Paradigm Shift: Changing your lens
Changing your thought patterns and beliefs is at the center of growth and development. However, change is difficult. One of the biggest exercises I teach my clients is to change the lens through which they look at themselves and at the world. I remind them that whatever lens they are using is not working and that I am here to help them see and process things differently.
I use examples from quantum mechanics to help them make this shift. Quantum mechanics is the study of atoms, particles, and sub-particles. The main lesson from quantum mechanics that I have applied to both my personal and professional life comes from physicist John Wheeler. He said “There is no out there out there.” To me, this means how I perceive the external world is really a reflection of who I am. If I am happy and content inside, I will notice see smiles and happy faces outside. If I am sad, I will see frowns. If I am angry, I will see others in that light as well. Happiness, sadness, or anger are not outside of me; instead, I give birth to them based on my emotional state. Neuroscience today acknowledges that these emotions and experiences are actually created inside of us, by us.
When I first started reading about all of this, I felt like I had the wrong lens. Or rather, I was taught to use the wrong lens. But as I continued to learn, I felt empowered and in control. I was hopeful that my circumstances could change if and when I changed my internal state. I knew I could do that. And at least I didn’t have to wait for the world to stop being sad or angry.
This is the paradigm shift is one of the first and basic steps I teach my clients—the practice of going inwards. Applying these principles in my own life has tremendously helped me in overcoming my limitations and difficulties, and I desire to help my clients do the same.
