Psychology Has It Backwards

Most of us are taught that modern life is full of "stressors" and we are bound to get stressed out by things that happen in life — from traffic to trauma. We are told to develop coping mechanisms to help us deal with the stress we have to face. The Principles explain that stress is not thrust upon us by events, but created by the way we think about life events. Everyone responds to the whole range of life events in their own way. That's actually good news because, with an understanding of how thinking works, we are empowered to live at peace, no matter what.Support the show

The intellect is our personal library, the collection of all the thoughts, experiences and knowledge we have had. It represents everything we already know. "Intelligence," on the other hand, is wisdom, insight, common sense — new knowledge that arises in response to present moment curiosity. When we "don't know" what to say or do or how to respond, going to the intellect to "figure it out," or ruminating about it, will not provide an answer. If we know the answer, we'll have it right away. If we don't know, the answer is in the unknown. The unknown from quiet wondering, listening deeply and waiting for fresh thought. It's where the thrill of discovery and the adventure of life in the moment arise.Support the show

We've all been advised to "set boundaries" with others, or around our own behaviors. But does that mean that others will follow our "rules," or that we'll remember our own boundaries when we get insecure? We explain that boundaries that arise from insecurity are different from wisdom, or common sense insights, that occur to us in the moment and lead us to step away from situations, or step back from our own impulses or habitual thoughts and behaviors. We can "observe" boundaries without trying to manage others or make rules that won't be followed under pressure, and live at peace.Support the show

We frequently talk ourselves out of inspiration by trusting our insecure thinking.  Then we can get caught up in analyzing an infinite number of reasons WHY we're doing what we're doing.  In this episode, we bring it back to simplicity and discuss how learning to quiet down, listen to your wisdom, and trust the thinking that comes to you, helps you to follow through and get the things done that you really want to do.Support the show

Most of us have gone through a time in our life when we've had our heart broken or feelings hurt in relationships with friends and lovers. Misunderstanding of why things are happening comes from our own analysis of the events. We feel wronged and sometimes justified in holding onto grudges, feeling hateful, and obsessing about all the negative things that happened, but this only keeps us stuck in the past and personalizing everything. Finding peace and moving on comes not from analyzing the situation but from accessing our own innate health and listening to our wisdom. We can then see the past from a different vantage point and once again find happiness.Support the show

People are told to fix what appears to be wrong with them in order to feel better and end up feeling hopeless, or broken because it doesn't help.  Focusing on the problems we have or trying to change experiences we have already created does not bring us to mental well-being.  "Trying" is a signal you are turned around and attempting to find happiness by managing thought or behavior.  Turn around and look inside.  Find the state of mind that provides security and let the answers come to you.  It is so simple and easy unless you are looking at it backwards!Support the show

We've all had the experience of variable feelings of our own pain — for example, forgetting about an aching back in the presence of a laughing baby or a playful puppy. The way we experience pain is through thought. What and how much we think about pain determines how it feels to us. As our state of mind falls into insecurity, we tend to focus on what's wrong and it feels much worse. When we are distracted or our spirits lift and our thinking changes, pain moves into the background and we experience life in the foreground. Pain is a signal that lets us know how we're using our thinking.Support the show

Everyone has stories to tell about "searching" for experts, wise people, gurus, geniuses... anyone perceived as having special, deep understanding of life. Many people search for years, often finding interesting and helpful ideas along the way. But searching does not bring us our own answers, or peace of mind. SEEING, that is gaining our own deep insights from our own wisdom, is the natural guide to our own lives, and wisdom is within all people, always accessible, but not always understood or accessed.  When we SEE for ourselves, we get the answers we need for ourselves.Support the show

The podcast discusses the shortcomings of traditional therapy and emphasizes the importance of finding inherent health and inner love. It explores the effectiveness of seeking peace in the present moment and highlights the role of support groups in overcoming problems. The chapter also explores the struggle people face in embracing change and suggests shifting focus towards positive transformation.

Delving into the essence of spirituality beyond religion, focusing on the formless energy of creation. Exploring the connection between spirituality and psychology, and the transformative impact of recognizing one's spiritual essence. Emphasizing the universal desire for connection with the unknown and the core feelings of love and safety underlying perceptions of divinity. Highlighting the deep sense of love and awe as the fundamental feeling of spirituality. Advocating for taking responsibility for thoughts and emotions to shape personal reality and achieve empowerment.