🕑 4 minute read
In 2021, I started my transition from being REACTIVE → CREATIVE.
This transition demanded continuous conscious effort—and it still does—and it has proven to be the most valuable practice I've ever embraced.
By operating from a place of consciousness, I've discovered an agency I never knew I had.
I didn’t know what I didn’t know.
Consciousness
According to the Map of Consciousness—developed by Dr. David R. Hawkins—I spent most of my time unconsciously operating below ‘Courage’ (200).
While there is no right or wrong place to be on the scale of consciousness, I did spend an exorbitant amount of time and attention in frustration, desire, fear, guilt, and shame.
I genuinely thought that that was just how life is—I was so unaware that I had a choice. That I have an agency in creating my reality.
The impact of being unconscious
I used to be a social chameleon—frequently altering my behaviour and responses to match those around me.
This adaptability stemmed from a desire for acceptance and avoidance of conflict.
However, it often meant suppressing my true self and not honouring and expressing my authentic thoughts and feelings.
Being the creator of my life
The pivotal moment of realising I had a choice came when I made a significant investment in myself that I couldn’t afford– $25,000 for 10 sessions with my coach, Devon Bandison.
While not everyone needs to spend as much as I did—for both myself and many of my clients, this financial commitment served as a POWERFUL motivator.
It compelled me to wholeheartedly commit to my self understanding journey, because I had a tangible stake in the game. To me, that investment was my commitment to buying back my time, my freedom, and ultimately my life.
The results have been so remarkable that I would have genuinely paid ten times the investment. No sum of money can measure up to the inner peace I now have.
Today, I am operating above ‘Courage’ (200)—what feels like 95% of the time—and the world has transformed into an expansive playground.
Living and consistently, consciously creating from a foundation of love, joy, and play has been the most liberating and profoundly enriching experience of my life.
So much so that I continue to invest in myself with my coach as his apprentice—$85,000 for 70 Hours together—because I know I am only scratching the surface of what is possible in this life time, and I’m committed to turning my ceiling into my floor, again.
Worth noting
This is coming from someone who:
Used to spend HOURS scouring the internet in search of discount codes to save just $4.99 on shipping fees (2020)
Couldn't engage in a conversation about financial matters with her partner for more than 5 minutes without trembling with fear and eventually breaking down in tears (2021)
Watched her parents put in relentless effort, only to experience bankruptcy and the loss of our home (2006)
Spent over a decade in Khlong Toey คลองเตย—the largest and oldest slum of Bangkok—a story for another post (1995)
How to start in 3 simple steps
(01) Awareness
(02) Understanding
(03) Choosing
Awareness
(01)
The fundamental first step in reprogramming your mind is recognising your capacity to make choices.
Below is one of my favourite videos by Dr. Bruce Lipton on After Skool that has transformed the way I see the world. This is an excellent starting point to help cultivate new awareness around consciousness.
Understanding
(02)
Knowing that reprogramming one's mind is an ongoing journey that requires conscious and consistent effort.
It's a practice that's akin to maintaining your "abs" once you've developed them; it necessitates continuous dedication and attention to keep the positive changes in place.
Choosing
(03)
Neuroscience shows that you are what you give your attention to. Get clear on what’s on your mind—then choose a new choice.
Here are 3 simple steps:
When this happens (identify trigger)
Instead of (identify old habit)
I will (clarify a new 60-second habit)
Example:
When I start feeling overwhelmed with work
Instead of getting flustered
I will make a to-do list and prioritize tasks
