Preface
When I was in my twenties, I came up with a theory about life.
I assumed that our lives revolve around our belief systems, which I still believe today, but I hypothesized that the number of belief systems we can follow is finite.
Thus, by turning to outside sources for our beliefs, we weaken our self-belief.
Some of these beliefs are easy to identify: beliefs in God and religion, for example, or in country and governance. Others are more difficult to identify. Many people are sure that these are not beliefs, but rather something else: science, technology, drugs, and industrialization, for example. Many people today consider these things to be truths, but when you compare them to other beliefs, you will soon find out that they are the same.
The proof is in doing?
I can write whatever I want on my blog, but can we prove it in some way, at least to ourselves?
Over the years, I’ve written many posts about belief systems, how they serve us, and how some of them don’t.
One of my personal favorites is “Scientific Evidence and Common Belief,” which may show people who believe in science how much science is a belief system. However, it would make more sense to explore the other direction. We can easily explore ourselves; the only things we need are spare time and self-discipline.
Here’s what I’m suggesting: It’s simple and only requires spending time with yourself. All else can be easily taught, and the point of all this isn’t the time or the exercises; it’s slowly regaining your belief in yourself.
Whether you’re a busy parent or a highly successful businessman with little time for yourself, find time to do this and see what happens over two months.
If you know any breathing techniques from yoga, tai chi, or other Eastern philosophies, you can implement them here. If not, you can find many articles, posts, and videos that can teach you breathing techniques. Just choose one; the breathing technique is not the point.
For those who would rather have a starting point, I found this post about breathing techniques: https://www.bhf.org.uk/information-support/heart-matters-magazine/wellbeing/breathing-exercises.
So what’s the point?
The point of these breathing exercises is to improve your breathing, but the real point is what we may call “being present.” When practicing, focus on yourself and your breathing. Don’t let anything distract you. Try to keep your mind occupied with yourself and your breathing.
Start by doing this exercise once a day for five minutes, then increase by five minutes every ten days. During this time, be with yourself only and let nothing disturb your alone time and your breathing. Focus on improving one thing: making room in your brain for only this moment, you, and the breathing exercise.
Once you reach 30 minutes, you can stop and reflect on your progress.
You will notice that you slowly begin to recall those exercises and miss them during other parts of the day. You will be able to clear your mind of all the noise faster and more efficiently. You will begin to believe in your power over yourself, your life, your mind, and your thoughts.
If you understand what you’ve achieved, you’ll want to continue the exercises. Why would you stop? However, if you decide that you see no improvement in your life, you may stop. There is nothing addictive about this exercise, and there is no reason to continue if you don’t recognize its advantages.
What would you have achieved from all this?
It’s complicated to explain why this simple exercise makes you believe in yourself again.
Some may claim that achieving control over the brain is the reason why.
Others may cite a different reason.
Whatever the reason, doing this simple exercise over time (even a lifetime) will restore some of your self-belief and show you why it is important.
Learn to believe in you,
Aviram