“In this interconnected universe, every improvement we make in our private world improves the world at large for everyone…It is a scientific fact that what is good for you is good for me.” – Dr. David Hawkins (renowned researcher in the field of consciousness)
The world can feel like a chaotic place, filled with conflict, negativity, and suffering. It's easy to get overwhelmed and wonder, "Can one person really make a difference?" The answer is yes, but it starts with a surprising place: YOU!
After meeting with leaders and hearing about the challenges they face in their organizations, I wondered how much of what we see is shaped by our own perceptions. Today, I want to explore the powerful link between our inner world and the outer world, and how healing our own "dis-eases" can ripple outward, creating a more peaceful reality.
Generational Patterns and the Spread of Dis-Eases
When you visit a doctor for a check-up, they often ask about your family's history of physical ailments. This helps them understand potential hereditary risks. Similarly, emotional "dis-eases" can be passed down through generations.
We all carry emotional baggage from our childhood. Exploring your family's emotional history can reveal patterns that may have been impacting you for years. These patterns could include poor communication styles, critical or overly nurturing behaviors, anxiety/depression, rigid or nonexistent boundaries, or low self-esteem.
Unhealthy communication styles like passive aggression or a lack of boundaries can create insecurity and disconnection within families. Imagine a family where expressing needs feels like an attack, and boundaries are either too rigid or nonexistent. This stifles individuality and creates situations where people avoid communication altogether.
These dis-eases of mindset and spirit don't stay confined to the family unit. We carry them into our relationships with friends, colleagues, and even strangers. Unhealthy communication patterns learned at home can manifest as conflict in the workplace or passive-aggressive behavior in social circles. This creates a ripple effect of negativity and discord throughout the world.
Breaking the Cycle: Healing Starts with You
Just like any physical illness, dis-eases of the mind and spirit can be healed. The first step is awareness. As the saying goes, "you can't heal what you don't reveal." By acknowledging these unhealthy patterns within ourselves, we can begin to break free from their hold. Asking ourselves questions like "What am I feeling?" or "What is the thought/belief that is creating this feeling?" can be a powerful starting point as you begin to confront the thoughts or behaviors you've been trying to suppress.
Healing is a journey, not a destination. There will be setbacks, but every effort to improve your self-awareness and communication skills is a step towards a healthier you. Consider these tools to get you started, along with some deeper reflective questions to guide you:
Journaling: Reflect on your experiences and identify patterns in your communication style. Ask yourself:
What are my triggers (situations or behaviors of others that provoke negative behaviors from you)?
What are my typical emotional responses in conflict situations?
How do I communicate my needs and set boundaries with others?
Do I take responsibility for my own feelings and reactions?
What limiting beliefs might be holding me back?
The Energy Map: My book, The Energy Map: Your Team's Path from Conflict to Empowerment, includes a map with 5 Energy Levels. Understanding these levels and what impacts your energy will give you more insight into your inner self. https://www.amazon.com/Energy-Map-Teams-Conflict-Empowerment/dp/B0CR82KZVW/ref=asc_df_B0CR82KZVW/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=691797063961&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=17368891274579166467&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9027230&hvtargid=pla-2292013443086&psc=1&mcid=22fd434d9cc43fec97f732d6cc979475&gad_source=1
Books/Articles: Explore resources on topics like boundaries, communication, and emotional intelligence. One suggestion is The Better Boundaries Workbook by Sharon Martin, MSW, LCSW.
Remember, small changes within yourself can have a ripple effect, impacting your relationships, your community, and ultimately, the world around you.
Are You Ready to Start Your Inner Journey and Heal from Dis-Ease?
Imagine a world where everyone prioritizes their own well-being and emotional health. This world of peace starts within each of us. By taking responsibility for our own healing, we contribute to the collective healing of others. Today, begin telling yourself “I love you [your name].” Say it a couple of times a day and notice how it feels. Let’s create a world where the love we have for ourselves extends to everyone we meet. Now that’s how we create world peace! Are you ready to start your journey towards inner peace? Start by loving yourself today!
Share your thoughts! What are some of the dis-eases you've identified in yourself? How are you working to heal? Leave a comment below and let's heal our world by healing ourselves!
Download The Map from my book, "The Energy Map: Your Team's Path from Conflict to Empowerment" and other great resources here: https://www.culturecre8ion.com/resources