Stress reactions are normal.
We’re humans living in a rapidly changing and uncertain world. And humans automatically react to change and uncertainty. This is a survival instinct.
As humans, we can also pause and consider available options before we choose.
We know that we both react and choose. We can experience thoughts that fuel automatic reactions alongside those that consider meaningful action. Yet in everyday life, automatic reactions often take over even when we think we are actively choosing.
The challenge is to recognize when we are reacting and know how to break free from the patterns that keep us stuck in stress and derail our results.
Recognizing our own stress patterns
How each of us reacts depends on our past experiences and cultural attitudes. This forms the basis of our memories, which drive automatic reactions.
For example, if you learned at a young age to be strong and power through challenges, you believe that people need to work hard to be successful. For you, this is a truth, and it can block your ability to see other options for achieving goals. On the other hand, if others gave you everything you asked for as a child, your belief system will create automatic expectations that others should do as you say. You may expect success simply by stating your wishes. If you experienced insecurity in the past, you may believe the world is not safe and success is not possiible, regardless of your efforts.
Your memories and beliefs are not open for consideration, and they greatly influence how you automatically react in situations and to other people. We each react in our own patterned way. Each of us experiences thoughts, emotions and body sensations that are unique.
Mental imagery is normal.
We don’t always talk about the images, sounds and movies that play automatically in our heads. They are also a normal human condition. They can be pleasant or distressing. Some represent actual memories, while others can be unrealistic fantasies that don’t make sense. You may or may not be aware of them.
In science, they are referred to as mental imagery and are associated with our emotional, mental and physical health. New research is highlighting that the more vivid the mental imagery, the more intense the emotions.
Mental imagery can help you achieve your goals and release stress by bringing to mind specific pictures and sounds that motivate or calm you. The challenge and opportunity is to learn how to resolve the distressing mental imagery that can be difficult to control. This is where Logosynthesis® offers a new, empowering approach.
Using your thoughts, emotions and body sensations to identify the mental imagery
It’s common to think of stress reactions, such as tension, worry and internal dialogue, as problems with our brain. Often, the brain is doing exactly what it is designed to do. These automatic reactions are a natural part of the body’s survival instinct. But they can harm our health when stress patterns continue chronically, even after the threat has passed.
Now we know how to use these stress reactions to identify the underlying mental imagery that triggers distress. Using the Logosynthesis Basic Procedure, you can address stressful issues. You are guided to pay attention to your thoughts, emotions and body sensations. Not to analyze but to observe specific situations, recognize the patterned internal dialogue and notice where you experience the emotional stress in your body. This process activates the underlying memories and beliefs that are activating distress.
Shifting the mental imagery can calm patterned stress reactions
For many of us, we can identify distressing mental imagery. You may see movies playing out in front of you or hear voices in the space around you. This is not in your brain but in your energy field. Often, we don’t know how to get rid of it, and so we push it aside. Think pleasant thoughts. Distract with busy activities. Procrastinate. Yet the underlying mental imagery can still trigger stress reactions, often outside of our awareness.
Logosynthesis recognizes the power of words to shift energy. So when we have identified the distressing memories and beliefs using the Basic Procedure, the next step is to use specific sentences to shift the energy. When the energy shifts, not only does the mental imagery shift but the stress symptoms shift. And because we all have lots of memories and beliefs, we work in layers. Professional guidance helps for more distressing and complex issues.
Regaining calm for meaningful action
In times of change and uncertainty, it is common to discount the power of calm. We are often conditioned to work harder and faster. Calm is often grouped with relaxation and walking away from challenging situations. Yet when we learn how to shift the mental imagery that triggers our stress responses, we can remain calm even when the world around us is not. Calm is an inner state of presence that allows you to choose meaningful action when it matters most.
Give Logosynthesis a try!
If you are curious to experience what can shift using Logosynthesis, I recommend finding a quiet, uninterrupted spot for 30 minutes and watching the video below. You can also schedule a complementary call with Cathy, read her books or attend an upcoming event.