When you’re at war with yourself and you win, who loses?

Whoa. Now that’s a mind-blower for me, for sure. I first heard this as I was listening to a free series of conversations about transformations, from NLP Marin.

I was unfamiliar with NLP, and since I can’t seem to stop learning stuff I checked out their website (maybe you are wondering what it is, like I was):

“What is NLP?

NLP = Neuro-Linguistic Programming

NLP is the study of the structure of human experience. It is a communication toolkit that provides the ability to discover, utilize, and change our programmed thoughts and behaviors, assisting us in having new experiences in life that are more satisfying, fulfilling, and enjoyable.”

Ooo! Self-awareness, and choosing how to navigate through the world, so that we can have better experiences? Sure, I’m open to that!

But for now, I will sit with that first thought that I shared. I don’t consider myself warring with myself, and yet… Might that simply be another way to describe my patterns of self-help, self-improvement, self-growth? All of my “learning stuff?” When I try to overcome, improve, change my response, isn’t that just another way of saying I fight my Old Story as I work to create a New Story?

What if this also applies to, say, potato chips? I want to eat them / I don’t want to eat them. How about exercise? I’m going to go for a walk / I’m too busy, can’t take the time. Those definitely wars with myself that I more easily recognize.

When I’m at war with myself and I win, who loses?

How about if I lose, who wins?

I will ponder these as I wipe potato chip crumbs off my chin.

On another topic…

A heartfelt thank you to the fantastic folks who attended my Learn About the Chakras class last night! You were engaged and inspiring people, and it was my delight to spend time with you. A huge thank you to our local community education program!

Next week I am teaching another onsite class, this one is an Intro to Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR). Additionally, I am teaching Reiki classes this spring. If you are interested and will be in northern MN, we would love to see you there!