The Elements of Change
There’s an idea that my hypnosis mentor, Mark Cunningham, often expresses to his students. It relates to the way the subconscious mind works with our surroundings.
Many times, people will have amazing breakthroughs in their life. Maybe they go on a spiritual travel journey. Perhaps they visit a self-help seminar or yoga retreat and gain some clarity on their life. Maybe they even went to see their local hypnotist. Whatever it may be, let’s say they’ve had an experience that’s helped them get clear on how to move forward to a changed lifestyle.
Then they get home. All the furniture is the same. Everything is in the same place. The same couch is right there, in front of the same TV, where they’ve felt bad, listless, and lost so many times. That’s when those subconscious anchors begin to come back, and all of those old ways of thinking, feeling, and believing begin creeping in.
This is the exact time to "Burn the Fu$ng Couch!
Make the Change Permanent
It’s not really literal, although it could be. You could actually burn the couch. But really, it’s more of a metaphor to change things around to align with your transformation. Move the couch at the very least, or buy another one. Rearrange your furniture. Change your wardrobe. Get rid of the TV. Take drastic measures to get drastic results. Do whatever you need to do to make sure you align your external reality with your internal reality.
And if you really want to, burn the couch. Sometimes a fire ritual can be extremely powerful. You can have Burning Man in your own back yard! The idea is to destroy any anchors or triggers for your subconscious mind to bring you back to the “old you”. Your subconscious loves comfort. Its main job is to keep you alive, so when things are comfortable, it can relax.
But when you are growing and changing your subconscious beliefs, things must be shaken up a little. Shake the snow globe! Your subconscious will come around eventually, but you must make it clear that things will not go back to the way they were. This will take some time and training for your subconscious. But wants it gets the message, and settles into your new reality, look out! It will do everything possible to help you realize this vision.
So if you get to the point where you’ve had enough, and you decide it’s time to change, remember to Burn the Fu$ng Couch!
Maybe you’ve gotten heavier than you’ve ever been, and fully commit to health and getting your body in shape. Get your plan, put it into action, then burn the Fu$ng couch.
Maybe you’ve finally decided to stop smoking forever. You’ve decide you’ve inhaled enough toxic chemicals into your lungs. Get your plan, put it into action, and burn the Fu$ng couch.
Perhaps you’re just wanting to grow and evolve further. Things aren’t bad, but you want greatness, excellence. You want to live the life of your dreams, on your own terms. Get your plan, put it into action, and burn the Fu$ng couch.
The subconscious mind can be a helpful ally or a formidable foe. It depends on the clear instructions you give to it consistently. Develop a relationship with it. Look after it like you would a good friend. Thank it when it gives you insight and inspiration. And when it’s time for change, and you want to send a message…Well, you know what to do.
Enjoy the Ride!
Andy Eversole, C.H.
