Chariots of the Gods

Recently, on the History Channel, I saw a show (Ancient Aliens) that centered around the theories proposed by Erich von Daniken in his book, Chariots of the Gods, first published in 1968. I remember the day I bought the book, in 1974. I had just won my first writing competition, and the prize was a gift certificate to a local bookstore.

An avid reader of science fiction even then, I devoured the book, and many like it. I was thrilled by the idea that someone had taken the ideas I loved reading about and translated them into something that applied to the "real" world.

Of course, since then, there have been television shows and movies that build upon these ideas of aliens coming to Earth and interacting with the inhabitants. Shows and books such as these are often decried by religious adherents, theologians, archeologists, and many others. The grounds upon which their objections focus varies from individual to individual, but the consistent theme is this: my truth is the truth, and there can be no other.

Sometimes, we all fall into this trap. Our notions, our ideas are challenged, and we must answer. How do you respond?

In my practice, I often work with individuals who suffer from extreme stress related to their marriage. Usually, the source of this stress arises from differing expectations. One young lady who came to me was incredibly upset because her husband and she had differing expectations in terms of how they spent their time. As a relatively newly-wed, she expected they would spend all of their non-work time together. He expected that he would still hang with his friends.

During our discussions, and as we worked together, we realized that the source of the stress was that she had always be taught that when a man and woman married, "they would cleave unto each other." He, on the other hand, had been raised to believe that like his parents, he should have some quality time with his friends or by himself. Now, we had to face the question: Which one of these young people were right? Would she have to give up her beliefs about the sanctity and importance of marriage? Would he have to reliquinsh his beliefs to satisfy her? Did one have to lose and the other win?

In the moment we made this discovery, her heart fell. She saw no way that their marriage could be saved. He simply did not understand how important the relationship needed to be in his life.

During the hypnosis session, she spoke to her Wise Mind, the part of her that is always in touch with her beliefs, values and highest understanding. The solution she came back with was that an open dialogue was necessary, and each of them needed to discuss and honor each others' expectations while carefully examining their own. In the end, she learned to cultivate her own outside activities so that she stayed interesting and excited about life, and he learned to create more opportunities to spend time with her and to lessen the number of activities that openly excluded her.

The answer, for them, was a compromise based on understanding, love and mutual respect.

But what happens when the person with whom you have a disagreement is someone for whom you feel no respect? What happens when their beliefs seem to not only invalidate but absolutely negate yours? What happens when you see God everywhere and they will not? What then?

In the case of Erich von Daniken, he fervently argues that his deeply held Catholic beliefs are in no way challenged by the belief that aliens have come to the planet. Theologians argue that his work demands that religions be supplanted, removed or destroyed because they are based on a longing for a departed non-human. Can there be a compromise?

My answer is that I simply don't know. All I know is that my own beliefs hold that if space is as absolutely huge as it seems to be, an infinitely wise source of life would have created an infinitely varied range of life and would have spread it everywhere, not just here. But that's just me -- I have faith that I can't know the truth about everything, at least in this lifetime.

And this brings me to my point. We are each gifted with life, talents, viewpoints, abilities and knowledge. What we choose to do with them is just that -- a choice. We can not expect or demand that others replicate our choices. We can, however, respect that they will make the choices that are consistent with their beliefs, and expect that they will do the same for us.

And in the end, isn't that what we all want? To have our beliefs, our selves honored and respected? Aren't you willing to treat others as you would be treated?

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.