Mind: Open or Shut By International Hypnosis Federation President, Author, Artist and More Shelley Stockwell-Nicholas, PhD
When mom says, “Put on your jacket,” why does a rebellious child leave home without it “just because?” Why would such a smart person dig in their heels and ignore good advice knowing that teeth chattering in the cold awaits?
How about YOU? Do you tell yourself to do or not do something (that you really need and want to do) and then ignore it–blow it off– or not follow through? Why would clever YOU remain in a dead-end job or not pay taxes in spite of the consequences of self-condemnation and regret?
Science suggests that imprinted associations are biological relics used to protect you from “threat.” A “don’t tell me what to do” attitude is a neurological reaction stimulated by a tone or message delivery within you that causes you to associate the advice with FEAR of losing something like your autonomy or free will. A mistaken sense that you’re being controlled or manipulated may be taken as DANGER and, when this happens, your vagal nerve and body respond with a cascade of protective hormones that cause you to rebel, tune out, or run like hell.
Denial is not a river in Egypt.
In Judge, Judy Sheinland’s words; “Don’t pee on my leg and tell me it’s raining.” In other words, when your vagal nerve associates “danger,” regardless of how foolish it may be, it’s only your conditioned response for protection. To disarm such debilitating reactions, I have a few ideas AND, whatever you do, only follow my advice if you want– It’s up to YOU.
1. LISTEN TO STORIES YOU TELL YOURSELF
Ask yourself is this belief in my best interest and is there a better way to do this?
2. CELEBRATE DISCERNMENT
Don’t believe everything you were taught by role models. Embrace all advice as input that YOU can use to help yourself develop your own clarity and discernment. Advice empowers you to accept or discard any idea. Your freedom of choice opens you to think more freely.
3. QUESTION THINGS and GET REAL
Ask yourself;
“Is this idea true?”
“Says who?”
“What will happen if I do it?”
“What will happen if I don’t do it?”
“Is this in my best interest?”
“What response is for my highest good?”
“What response benefits me most?
4. REPROGRAM YOUR VAGAL NERVE
Use breathing exercises and slow movement to shift your thoughts to present-moment sensory awareness, breathe fully and smile and you will increase your happiness and improve emotional well-being and clear thinking and decision making. Move ahead… you have plenty of time.
Local Personality, Shelley Stockwell-Nicholas, PhD is a hypnotherapist, mindfulness and NLP trainer, artist and the author of 25 books. She certifies practitioners through the International Hypnosis Federation. You can call her at 310 541-4844. Website: https://www.hypnosisfederation.com/
