Workign with Core Beliefs

Beliefs define our life. Belief is the conviction of something that one holds true. Belief is the root cause of all purpose and action that one takes.  Beliefs can be empowering or dis-empowering. It is crucial to adopt only beliefs that serve us and to let go of those beliefs that limit us.

Core beliefs operate in our unconscious. They can be empowering or dis-empowering, they work autonomously. We don't know they are there. Our good or unwanted behavior is driven by core beliefs. We can only see our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors that these core beliefs produce. Awareness and Observation of thoughts, emotions, and behaviors  will lead to ones core beliefs.

One way to get to limiting core beliefs and replace them is through Shadow Work۔ Shadow work consists of uncovering core beliefs that do not serve us. There are many processes and rituals to help to  know the limiting core belief that can surface through observation of triggers, feelings, body sensations. Other ways are through imagery, journaling, hypnosis, Psychotherapy CBT, REBT etc. 

According to Albert Ellis and REBT, the beliefs that upset us are all variations of three common irrational beliefs that contain a demand, either about ourselves, other people, or the world in general. 

These beliefs are known as “The Three Basic Musts.” and are as follows:

1) I must do well and win the approval of others for my performances or else I am no good.

2) Other people must treat me considerately, fairly and kindly, and in exactly the way I want them to treat me. If they don’t, they are no good and they deserve to be condemned and punished.

3) I must get what I want, when I want it; and I must not get what I don’t want. It’s terrible if I don’t get what I want, and I can’t stand it.

One can overcome these 3 musts by having unconditional acceptance. 

(1)        unconditional self-acceptance;

(2)        unconditional other-acceptance; and

(3)        unconditional life-acceptance. 

Getting in touch with the core beliefs with acceptance, self compassion, kindness and love starts the healing and change journey towards replacing limiting beliefs that no longer serve us. This is done with just observing ones feelings, emotions and sensations with no judgement, accept them with kindness and replace them with self awareness and mindfulness practice of better beliefs.

A good way is to get in touch with a coach, counselor or psychologist who does shadow work or work related with uncovering limiting core beliefs through psychotherapy