The Grace of our Beliefs

September 11, 2001 changed our lives and our beliefs in a very dramatic way. I remember very well, shortly after 911, I began to see huge Hummers driving down Central Avenue in Phoenix as I drove to work. I couldn’t help but wonder – do you really think that “monstrosity” is going to keep you safe in the kind of attack that hit the Twin Towers? Feeling safe and secure is one of our core beliefs; however, expending thousands of dollars on a vehicle will not provide a true feeling of security. Ever since 911, there has been a steady change in our core beliefs related to safety and security; more recently, we have seen a rise in the anxiety level of members of our society because of the change in our leadership. Change is constant; however, when it threatens one of our core beliefs, it makes a personal impact.

Another core belief relates to our self-worth. Building a child’s self-worth begins as soon as he or she is born. They say a child gleans his/her self-worth by the energy that is given off by his/her parents or guardians until he/she is able to communicate. Every day, depending on the level of nurturing society we’re in, we either grow in self-worth or our self-worth is harmed. As we go through life, we create beliefs around that nurturing – or lack of. We come to a belief that we are worthy or we are not.

Love is a very important core belief. Once again, based on the nurturing and guidance we receive, we create a belief as to whether we are loveable or not – deserving of love or not. At a recent spiritual conference, I learned that children are no longer being taught the touching aspect of life. With everyone’s concern for potential child abuse, people are hesitant to touch children any more. Also, we are connecting so much through the Internet and social media; yet, we’re not really connecting through the heart. The heart brings about feelings and involves a stronger connection with the eyes and that of touch, warm hugs, radiating energy. So, remember to extend that as you go about your day.

Lastly, another core belief that sums up how we’re doing is whether or not we feel whole. I remember in my 20s not feeling whole. I had no idea how to fix it. I read as much as I could and little by little I healed but it took many years. This is why it is so important to make sure our little children are attaining good and positive beliefs from the start.

Remind yourself throughout the day to keep yourself in check as to your core beliefs – pay attention to whether your beliefs are positive or negative. Listen to your self-talk. Do you see yourself as loveable or not; do you feel safe and secure or not; do you feel worthy of human decency, respect and acceptance; do you feel whole or detached. Reading inspirational passages or stories, getting guidance from counselors, prayer and meditation are all beneficial to pull us up and out when we’re feeling as if we’re lacking. Sometimes, we have to actually re-parent ourselves.

Positive beliefs bring fulfillment and broaden our life’s experience. Negative beliefs cause us to project them upon others and create dysfunction in our relationships. Everyone comes here whole, fully worthy, loved and in full safety and security. As we go through life, when any of those are waning or lacking, our core beliefs are compromised. Remember that God never sees us as less than or unworthy. If you have a negative belief of yourself, you will probably be able to zero in on how that was created; however, try not to spend a lot of time on that. Change your belief, align with God’s belief in you and your life will change for the positive.

“What you believe about yourself is always reflected back to you.”

(Deepak Chopra)

I credit Deepak Chopra’s 21-day Meditation on Belief and our Core Beliefs for input.