Practical Psychology is a weekly newspaper column I have been writing for over 20 years. It is designed to address psychological topics that are most useful to its readers. Please feel free to re-print any of them in any form you wish. I ask only that you give the information about how to subscribe and credit for authorship. Thanks.

LIFE SENTENCES
By Lloyd J. Thomas, Ph.D.

IWe usually think of "life sentences" as the length of time convicted criminals will be spending in prison. Spending your life in a prison is highly limiting.

In her book, "The Soul of Money," Lynne Twist refers to "life sentences" as ... "a legacy of beliefs...that we embrace as folk wisdom or personal truths." Indeed, each of us has a set of beliefs that limit us (imprison us) and keep us from living a great, fulfilled life. These limiting beliefs are usually based upon early childhood experiences, are reinforced by our parents and teachers, and are often promulgated by the culture in which we live.

Andrew Newberg writes in his book, "Born To Believe," "The brain is a stubborn organ. Once its primary set of beliefs has been established, the brain finds it difficult to integrate opposing ideas and beliefs. This has profound consequences for individuals and society and helps to explain why some people cannot abandon destructive beliefs, be they religious, political, or psychological." We find it easier to continue to hold onto our beliefs for life (life sentences), than to integrate new, and perhaps contradictory ones into our thinking patterns.

In "The 2008 Shift Report" published by the Institute of Noetic Sciences, there can be found some negative (and unsustainable) life sentences that many people embrace despite their limitations/destructiveness. They include:

  • Growth is always good --- more is better.
  • Economic wealth is the truest sign of progress.
  • "The Market" is the most reliable measure of value.
  • Individual selfishness serves the common good.
  • We live in a world of scarcity.
  • Humans are superior to other creatures.
  • The Earth is ours to exploit.
  • he world consists of "us" and "them."
  • People are intrinsically bad.
  • Technology ---or God---will save us.
  • That's just the way things are.

If you hold too tightly to these beliefs, they probably psychologically imprison you. They are your limiting life sentences. If you would like to free yourself from such sentences, here are a few that you might want to incorporate into your "stubborn" brain.

  • Growth beyond sufficiency is negative (consider tumors).
  • More of anything beyond sufficiency is limiting and burdensome.
  • Progress is not solely determined by economic growth or wealth.
  • People bring values to life, not the Marketplace.
  • The common good is served by generosity of time, material and energy.
  • We live in a world that is sufficient unto our needs.
  • Humans are as important to the balance of nature as are all other living creatures.
  • The Earth is ours to protect and nurture. It's called responsible stewardship.
  • The world is full of people just like us.
  • People are intrinsically good.
  • The "status quo" can be changed by first changing our thinking.

Integrate these ideas into your thinking, and you might just free yourself from imprisoning life sentences.

Lloyd J. Thomas, Ph.D. has 30+ years experience as a Life Coach and Licensed Psychologist. He is available for coaching in any area presented in "Practical Psychology." Initial coaching sessions are free. Contact him: (970) 568-0173 or E-mail: DrLloyd@CreatingLeaders.com or LJTDAT@aol.com.

Dr. Thomas also serves on the faculty of the Institute For Life Coach Training and the International University of Professional Studies. He recently co-authored (with Patrick Williams) the book: *Total Life Coaching: 50+ Life Lessons, Skills and Techniques for Enhancing Your Practice*and Your Life!* (W.W. Norton 2005) available at your local bookstore or on Amazon.com.

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