Clearing Exercises

Losing weight, eating healthier, exercising consistently, and reducing stress are all behavior changes. No matter what it is you want to change, you might doubt your ability to be successful. In Shakti Gawain’s book Creative Visualization she has a clearing exercise to use if a person is having trouble realizing a goal or has resistance to that goal.

 Here is a summary of the Activity:

On  piece of paper write on the top “ The reason I can’t have what I want is…………”  then begin to list of as many thoughts that come to mind. Don’t get too detailed, but just write.

Some examples she includes:

• I’m too lazy
• I don’t have enough money
• It is too hard
• I’m afraid to

Repeat the activity, but rewrite the reasons stating the thing you want to achieve. For example, “The reason I can’t lose weight is……..”

Then write a list of all the most negative thoughts and attitudes about yourself, other people, relationships, the world, and life. Sit quietly with the list and allow yourself to experience. If emotions and feelings come up, force yourself to stay with them.

Go back and rewrite these thoughts and statements to be positive. Use these as affirmations to repeat to yourself often throughout the day to reprogram the negativity and resistance.