Things Are Not Always As They Seem

My husband insisted that we go on a date this afternoon. I've been working non-stop, things have been hectic at home, and he is still recovering from his injuries last November. So, when he suggested we go out for a movie and a bite to eat, I forced myself to smile and say yes. Fortunately, he's a reasonable man at moments, so when I suggested the movie "How to Train Your Dragon" (in 3D), he agreed.

In the movie, we meet a loveable skinny young Viking who just doesn't fit in his world. Beseiged by dragons, the tribe needs stalwart warriors, and Hiccup is a bit more inventive and impetuous than his father, the leader, would prefer. One night, Hiccup seriously injures a rare dragon. Late the next day, he finds it, still bound in the ropes. He pulls his knife, but finds himself unable to kill the frightened creature. Instead, he sets it free, and an unlikely friendship slowly starts to develop.

The story builds, and Hiccup finds himself a local hero because he is no longer afraid of dragons. Faced with his father's expectation that he kill dragons, he is forced to reveal his true feelings and recently gained knowledge about the creatures. His father storms off, determined to wipe the scourge from the face of the planet. However, the Vikings find themselves outmatched and faced with certain death while on their mission of slaughter.

In the end, the dragons prove themselves brave and willing to save the same humans who have hunted and killed them in the past. Eventually, they are integrated into the Viking society of the story, as very large pets.

Things truly were not as they seemed.

How many times have you been forced to realize that you did not perceive the truth about something in your life? How did you respond?

For so many of us, it's just easier to stick to our preconceived notions and beliefs. After all, they have served us well for a long time. And, it does occasionally happen that we are reluctant to change our minds about things.

In the movie, it's easy to sympathize with the Vikings in terms of the dragons. We see the dragons burning down houses, stealing livestock, and killing people. But then, we see an individual dragon as frightened and out of its element. And, since we've all been there, our interest, and our emotions, are quickly engaged and we are willing to see past the expectations.

In the workplace, in school, while out at the mall, or wherever we find ourselves, we are faced with situations involving groups of people of certain ethnic groups, of certain ages, of certain religious persuasions, or of certain hair length. We all have our ways of handling the stress we feel, and often simply remove ourselves from situations before anything can occur.

The challenge I put to you is this. When you find yourself in a situation where you automatically react with fear, can you take a deep breath and stop for a moment? Can you investigate your feelings, your anxiety, and your reactions and identify what is driving them? Can you truly assume you know what is going through the others' minds?

Absent hostile behavior, how do you KNOW they intend you ill?

Are they afraid of you? Is their fear as justified as yours is?

If we are willing to accept that no one of us has perfect knowledge in all situations, and if we are willing to accept that no one of us is free of prejudice or judgment, can we be willing to revisit our beliefs regarding that which causes us fear or stress? What if our beliefs are wrong? Are we willing to change our approach?

What would we gain? What would we be forced to relinquish?

It's much easier to stay within our comfort zone, and to maintain the status quo. Creating an unchanging sea of tranquility within a tumultuous world is something we all strive to do. However, perhaps we can expand that sea of tranquility to include new friends, companions and neighbors.

That wouldn't be too bad, would it?

Allow yourself to be patient and to be true to yourself. Remember to take at least five minutes every day to simply be by yourself and breathe. Allow yourself to indulge in a moment of thought, reflection, and planning when the mood strikes. It's your life, your choice. Allow yourself to simply succeed on your own terms, to live in peace, abundance, and joy. One day, one decision at a time, remaining aware of your choices and your feelings. You CAN get there.

And, as always, if you need help, I'm available. It's what I do, and it's what I love to do.

Sharon.

Hypnotherapy can help you to think healthier, happier, and more successful thoughts while adding the power of relaxation to your life. As you go through your day, you feel better and perform better.

Contact us to learn more about how hypnotherapy can you propel you toward a healthier, happier lifestyle.

Hypnosis or Hypnotherapy, in any form, does not diagnose, treat or cure mental or emotional problems, and is not a substitute for other professional help.