I was listening to a speech the other day about “choices”, and the speaker stated that we don’t really make choices.  Interested, I listened closely.  He started with examples of situations that people might face, and would then list the options that “most” people would consider.  He would then follow up with a ‘better’ option – one that, according to him, most of us just would not have thought of.

The funny thing was, Wolfgang and I would listen to the options and say to each other – there are lots more options than those.  We wouldn’t do any of those.  Our responses to his exercises were not what he told us they would be.  So, it was clear that we didn’t fit this speaker’s paradigm.  I know lots of people who don’t fit his paradigm.

His thoughts on subliminal suggestions, and how our minds can be manipulated, were interesting.  But his theories were certainly not applicable to every person, or every situation.  It was funny to hear him talk about media programming that was fear based – then tell us; “that’s frightening”.  So, who was trying to program the fear into us; the media, or this particular speaker?  Fear of fear, hmmmm.

Sure, there were some good ideas in his two-plus hour speech; about becoming aware of what influences our thoughts, and looking beyond assumptions.  But I couldn’t help but laugh at the assumptions he was making about his audience.

In the end, he was selling his product that helps you program your mind in a way that suits your goals.  He was using classical advertising strategies: convince you that you have a problem, frighten you about what happens if you don’t address the problem, tell you how wonderful you would feel if you had a magical solution to the problem, then tell you about the magical solution that he, and only he, can sell to you.  Programming your mind into being afraid of “others” (the universal ‘they’) who would program your mind.  Too funny!

Do advertisers and politicians and others use subliminal programming, or other covert persuasion techniques, in their messages?  I’m sure they do.  Certain words trigger certain emotions, and emotions usually trigger actions.  So, it is helpful to be aware that these techniques exist.  Is this anything to be frightened of?  Aware? Absolutely!  Frightened? I think not.

My personal belief is this: regardless of the myriad ways that our brains have been programmed by family and society and such, we still possess the ability to make meaningful choices in our lives.  I like to check-in with my higher guidance when making decisions (choices), and there are times when I consciously choose to not follow that guidance (for whatever reason).  But I do choose my life, and my choices are not limited to those that someone else might give me.  I know that my choices are infinite, and if no choice appeals to me – I can always look for more choices.

So, have a wonderful week – if you choose.

Namaste!

Susan 

"Agreements"

When I enter into an agreement, I do my best to live up to my end of the bargain.  The other day I was talking to one of my business partners about one of our customers being behind on his payments.  My partner started beating himself up over the situation, as if it were his fault that we did not get paid as agreed.  To me, his approach is quite self-indulgent.

My approach is different.  I ask my higher-self for guidance.  Most of the time, I am guided to serve the appropriate notice to the offender immediately.  This gives them the choice to make good on their part of the agreement, or to move on and play their games with someone else.  Either way is OK with me.  I enjoy working with people who are responsible, and I do my best to deliver what I agree to deliver.

My partner’s approach is quite different than mine.  He feels strongly that he is responsible when someone else doesn’t keep his or her agreement.  Since we have different points of view, I wish him all the best on his journey through life and will not do any more business with him.

Life is good.

Lots of love,
Wolfgang