The Alchemy Articles
February 17, 2024
Read time: 7 minutes

Snap Your Fingers and It's Gone

Abracadabra

OK that’s a bit of sarcasm, won*t be that fast, although it could be quick and easy with the right steps…

Let’s talk about beliefs today and how they can make or break our addictions

-In the journey of self-improvement and recovery, understanding the foundational role of our beliefs and the language we use is paramount.

Beliefs are not just passing thoughts; beliefs are the lens through which we view the world, shaping our realities and influencing our actions.

They are convictions we hold as truths, often formed by our experiences and the narratives we’ve been exposed to throughout our lives.

Beliefs can be empowering or dis-empowering

They can be driving us towards achieving our goals, they could also be holding us back from realizing our full potential.

This means, when it comes to recovery, it’s the difference between viewing recovery as an attainable goal OR an insurmountable challenge.

-Our reality is, in many ways, a reflection of our beliefs-

If we believe we are incapable of overcoming an addition, our reality will align with that belief, manifesting as repeated failures and frustrations.

On the other hand, when we nurture the belief that recovery is within our reach, our reality begins to shift, opening doors to new strategies and inner strengths we might not have recognized before.

“I KNOW WHAT A BELIEF IS….HOW TF DO I CHANGE IT?”

Ok ok, It’s the language!

I know you know where I was taking this…

It’s an extremely powerful tool in training the subconscious and that’s why I am obsessed….

The words we use to describe our challenges, goals and self-perception have a profound impact on our belief system

Also, it helps to understand the Reticular Activating System (RAS)

→It’s a network of neurons located in the brain stem that plays a crucial role because it acts as a filter for the overwhelming amount of sensory information that our brains receive every second, determining what is brought to our conscious awareness.←

The RAS is like a personal assistant in your brain:

• Imagine your brain is a busy office and receiving pieces of information every second, much like emails flooding an inbox.

• Your RAS acts like the assistant who sorts through all these emails, deciding which ones are important enough for you to pay attention to, and which ones can be ignored.

• The process is influenced by what you believe and the language you use.

• If you consistently focus on negative thoughts or believe that you can’t overcome your addictions, your RAS will “highlight” information that confirms these beliefs, making it harder for you to notice opportunities for change.

• If you cultivate positive beliefs and use empowering language, your RAS will start showing you the “emails” that align with this new outlook, making it easier to see possibilities for recovery and growth.

It becomes confirmation bias

We can reprogram the RAS to notice opportunities, strengths and resources that align with our goals

Your RAS helps you notice more of what you focus on

……and how do you aim your focus?

Improve the quality of your language and you will improve the quality of your intention

CHOOSING language that isn*t accurate to the trajectory you are wanting traps you in a cycle of self-doubt and defeat.

Consider my friend John saying “I can't quit smoking; it's too hard”

-No fucking way he is quitting

How about when he says “I gain strength when I face and overcome my challenges”

-Much more likely to quit…

The words that we use can make the picture about challenges much bigger than what they actually are.

Using certain words over others can keep us stuck in one spot; it becomes a game of avoidance when we use the same language over and over.

We have the opportunity every moment to change how we use our words

Changing the language to take the pressure off what's been holding you back will make for a smooth transition

YOU CHOOSE what comes out of your mouth

In your recovery journey, pay attention to the language you use when thinking or talking about your addiction and recovery process.

Language can be used to reinforce your commitment to change, remind you of your strengths, and keep you focused on the positive outcomes of your journey.

It's a way to reprogram your subconscious, gradually replacing old, limiting beliefs with new, empowering ones.

Sooo… all I have to say Is that I am better, and then I get better?

Not necessarily, addictions often serve as a coping mechanism, a way to escape from reality.

However, they also reinforce a belief system that sees these habits as necessary for survival or happiness.

Storywork involves releasing the attachment to these beliefs that reinforce that these coping strategies are useful….

By using BREATHWORK

Breathwork offers us a direct pathway to releasing the emotional attachments that underpin our limiting beliefs.

This practice does more than relax the body; it signals to your subconscious that you are ready to let go of old narratives and embrace a new story of your choosing.

By incorporating breathwork into our daily routine, we offer ourselves a direct pathway to releasing those emotions that no longer serve us.

With the attachments removed and the perspective changed with language….

Then what?

What goals would you set?

The imagination is the limit….

Improve your language and take action, otherwise you’ll continue doing the same boring sh*t

By understanding the power of belief and the role of language in shaping our reality, we can equip ourselves with the tools necessary for lasting change.

The path to overcoming addictions is as much about changing beliefs and the language we use as it is about breaking physical habits.

Understanding words and stories helped me change my perspective around challenges and I’ll bet on them working for you as well.

Until next time,
Garreth Spencer

P.S. I coach people on effectively changing their perspective around their challenges and how to drop the attachment to addictions. If you or someone you know is struggling, I’m only click away.