As deliberate creators on the path to living our dreams, it’s important that we gain an understanding about the concept of paradigms. Here’s the simple definition from Merriam-Webster Dictionary:

a model or pattern for something that may be copied

a theory or a group of ideas about how something should be done, made, or thought about

What does this mean? It means that our subconscious mind holds patterns for almost everything we do. We talk in habitual ways; we act in habitual ways, we eat and dress and work and live in habitual ways. The subconscious takes care of most of these functions automatically, freeing us to address whatever present-moment needs arise.

Now, for the most part this is very well and good. Imagine how difficult it would be to hold a conversation during a road trip if our subconscious mind wasn’t handling the details! Each and every driving experience would be new! We’d be so distracted we could barely talk! It would be as though we were sixteen all over again, clutching the wheel for the first time! We would have to relearn every aspect of driving–the rules of the road, the various functions of the vehicle, when to signal, how often to check mirrors!

Fortunately (at least if we’ve developed good driving habits), the subconscious mind handles the bulk of those tasks for us. We automatically signal our intention to turn either right or left; we automatically know how to accelerate properly when entering a freeway; we automatically know how to apply the right pressure to the brake pedal.

Now, unfortunately, most of us are likely holding negative beliefs that are also functioning. These beliefs may be preventing us from attaining the success we desire! For example: a fear of public speaking may hinder or absolutely prevent us from taking our turn on stage, even if that is required to move ahead with our dreams! That fear-based paradigm–or deeply held collection of beliefs–may need to be addressed.

We become more aware of the contents of our subconscious mind by looking at the world around us, for it is actually a mirror of our innter state of Being. Do we have the wonderful relationships that we desire? If not, we might question whether paradigms–related to pain associated with a past love affair–could be sabotaging every new relationship; perhaps by allowing us to utter inappropriate comments, or by projecting a lack of confidence or a fear of commitment. Such behaviour might be all that was required to make our hidden beliefs regarding relationships a reality. Different paradigms–related to our degree of health, wealth, and every other aspect of life–may also be hindering our success.

Awareness is the key! We gain this through paying greater attention as we go about our day. Invited to a situation outside our comfort zone, we can silently notice the subtle feelings of discomfort that may arise; then question the possible causes. As a youth, is it possible that we were told that we were shy? Did our subconscious mind absorb this belief, and thereby cause us to behave in ways that reflect that belief? Did we accept–as part of the our own unconscious programming–that we don’t deserve to attend such a function?

I’ll end this post with one with one of my favourite quotations, which perfectly fits the subject of paradigms. It’s by Joseph Campbell, author, lecturer, and American Mythologist: “The cave you fear to enter holds the treasure you seek.” What cave do you fear? Is it time that you step toward it and take a peek inside?

Dare to dream.

With heartfelt regards,

Art

Copyright © – 2016 – R. Arthur Russell

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