(Download a free worksheet to get you started. Link available at the end.)

I’ve started watching The Last Kingdom on Netflix with my husband and our 3 cats. We all have an evening, snuggle on the couch, ritual. I think the cats protest more than we do if we miss a night.

I’m enjoying the story thus far, and frequently cringe at how life used to be in 800 AD, but it’s the same theme over and over again, even today. The God-fearing Christians think their beliefs are superior, the “right” way to be, and they look down upon the Danes who are aggressively taking over England.

On the other hand, the Danes think the English are full of shit, mock their faith in one single god, yet they have their own set of beliefs of which they, of course, view as “right”.

The Danes and English are alike, all willing to kill over religion as well as for their quest of obtaining more or protecting territory. We see the same issues today surrounding the Middle East. We see the same issues today surrounding racism here in the U.S., and the belief that one race / ethnicity is above all the rest.

It’s quite exhausting if you think about it, to uphold a superior view of self. That I am somehow more right, better than, entitled. Talk about the pressure of always having to compare myself to others, to constantly defend, to constantly acquire more! No thanks. Living by fear makes for a stressful existence.

But guess what, the quest to defend, compare, and be “better-than” is what is happening ALL THE TIME in your own head.

Let’s talk about THOUGHTS and BELIEFS…

You have them. Some resonate with you because they bring you peace, solace, and joy. Others are rather unhelpful because they insinuate there is something wrong with you, that you aren’t “good enough” compared to someone else.

Some beliefs you are aware of. Others are hidden from you as a way to self-protect.

• How many times have you started the day feeling confident, and believing that you are ready to conquer the world, yet end the day in a pool of self-criticism?
• How many times have you sabotaged your happiness, and while you know you are doing it, you have no idea WHY?

The ego is an interesting being. It is a constant stream of thoughts, opinions, and preferences. It is designed to operate through fear. And it is always at war…with itself.

The ego is always at war with itself.

Another interesting phenomenon is that our thoughts and preferences can totally change with the wind. One day we think Brussels sprouts are the best veggie ever, write a ton of blog posts about the nutritional benefits of Brussels sprouts, but then after a month, we decide that they are too mushy and we love broccoli more.

And ever notice how it only takes one ah-ha moment of insight to completely change a belief? So something that you’ve held on to for YEARS now is totally different? That’s the premise of cognitive-behavioral therapy.

Just notice what goes on upstairs. It can be quite the show.

You can’t get rid of the ego, but you CAN prevent it from driving your bus!

There is really nothing we can do to get rid of the ego. It’s built-in. And the ego isn’t totally evil. It actually does have some strengths in the form of personality / archetypal roles it excels at.

The trick here, though, is to understand the complexity of the ego and be an OBSERVER of it versus letting it blindly drive your bus.

You have the ability to PICK and CHOOSE what thoughts and beliefs work for you, and which ones don’t.

Your beliefs are for YOU, not for anyone else. They are meant to serve YOU so that they can support your TRUE voice, which comes from your soul, your spirit.

If you think about it, even those that are very skilled at yoga and meditation, live in an ashram and can quiet the ego and chant for hours, do so because they BELIEVE this is helpful and supportive to them. They believe in this kind of lifestyle.

Others view ashram life as woo-woo, hippie-dippy hogwash. Who is right? Who really cares?

What matters is that YOU are thinking, operating, and living in alignment with what is true for you.

Even the popular spiritual text A Course in Miracles is based on a belief system. It teaches that the ego will always be in conflict with spirit, that it’s an illusion, and that they can’t live together harmoniously. But guess what, either this resonates with you or it doesn’t. You get to choose.

Take inventory, and uncover your limiting beliefs.

As we wait out the course of the Coronavirus and are spending more time at home (many of us anyway), it’s a great time to take inventory of what beliefs are serving you, and which ones aren’t.

Why should we care about doing this? Well, guess what drives your actions: your thoughts and beliefs. So if you have any kind of life and / or career goals, it behooves you to take inventory and toss the ones that are getting in your way.

Want a little help? Download the free Uncovering Limiting Beliefs worksheets here to get you started.

Don’t have the time to DIY (do it yourself)?

Book a 60-minute “spring cleaning” reading. We start with your goals and do one giant “digging-up” and clearing of the beliefs, agreements, and patterns (both present and past life) that are no longer supporting you.

Prefer a more one-on-one experience? Schedule a One-on-One 60-minute Spring Cleaning reading today!