SUMMER SHAPE-UP
FOR MIND AND BODY
By Susan K. Stevenson, DCH
Although it may be possible to "think thin" then lounge around, eat
whatever you feel like, and lose pounds and inches - it's not too realistic, is it?
If you have been reading my articles in the past, you are aware that I'm convinced that
our conscious and unconscious thinking patterns affect every aspect of our bodies, our
decisions, our activities - perhaps you're convinced, too.
Let's consider, then, just how to get the most out of what you do in order to get the results you want. Have you ever stuck vigorously to your eating and/or exercise regimen only to see meager results? Have you ever felt deprived with every bite of the "right" foods and guilty with every taste of the "wrong" choices? What are the internal thoughts and images in your mind as you exercise, bathe, eat, shop and go about your daily activities?
Through research, we have learned that the unconscious mind doesn't process negative words - words like don't, for example. It only deals primarily in images. You see, if you're asked to not think of a big red balloon, it's almost an impossible task, isn't it? Your mind has to process the big red balloon image in order to even understand the request. So go ahead, try not to think of that big red balloon! Really, the only way to be rid of it is to think of something else. So what does this all have to do with your body weight and proportions?
In working with many weight loss clients, it is clear that the predominant thoughts are often something like this - "I don't want to be overweight"; "I want to lose this fat"; "I just want to get rid of this big belly (or bottom)". In these examples, the focus is on the weight when it really needs to be on the desired end result - slim, trim, ___ pound body. Those (negative) thinking patterns encourage the image of the unwanted weight to remain in the mind (the big red balloon). It is definitely time to change those images!
Spend time in relaxed, focused concentration and mentally create every detail (see, hear and feel those details) of the body image you desire. If you wish, cut out pictures from magazines to help in the process, and make sure the images you choose are real-life examples of what your body can become.
Positive images and mental affirmations are very powerful. If you practice self-hypnosis or meditation, you already know how to access the deeper levels of your mind - often called "altered states". Yet, even if you do not practice these techniques, you can take advantage of the power of your mind at any time. You're thinking thoughts all the time anyway - why not use them to your advantage?
Here are some powerful image enhancers you might like to incorporate into your mental image inventory (be sure you have also created your specific, realistic and achievable ideal body image). Be inventive, make up some of your own, tailor your image enhancers to what you want to create in your life. Go for it!
When Walking:
When Exercising:
Before Sleep:
When Cooking and/or
Eating:
These concepts, and much more, will be included in the four-week Tuesday evening workshop series "Leave the Fat Behind" beginning in May. If you would like more information or a brochure, call the number listed below. So, are you beginning to get the idea? Making a conscious choice to watch your thinking patterns may just become one of the most powerful decisions you have ever made. And while you're at it - Watch your language! When you are talking with friends and family, be sure to also reinforce your positive internal messages by guarding your conversational vocabulary. Speak the positive about what you are creating - eliminate the negative language in the same way you'd pluck weeds from a garden. It's your body - it's your life - so what do you think? I think - no, I know, you can do it!
Susan Stevenson, DCH, is a Doctor of Clinical Hypnotherapy (ABH #7569) in private practice in Huntington Beach and offers private sessions for adults and children, as well as workshops and audio tapes on a variety of life-enhancing topics. Call if you wish information on any programs. Dr. Stevenson can be reached at (714) 841-3494, (800) 797-2960, or by email at StevensonS@aol.com
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