I am an educator as well as a coach and am interested in what it is that brings out the best in the people with whom I work. Over the last few years I have read a great deal of research on the power of beliefs. I am convinced that it is essential that I hold, and communicate to my students or clients that I believe in their ability to learn, to heal, and to grow.
We have to hold and project these beliefs even when, or perhaps, especially when the person we are working with does not hold them. In a recent study it was found that teenagers from economically disadvantaged families were more likely to attend college if their parents, especially their mothers, were optimistic about the teens chances of enrolling in college.
I read once about a teacher who was given a list of student names with numbers ranging from 125 to180 after their names at the beginning of the school year. Believing that she had been given a class of gifted students, she worked hard all year to provide opportunities for these students to do well. At the end of the year she asked for another class of gifted students since they had all performed outstandingly. She was told that the numbers were their locker numbers, not their IQs.
In transpersonal therapy the belief held by the therapist or healer about their client is an important component of the therapy. There is solid research to back this up. Marilyn Schlitz at the Institute of Noetic Sciences is carrying out some interesting research on intentionality, which she defines as the "projection of awareness, with purpose and efficacy, toward some object or outcome." In his review of the research on human interconnectedness, Braud claims that the mental and emotional processes of one person can directly influence the mental or physical processes of another person. Hibbard claims that she experiences "the use of intentionality in psychotherapy as an extremely potent form of spiritual healing." Benor, who began as a skeptic of spiritual healing says "Just holding an intent brings healing energies and spiritual awareness into the therapy."
Elizabeth Targ refers to medical research that demonstrates the powerful positive effects of the belief of the physician in the treatment offered. She also cites Braud and Schlitz' work on distant intentionality which dramatically demonstrates the ability of one person's thoughts to influence the physical state of another person.
She urges medical practitioners to "consciously activate their own images of wellness for each patient with whom they work." In order to help our students or our clients to let go of self-defeating beliefs and to hold life-affirming beliefs, we have to hold those for ourselves as well as about our clients. I use Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), which is a powerful process for reducing or eliminating old, unhealthy, negative beliefs and allowing life-affirming beliefs to surface.
Lorna Minewiser, Ph.D has been helping people reduce their stress for more than 15 years. She offers individual and group coaching, workshops, CDs, e-books and Stress Reduction and Relaxation kits. She is available for presentations on the power of beliefs and on Emotional Freedom Techniques. For more information you can reach her at http://www.thestressreductioncoach.com
shuttle from Midway Glen Ellyn ..There are very many methods for achieving improvement to our... Read More
Yuk!One thing, I really have a problem with is criticism.... Read More
In talking with a coaching client recently, she made a... Read More
As I swooshed down the Zoom Flume water slide at... Read More
Are you undergoing a major life change? Or merely trying... Read More
I've yet to meet the person who never struggles with... Read More
Have you ever felt the whole world was against you?... Read More
The world is going downhill faster than an Olympic skier.... Read More
You don't need to a piece of paper to prove... Read More
They're out there? they look like people you know, but... Read More
"Putting ourselves down, is an insult to our worth." --Helen... Read More
Aging is a matter of the mind.The years may creep... Read More
Can you really plan a life-changing experience, or do they... Read More
Imagine the what you could achieve if:You were 100 %... Read More
Positive thinking in this day and age is a tool... Read More
How would your life shift if you moved into what... Read More
Believe me, today is the most wonderful day of your... Read More
In my work as a professional coach, I've had the... Read More
Yea, I know........I hear you saying "that's easy for you... Read More
Heard of a raindance? It is a ritual used by... Read More
You've probably heard this idea at one time or another.... Read More
"Adventure isn't hanging on a rope off the side... Read More
Looking around at our circumstances we may see only mountains... Read More
What I mean of course is, to appreciate life through... Read More
Look for the positives!Seek them out - those little scary... Read More
shuttle from O'Hare North Chicago ..Do you ever find yourself thinking, "Life has taught me... Read More
With Thanksgiving approaching, I thought it would be especially appropriate... Read More
In speaking of comparison we need to be aware that... Read More
Does negative thinking pay? Is it desirable for me to... Read More
When I was little I was very busy--as I imagine... Read More
I AM SO GRATEFUL for meeting challenges head-on. We see... Read More
Have you ever dreaded an upcoming presentation, meeting or function... Read More
Have you truly tried and still failed? Have you pushed... Read More
The fear of success is more common than some might... Read More
Ever had a problem with doubts? Ever felt that nagging... Read More
Millions struggle through life barely earning enough to survive. Many... Read More
Why do we really need the experiences that we have... Read More
I believe that one of the best ways to stay... Read More
Failure is my favorite subject. For I have spent my... Read More
As a financial economist my motivation has long been to... Read More
Are you undergoing a major life change? Or merely trying... Read More
Wahms, do you constantly compare yourself with others and come... Read More
From Making the Big Move: how to transform relocation into... Read More
Just in an average day we can experience many things... Read More
What's wrong with me? When I'm sick I get grumpy... Read More
"Adventure isn't hanging on a rope off the side... Read More
John Ryder awakens feeling rested, refreshed, and sensing a calm... Read More
"You Are My Sunshine My Only Sunshine You Make Me... Read More
The way to define your personality is to refine your... Read More
Last time we talked about how to begin building the... Read More
Positive Attitude Tips |