What's wrong with NEWS?

Most of us watch it, and many complain about it, but is there anything wrong with it?  No, not in and of itself.  It's information, albeit sometimes subjective, but nevertheless information.  The biggest problem I have is the type of information that is being focused on.

The other day Christopher Stevens, in a tragic attack on the US Embassy in Egypt, died, after protestors stormed the embassy following news that an anti-Mohammad movie was released or made.
What I would like to hear about besides this side of the story is what else happened.  I would like to hear about the Muslims that came to the aid of those in the Embassy.  I would like to hear of what others in the area are doing to discourage such senseless crimes.  I would like to hear about the moderates, the majority, the regular citizens that want a world where they can raise their children safely, and make a decent living.

Like with our own views and beliefs, there are always many sides to every story and truth that are also valid and need our attention. It is my premise that these areas need our attention at least as much as the main story here. 

As a Counselor I help clients each day to question their thoughts and beliefs, to look behind their thoughts to the meaning of what they are saying.  I ask them to to stop and question the truth of their statements, gently pushing them to see a greater truth, a bigger picture.

We can all do the same, and I would like to see this reflected more in our News programs as well.  It's too easy to focus on what is wrong, and who is wrong, or who did wrong, without stepping back and seeing the whole picture.

My prayers to all those hurt or killed in these senseless attacks.

How Do Thoughts Keep Us Stuck?

 “Thoughts thunk often become beliefs.” Byron Katie, the author of Loving What Is: Four Questions That Can Change Your Life.

She came up with a simple exercise to question your thoughts and to better understand how your thoughts create the feelings and behaviors you experience.

If I have the thought, “I shouldn’t be myself”, that leads to “I should be perfect so that others accept me.” When I ask myself how do I feel when I have these thoughts, the answer is, scared and vulnerable. I may have other sensations that arise as well, such as tension in my shoulders and neck, as well as tightness in my stomach. The important thing is that I acknowledge these feelings and sensations, which gives me permission to feel them.

She then has us ask the question, who would you be without these thoughts or stories?  Imagine your own life for a moment, and the stories you have come to believe about yourself, others, and the world.  Finally she has us make a statement that is closer to reality, such as, "I'm OK just as I am.  I have a lot of good qualities, and others I am able to change."

To learn more check out her book…=)

Thoughts and more importantly old beliefs are coping mechanisms we created years ago in many cases. We did so because it was the only way we knew how to deal with a difficult situation. We all do this whether the issues were trivial or traumatic.

Only we have the power to step off this old worn path and say “NO”. No I will not do this to myself anymore. First we need to acknowledge where we are at, and take full responsibility. We take responsibility not for what happened in the past, but for our thoughts.

Only then can the process of healing begin. There are many things we can do for ourselves; Meditation, Yoga, exercise, eating well, but sometimes we need guidance, encouragement, and support from an Instructor, Counselor, Nutritionist, Coach, Minister, Chiropractor, Massage Therapist, friend, etc.

Be well.