The conditioned mind.

The conditioned mind.
 
As children we are like sponges, absorbing the words and feelings that we hear and receive from our families, teachers, and people we know are important in our lives – so that we can make them our own.
 
Many of these are, hopefully, beliefs and ideas that serve us and support us in living happy, fulfilling lives. Yet many times we take onboard ideas that limit and restrict us. So much so, that we do not even realise we have done this. Our minds are programmed, our responses fine-tuned, and our lives set.
 
Well, this is not for me! For some time now, I have known I do not want to be limited by old ideas that no longer serve me. Our Lenten booklet is taking us through such examples right now.
 
Yet, I also know, how hard it is to even recognise we have limiting beliefs and ideas, let alone change them! Our egoic mind - that in us that is formed to keep us safe in an unsafe world (it believes) - will do all it can to stop us from changing our minds! It makes us right and everyone else wrong.
 
Whenever I experience an inner painful kick-back response, triggered by something someone has said or done in this present time, I recognise this is in response to old conditioning and beliefs I still hold onto, for example, there is not enough time/money/support etc. And I am being called out of my conditioning to respond in a new way. I am being invited to grow, in other words.
 
One example for me is the thought – I can never do enough and whatever I do is not good enough. I recognise this comes from old school reports. Even though there were often positive statements, all I remember is – she could do better! Literally.
 
Sometimes I can hear myself repeating my mother’s thoughts and words. So, I have learned to say back (to me) that is not me it is my mother speaking. And this can now change.
 
Whenever I feel hurt by something someone says or does, I can now ask: do I want to respond through my pain and stay stuck, or do I want to experience this differently? Choosing to respond differently invites us to go beyond our conditioned mind. To experience ourselves more beautifully and fully; unlimited and open to new possibilities and adventures.
 
Next time you experience a hurtful feeling or idea, take a moment to get re-centred in God-awareness (The father and I are one). Breathe into and through whatever is happening and say to yourself: I choose to experience this differently. Be willing to let go of the conditioned mind and know, limitless possibilities await you. Then step back, and watch the changes unfold through you. A miracle awaits us today.
 
Rev Kimerie Mapletoft
Director of Silent Unity and Daily Word UK

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