Changing Core Beliefs

by Victoria Loveland-Coen, RScP

Continued from Part I

Discovering and correcting limiting core beliefs is absolutely essential if we want to manifest our desires on a permanent basis. If we set our intention to manifest a specific desire while harboring a core belief that insists it's impossible, the good we create will be, at best, temporary. Simply repeating a positive affirmation such as, "I am prosperous" without first eliminating the underlying, negative core belief that there's not enough to go around, is akin to slapping a BandAid on a festering wound. The wound will not heal until we treat it.

In treating a negative core belief, it is necessary to first look at it. We must ask ourselves the following questions: What limitations have I been accepting without question? Is this belief a fact, or a perception? Is it originating from my false self, or from the collective unconscious? Just because it seems to be a prevalent experience, does this perception need to be true for me? The process of recognizing our negative core beliefs can be a challenge because it's often difficult for us to be honest with ourselves. But, brutal honesty is exactly what it takes. As Emerson tells us: "God will not have his works manifest by cowards."

We live in a world that repeatedly tells us our good is limited and we're powerless against the forces of illness and misfortune. It tells us life is a crap shoot, and most businesses and marriages fail. It tells us that only a few individuals have the power and it's those who will ultimately determine our fate. It tells us we need to aggressively compete with each other in order to win in the game of life. It tells us to grab for what we can, because there's not enough to go around. This world tells us to fear our neighbors and to be suspicious of everyone we meet. 

No wonder we're terrified of trying anything new, be it a relationship or career change. This is why, even when good appears in our life, we tend to sabotage it. After all, our core beliefs tell us, "who are we to deserve it?" "Why should we be successful in every area of our lives? It's unnatural." In addition, the world around us reinforces these beliefs, making then even more welcome in our consciousness. We have accepted these pernicious lies for so long they have become our reality. A commitment to heal these intoxicating beliefs is what is needed if we truly want to be free of limiting experiences.

Right now you may be saying, "I can't possibly be responsible for creating all of the chaos or unhappiness in my life!" Well, yes and no. It is a fact that what we accept as true about ourselves manifests as experiences in our world. So, in that sense, yes, we are responsible. However, we may not have placed the belief there in the first place, and may not even be aware of its existence.

When we're not consistently mindful, many of the beliefs and assumptions of the collective unconscious slip in the back door of our consciousness. So, while we may not necessarily dwell on the idea that we could, for instance, have an auto accident, the belief is there in race-mind consciousness. We accept the fact that car crashes happen. More importantly, we may even fear having an accident ourselves. Somewhere in our consciousness, we are allowing for the possibility. If an accident occurs, we may be surprised it happened to us, but all the while we were subconsciously affirming its potential. So, no -- we did not create the accident, but we didn't disagree with the collective unconscious which assumes that misfortune occurs.

Until we make a determined effort to neutralize negative beliefs from our consciousness and replace them with spiritual principle, we will continue to be victimized by them. So, for example, every time you get into your car, proclaim you are divinely protected. State the Truth that since God is omnipresent, It is right where you are, surrounding your car and everyone else's with Its harmony. This will neutralize the negative programming. The darkness will disappear because you have turned on the light of Truth.

EXERCISE: Identifying Erroneous Core Beliefs

If you have any area in your life in which the same type of problem repeats time and again (and most of us do), this a good indication that you're harboring erroneous core beliefs in that area. In the following exercise you will examine these areas and begin the process of eliminating the erroneous core beliefs that have been creating the problems.

Give yourself 10 minutes to complete this exercise.

1. Study the list below and check the ones that correspond to areas in your life which are frequently problematic.

2. Now close your eyes and contemplate the area or areas you have indicated. Ask your inner wisdom to shine its brilliant white light of Truth throughout your consciousness. Visualize this white light shining into every nook and cranny of your consciousness. See it light up all the dark pockets. Let this light shine upon every core belief.

3. Ask your inner wisdom to bring to the surface anything that needs healing. Ask it to show you what you need to know. "What core beliefs do I have that may be limiting my good? What beliefs have I been assuming were facts, but are really merely perceptions? Where do I have trouble knowing the Truth about myself?"

4. Open your eyes and jot down any ideas that may have come to you.

Examining Our Attitudes

Another way of discovering our core beliefs is to examine the attitudes or feelings we have about certain situations. Often, this is where our core beliefs are reflected. The following are examples of some common human attitudes and the limiting core beliefs which may be reflected in them. After the core belief is revealed, a statement of Authentic Truth is offered. The next step in correcting erroneous core beliefs will be to program our consciousness with authentic truth.

Attitude: "Look at the rude guy driving that expensive car. Does he think he owns the entire road? Who does he think he is? Why can't I have a cool car like that? I'll bet he cheats people to make his money. "

Possible Core Beliefs: The Universe isn't fair because it makes it easy for some to get what they want and tough for me. Rich people are rude. You have to be ruthless to make money. Therefore, I'll never get what I want unless I compromise my values.

Authentic Truth: My true nature is limitless abundance, therefore I cannot possibly be limited in any way. Everyone, including myself, has been gifted with all the qualities of the Universe. If one individual has abundance, then it is an affirmation that the Principle works. If this individual can manifest a beautiful car, then so can I. The same Principle that brought it to him will bring it to me. Therefore, I can be happy for this person. Also, I know that many people make money doing worthwhile things. If they can do it, so can I! Finally, it is not necessary for me to judge others.

Attitude: "I haven't had a date in months. There are too few available men/women. I've been hurt so many times, if I did meet someone, they would probably betray me, desert me, be cruel to me or break my heart. I'll probably never meet the right person. All men/women are jerks!"

Possible Core Belief: I'm not lovable. I don't deserve love. I deserve to be alone.

Authentic Truth: I am an expression of Love itself and I deserve all the good that God has, in fact, already given to me. This includes romantic love. I am a loving and giving person. There is a perfect partner for me to whom I can express my love and who will reciprocate. I deserve this love and I am attracting it into my life now!

Attitude: "I hate this job. They don't appreciate me. I work too hard -- and for what? I'm too talented/smart for this. I'm bored, but I can't leave because I need the insurance, got to pay my bills, need the steady paycheck, etc. Also, the economy is so bad right now, no one is hiring. "

Possible Core Belief: The Universe is limited. I'm not being taken care of. There's too much competition. Doing what I love doesn't pay the bills. I'm too old, didn't get the right education, didn't follow the correct career path, am not smart enough, not motivated enough, etc., etc. I don't have what it takes to succeed.

Authentic Truth: The limitless abundance of the Universe within me is the source of all my supply, not a job or anything "out there". I was created as a magnificent, intelligent, and talented individual with a unique gift to give this world. It is natural for me to be fulfilled, satisfied, successful and happy in my expression. Struggle is unnecessary. I am open, and am being guided, to new opportunities which are unfolding in my life right now. The Universe supports me with an all-sufficiency as I "abound to every good work."

Attitude: "I'm always in pain because of this darn arthritis! My mother had it, now I've got it. There's nothing I can do about it. It's only going to get worse. I might as well get used to it. I guess I'm doomed to suffer. "

Possible Core Belief: I am my body. I'm frail. I'm vulnerable to disease, genetics, and aging. My body is defective. There is no mercy.

Authentic Truth: I am pure Spirit temporarily housed in a body that is not solid matter. My body is a collection of swirling energy and Intelligence -- Divine Intelligence -- which knows only wholeness and perfection. Therefore, every single cell and function of my body is, in essence, whole and perfect. It has been only my belief that has made it appear otherwise. The spiritual prototype of wholeness and perfection is now being restored. My suffering is not ordained. There is a solution to this pain and I am being guided to it.

Our attitudes can give us clues to the beliefs we have about ourselves and the world. In particular, attitudes that are accompanied by emotion are significant signals that our thinking may be misguided. Our emotions are red flags waving us in the direction of our core beliefs. Therefore, if we pay attention, emotions can serve us well.

Focus On What Is Working

Although all of us have areas in our lives that could use improvement, most of us have mastered at least one area. For example, some people have a repeating pattern of pain and failure in their relationships, but are successful in their careers and have manifested an abundance of money. For others, money may be tight or their career is not happening, but loving relationships come naturally. Some have health challenges, yet they have plenty of money or a loving family. 

Have you ever noticed how most people seem to focus on (if not obsess about) that one painful area, instead of what is going well? The point is, give yourself credit for whichever area of your life works and be thankful that it flows as it should. It is a law of the Universe that whatever we give our attention to, grows. Therefore, focus on, and give thanks for, the good. In the areas that aren't working, you are simply housing, and perhaps nursing, negative core beliefs.

It Is Not A Blame Game

Please remember, this is not a blame game. Resist the urge to blame yourself for creating negative experiences in your life. If you catch yourself saying "If only I'd had the correct belief system, none of this would have happened" or "If only my parents hadn't installed this poverty consciousness in me", nip such thoughts in the bud. Blaming yourself or others for things you, or they, could not possibly have known, does not serve anyone. Each of us is in the process of learning. Some learn consciously while others do it the hard way. Either way, learning and growing is the most rewarding part of life!

Few human beings have achieved master status. Those who are a few steps ahead have, most likely, been working on it longer. So, be gentle and patient with yourself. This is a process and may take some time and effort. Core beliefs are often deeply rooted and need regular weeding. They do not need to be obsessed about, or even given much attention to, but they do need to be weeded. Pull the weeds, then focus on the roses.

Get into the habit of listening to your thoughts. Take your mind off "auto-pilot" and take back the controls. When you hear limiting thoughts, get out your mental eraser. Then, immediately replace that thought with an authentic truth affirmation. 

Remember you have dominion over the core beliefs that occupy your mind and you have the power to change them! Stay with the process, weed constantly, practice your affirmations frequently and work to apply these Principles to your life. In doing so, you will break free from the bonds of apparent limitation and open the door for miracles to occur.

This article is excerpted from

"Manifesting Your Desires"
by Victoria Loveland-Coen.

For Info/Order this book.

More books by this author.

About The Author

Victoria Loveland-Coen is the founder of Self-Mastery Press, a publishing company dedicated to publishing books and tapes that promote the expression of the reader's highest potential. Victoria facilitates workshops, is a motivational speaker, and coaches businesses to achieve their personal and professional goals. This article is excerpted with permission from her book Manifesting Your Desires, ©1998, published by Self-Mastery Press. For info. about seminars, books, etc., visit  www.selfmastery.org, call 800-906-3629, or email info@selfmastery.org.

Printer Friendly Page