We humans are not static. Our emotions and memories are constantly determining our moods and attitudes. We are in constant change even when we deny that we change. Each moment takes us further along our life journey and each of those moments we have never experienced before.

We view the world through the lenses of our current mood, our beliefs, our memories and habits. Our moods in turn influence how we behave and think at any moment. This leaves us feeling less in control of ourselves at some times and more in control at other times.

Wouldn't it be nice to have a skill that would enable to find more of what we need at any moment, a method of focusing on a joyful, strengthening emotion that changes our mood and gives us more confidence in our selves?

The Gates of Possibility

This is a daydream exercise that takes you into a feeling of calmness and peace and inner balance. When our minds are peaceful, learning becomes easier.

Find a quiet spot and put on some peaceful music in the background. Sink into a favorite chair or just find a place where you can relax. You can start with a progressive relaxation exercise if you wish.

It helps to know before you start what you want to accomplish with this exercise.

1) Close your eyes. Focus inward and think of a word you like. Explore all the ideas that you get from thinking of that word. Find as many pleasant associations as you possibly can imagine. Do not strain. Just let your mind drift always coming back to your chosen word and looking for new ideas.

Focusing inward means that you are no longer aware of your surroundings. Your eyes have no focus and your body begins to relax. You are playing a mental game of word association.

For example, my word is 'gates'. So may gates lead to adventure and discovery. Gates reminds of my childhood home in the northern reaches of Canada. My father and uncle built a stone fence along the front of our house. I have many happy memories of my childhood there and it is from that house that I left to start my own independent life journey. Through those gates I discovered many possibilities.

2) Still focusing inwardly, start to think of something you would like to feel or change about yourself, something that you would like to have more of.

I see in my mind's eye the word 'confidence'. This is something I can always use more of.

3) Remaining inwardly focused start to feel and discover what your feelings and emotions will be like with this change in feelings.

I begin by thinking of the word 'confidence' and slowly see it covering me like a suit of clothes. Somewhere I have felt confident before. I remember this. I see it fitting snugly all over me and I feel a surge of joy and pleasure and confidence. I think about it feeling stronger and stronger by the moment.

4) Then I begin to imagine where and when I could use this new confidence. I see myself going to parties and introducing myself to strangers. I see myself leading a meeting. I see myself speaking in public before a large audience. I see my relationships with my family improving because I am happier.

5) Finally I  ask my unconscious mind to re-evaluate and accommodated the change. I believe that it will happen! Then I let it go. I go about the rest of my day. And I leave this exercise feeling happy and confident. It feels good. My mood has changed.

History of Happiness

This whole exercise can go on from a few minutes to half an hour.  And you can do this with any idea that will benefit you. You can start to change your self-limiting beliefs like "I can't to this because..." or increase your happiness, confidence, assertiveness, courage or whatever you choose.

And don't forget to enjoy the moment even if all you get out of it is a moment of peace. Reward yourself for having completed the task. Do this as often as you feel the need with the same word or different words.

You are successful even if you only go through the task and have made the effort to discover new things and ways. 

Remember to add this to your history of happy and successful moments.