Planting & Parading Priorities

ACTIVE AFFIRMATION CLUSTER

My successful living lies in my ability to put first things first. I do not place second things first. My priorities are numbered in my mind's eye and present themselves as such.... Elizabeth Bohorquez, RN, C.Ht

I've been working with affirmation clusters for my ThoughtWARE book and CD. These mini-mind programs can be planted and then etched in the moment. Even though the programs are small, they deal with big, everyday issues.

Today I've been thinking about different aspects of time management including keeping priorities in the the forefront and keeping them moving. I've always been interested in priorities and why some of us set them, and others don't bother. In my private practice, I've noticed that priorities tend to be vague, lacking definition and therefore motivation. Clients describe them as lurkers or background noise, almost bothersome. It's like they carry guilt, because people find it difficult to stay with for any length of time. In fact, when I work to set priorities with my clients before placing them hypnotically, they often balk.

Time management and priority setting is crucial, not only for success, but for health. When there is a lack of internal order, stress levels rise. Daily pressures are responsible for 60-90% of disease-states. Relationships, both with significant others, including children, are often marred by negative stress. Even the dog suffers. Actually, there is nothing good to be said for it.

Here are some frequent questions.... Even if we could stick with our priorities, what about the rest of our life tasks...the things that aren't really priorities, like cleaning closets. After all, life is a busy place where we're continually chased by our to-do lists. And what about creativity? When is this supposed to happen? Is there truly any way to win without being killed by life itself?

Affirmation clusters can help here. Mind programs are like having an internal coach or assistant who is always present, keeping you on course, making suggestions for going towards programmed goals. Priorities work best as programmed goals. As I design and record my CD's, mp3's and books, I like to plant active affirmations such as these. Readers and listeners are often surprised as to how easy it is to change their mind programs. Interactive self-hypnosis is much more like play than work.

If you haven't experienced this before, here are few complimentary mp3 downloads. Each is a full interactive self-hypnosis session & part of a complete 2-3 track series. Each are filled with active imagery & affirmations.
Self-Image Affirmations
Making Changes - Affirmations & Imagery
Blending Work & Personal Goals

PLANTING AN ACTIVE AFFIRMATION

We always begin by reading the affirmational cluster out loud or slowly to ourselves. Prepare to spend some "real time" with yourself. Planting on the fly is not the way to go.

My successful living lies in my ability to put first things first. I do not place second things first. My priorities are numbered in my mind's eye and present themselves as such....

Remember, before planting affirmations, it is important to decide what it is that you want. Today it's about your priorities. These may change day by day, so keep that it mind. If you don't know what your priorities are, or if you not used to thinking this way, then this is a good time to start.

We always begin by relaxing deeply into the moment and quieting the thoughts. Take a deep yawn breath in from the bottom of your feet, holding it in your mouth for the count of four. When four arrives, allow the breath to exit the valves located on the end of your fingers. Sense your body sinking into the chair where you are resting. After you read this, then close your eyes gently, tilting them up about twenty degrees. Your mind screen is located behind your closed lids. This is where you will be programming your mind for what you want. Not to worry if you have difficulty visualizing. Simply think clearly and your subconscious mind will activate the programs for you.

I'm going to give you a general metaphor for the affirmation cluster. If your mind would like to utilize a different one, that is absolutely fine. When I'm prioritizing I like the image of a parade. This image lends itself to organization and order. The subconscious mind is now programmed for this. Next, if you have decided on your priorities, see/think them as groups of marchers and line them up in the order of importance. If this is not clear to you, ask your subconscious mind to help you. Sometimes we cannot commit to a priority because there are mind-blocks.

For example, I was working with a new client who obviously was over-weight. However, weight loss was not a priority for her, the reason being that she doesn't want to give up eating junk and prefers not to exercise because it's boring. When her subconscious mind was asked to order her parade groups, much to her chagrin, the need to lose weight group came right to the front!

Once the priorities are in parade formation, the drum major will blow the whistle and forward march. All parts of each priority are organized, motivated and going forward with positive energy. You might even hear the music playing in the background. The mind program is now in place.

As you go through your day, the parade will be present in the back of your mind, leading your thoughts and actions. You now know what you are about, as well as what comes first and what comes second.

If you enjoy working in this particular area, you might like to order any of the affirmation or imagery programs that focus on innr organization or time management.

If you are interested in reading the archives from this blog, you can find them at the following link...

http://thoughtwareprograms.blogspot.com/