

When we are FEAR-LESS, we become DESIRE-LESS. No fear; no desire......This is the kind of desire-less-ness saints talk about.....It is not about suppressing our desires (that only complicates our lives further), it is about not having any desires... and that can organically happen when there is no FEAR in our psyche....for every desire originates in some fear.

And as long as there is a desire; there is a re-birth......Desirelessness is Nirvana/ Moksha. However, Nirvana can't be desired / achieved...IT simply HAPPENS when we achieve FREEDOM from FEARS.

Fears need to be exposed/ faced/ dealt with......and the first step is NAMING our FEARS. Making a list of our deep fears. Exposing them. Bringing them face to face....in DEEP COMPASSION for SELF....and GRATITUDE for those FEARS; for all this while our fears have been protecting us from The Unknown.

NOW is the time to FACE the UNKNOWN. 

Where are our fears stored? In our Physical Body....in cells / tissues.

How do our fears get released? Through the Physical Body.....in the form of illness/ dis-ease.

In view of the above is illness / disease good or bad? Desirable or undesirable? Should we try to get rid of the illness or the fears? Isn't it more desirable to offer gratefulness to the illness (and the body) and facilitate its cleansing (the release of fears) through tender loving care (TLC)?

I remember a time when every medical prescription ended with 'and TLC'........now, this golden truth seems to have been forgotten....by all the players- the medicos, the patient (who is most impatient to get rid of the illness), and the caretakers (near and dear ones).....

It suddenly occurred to me that a person, who suffers from a dis-ease, is called a 'patient' for s/he needs a great amount of PATIENCE to be well again. Perhaps that is ALL that is needed....along with some TLC of course...:))))))))

There was a time when I shunned the popular media (both TV and newspaper) for the quality of news they hysterically promoted.

But now, I understand the role of popular media in BRINGING UP our SUPPRESSED / STORED fears from our cells/ tissues into our awareness. Media acts as the finger which presses the trigger, but the trigger/ button is inside us. If there is no fear inside, nothing will get triggered (we will either not be attracted to this media or find alternate / more personal catalysts).

In the New Energies, nothing (that is based in fear) can be hidden/ suppressed any more. It all has to be exposed to LIGHT/ LOVE.

Media is playing a very important role in helping us RELEASE our fears (and the release always happens through illness/ disease). Let us offer our gratitude to it.....Unless our fears are released from our cells (our cells are cleansed), BLISS cannot find a space within us.

Dis-ease is just a word to collectively talk about the PAIN (absence of ease) of releasing our fears....which have been protecting us for so long that we do not wish to release them (irrespective of what we say outwardly...

Letting go of anything, including our fears, is usually a painful process.....hence, there is dis-ease! When we offer gratitude for this release, there is joy and ease. Hence, the wise saying, 'there may be pain but no suffering in that pain.'

The Roles we Play

The Role We Play

I first heard of the roles that we play, through William Shakespeare in ‘As You Like It’. Bard’s  famous lines, “All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players: they have their exits and their entrances; and one man in his time plays many parts……”, spoke eloquent about the chronological seven stages of a man’s life. I remember being awed by this perspective.

The next time I heard of role-playing was when my husband gently cajoled me, ‘You have a role to play. Play it well.” Unlike Shakespeare, he was speaking of the role I had to play as an army wife. I was afraid. What if I goof up? What if people find out that I am an imposter, cleverly covering my naivety? However, I accepted to play my part with as much courage as I could summon.

Later, I learnt that we create our own reality. We choose our own parents, families, place of birth and life circumstances. In other words, we are the actor, director, script-writer, and producer of our play; all rolled into one. This concept created a paradigm-shift in my thought process; and brought in a great amount of self-responsibility.

Gradually, I began to experientially understand and respect all three perspectives that somehow complemented each other.

This morning a new realization dawned and I asked myself, “What if I were to write my own role in the now, how would I pen it?”

I sat down with a paper and began writing….. The answer brought in great insights.

What is the role that I am playing right now? I am playing the role of an army general’s wife, who is also a writer, a healer, a counselor and a trainer. She is very involved with her work, and also leads a hectic social life. Her children have flown the nest, and she is not too involved in their lives. She is very different from her husband in some areas but very alike in some others. They have a great chemistry, and yet are not completely honest (about their emotions) in their communications with each other.

Now, if I were to write this role as a playwright, what kind of a persona would I choose to portray through her? She would have to be above average in intelligence, high in empathy, intuitive, approachable, trustworthy, efficient, courageous, forthright, conscientious, firm and yet adaptable, house-proud and hospitable, with good communication skills, leadership qualities, social graces, and passion for her work.

How would I want her to look? Average looks with confident demeanor, yet humble, with a distinctive style statement which is attractive in its simplicity, pleasing, graceful, physically fit, healthy, conscious of her food choices, and not given to excesses.

What is missing in the role that I am assaying as of now? Some amount of courage, honesty, empathy, adaptability, leadership qualities, social graces, fitness levels……These are the areas I need to pay extra attention to.

I am doing a pretty good job with my role………I am pleased with myself.  

Subservience

Of late, I have noticed that I get more angry at the exploited than the exploiter...........It rankles me how easily we give our power away to others ( I do it as well, despite all my understandings)

What if we STOP being the victims of outdated systems? What if we START asserting ourselves? What if we begin to question why we do what we do? 

The one who tolerates injustice; the one who keeps quiet when an injustice is happening; and the one who gives his/ her power away and plays the victim, is as guilty as any tyrant, bully, dictator, or power center!

Self-respect is a primary ingredient of self-empowerment!

My anger urges me to lash out at anything that reeks of subservience......It is not the ideal response, but as of now, that is the space I am in; and I ACCEPT my present energetic space!

Active Vs. Passive Healing

I call myself a 'Holistic Healer'; however, my role is more like a Software technologist than a Hardware specialist. I do not encourage PASSIVE receiving of healing ('someone /something shall heal me' paradigm). Instead I assist people in ACTIVE healing, by which they update the software inside them ('I am empowered to heal myself' paradigm). The process involves active participation in their healing; which happens from deep within and projects itself in an automatically upgraded hardware. 

The software determines the output of the hardware....... 

What kind of healing appeals to you and why???