Mindful Matters – The Dishonoring P’s

 

Handouts from the Workshop

PowerPoint

Intro into The Dishonoring P’s

The Dishonoring P’s
 

Take a moment to consider an elephant in captivity. While watching these incredible animals at the zoo or the circus, have you ever wondered how and why the enormous creatures stay bound by the confines of the small circus tents or the makeshift jungle scenes? How is it that these magnificent animals remain shackled when they have such astonishing strength and power? How is it even possible that they become bound by chains and limitations? Where did all of it begin? Can you imagine a wild revolt in which the elephants finally awaken to their incredible power, rise up, and break free from their captors and audiences? Can you imagine the scene?
 
Let’s try to understand. Early in captivity, the young elephant is chained to a massive post buried deep in the ground. The animals are bound, and in spite of their desperate attempts to free themselves, no matter the fight, fury, or resistance, the poor beast cannot break free. The restraints have immobilized and defeated them. It doesn’t take long before the incredible animal resigns itself to a life within the confines of the shackles, succumbing to the belief that it will never break free.
 
How about you? Have you felt the same type of imprisonment? Despite your incredible power and capability, have you succumbed to similar restraints and limitations? Have you surrendered to defeat and limiting beliefs? Somewhere along the way, was a seed planted that you weren’t smart, talented, or qualified enough? Did something happen that imprinted you with messages of doubt, insecurity, or comparison? Are you bound by your own limitations, restrictions, and views?
 
From a very early age, we all learn behaviors, coping mechanisms, and characteristics that try to get us those core needs of attention and approval. Some of these were cute, normal parts of healthy development. Other patterns and behaviors may have kept you out of trouble, gained you accolades and acknowledgment, or shaped you into the things that were expected from you. They were necessary at the time, but they also likely separated you from your true sense of self.

Children are exposed to conditions, situations, messages, and role models that implant powerful messages about who they arewhat the world is all about, and what they can expect from others. There’s not a lot of mercy in growing up, and simply turning 18 doesn’t make you immune to the emotional wear and tear of life. Adulthood offers its own share of missed opportunities, broken hearts, and hard decisions. It’s easy to personalize and feel overwhelmed and defeated by everything that happens in life. No one comes through life unscathed. Everyone has their wounds, misperceptions, belief systems, world views, and tender spots.

During this month’s Mindful Matters workshop, we’ll look at those deeply ingrained patterns and limiting beliefs I refer to as The Dishonoring P’s. This is where you can see yourself and the ways you’ve been relating to the world through a fresh lens and clear perspective, learn differently, and take actionable steps to support you along the way.
 
This month, we’re addressing The Dishonoring P’s to understand some common behaviors such as Performing, Pleasing, Perfectionism, and Procrastinating. But we’ll dig a little deeper to see how these behaviors have shaped you, get in your way, and impacted your core beliefs about yourself and everything you’re capable of.