Key of Life

Live your life in the key of your choosing.

Stop 2 Dream

Live in the moment and don't forget to think about where you want to be in life.

Seasons Changing

While walking though campus today I noticed the changing of the seasons as the trees were different shades of green, yellow, red, and orange. During this time I was reminded of one of the first questions asked during my clinical training, "what causes people to change?" The professor stated this will guide your work as a therapist.

My response was I believe people change because something has happened or they foresee something as going to happen. If they did not like the outcome of what happened or they do not like the anticipated outcome, as a result motivation for change will ensue.

While this is a rudimentary explanation, it is applicable to me based upon my experiences. I'm not writing this post to provide some great insight but instead I am writing to incite some curiosity on your behalf, what motivates you to change? Perhaps knowing this is another way for us to break some barriers of our own.

There's a definitive answer to why leaves change color (it's due to the breakdown of chlorophyll) however why we change isn't so explicit.

BB

Namaste

Namaste

Namaste is a Sanskrit phrase used as an Indian greeting to begin and end conversations. It has various translations including: "the God in me greets and meets the God in you;" "I honor the spirit in you that is also in me;" and "my divine soul recognizes the divine soul in you." Though these translations are inline with Hindu faith from which the phrase originated, this not the meaning of namaste. It literally means "I bow to you."

I'm sure by now you are reading this thinking, "why is he talking about namaste?" I wanted to mention this because in the previous post I discussed developing a negative into a positive picture which I can do within my life however when it comes to my dealings with others, maintaining a positive picture is difficult. It is very easy for me to apply the negative filter and only see the aspects of that person I don't like or care for which is normal for us as humans. So how can I be more compassionate and develop a more positive frame of mind when working with others?

Namaste may be a good starting point. Regardless of the various translations, the connotation of the word means that you respect, honor, and not place yourself above the person. It requires you to acknowledge that the other person is human and you have to reduce your ego in the presence of another person. This can be difficult as it is hard to remember that others are human and flawed just like you especially when they do not fulfill your expectations, even though they are YOUR expectations and NOT theirs.

So in my continued growth, perhaps by recognizing and honoring the divine in everyone I deal with may help me stay grounded and remember they too are human with imperfections like me.

What are some ways you stay grounded and recognize the human in others? Comment below.

Namaste

-BB

Develop a Negative into a Positive Picture

".....'develop a negative into a positive picture' is a line from my favorite song and ever since I heard that line when I was 11 years old, it has echoed throughout my life. That ideal of making the best out of a situation has led me to believe that everyone is entitled to the best life that they can live and we are all a work in progress."

This is how I began all my personal statements when I applied to master's and doctoral programs because the words have meant so much to me. As stated, when I heard this song ("Everything is Everything" by Lauryn Hill), specifically this line when I was 11 it resonated with me because of its powerful message.

While Lauryn Hill was discussing the barriers and injustice that many face with the outlook that everything will get better, I interpreted this song to mean changing your perception of a situation to see the silver lining or positive side of it. We can often look at life through a negative filter only identifying and enhancing the negative aspects. Life has non-enjoyable experiences however solely focusing on those moments makes us miss the good ones. In doing so we can develop a negative, hopeless outlook of our self, future, and world.

How can we work on this? Begin identifying when you are examining things with a negative filter and look for evidence to support or refute your claim. You could challenge yourself to identify all the positive aspects of a situation as a way to combat the negative filter and enhance, instead of diminish, the positives of a situation. These are only two of many methods to enhance your positive thinking and trying to modify your filter takes time and will not change immediately. Not all situations have a positive side however solely focusing on the negative and diminishing the positive could lead to increased mental health difficulties and a reduced quality of life.

-BB

Welcome

Welcome to Breaking Barriers!

Life can often be filled with various stressors that inhibit our growth and keep us from achieving the life which we want to live. Given these many barriers hinder us from attaining our dreams, goals, or living a life congruent with our values, it is important to be able to break free from these barriers which is the focus of this blog. Breaking Barriers intends to offer tips, skills, strategies, and elicit conversation in order to assist you in maximizing the likelihood that you will break the barriers that are impediments in your growth in life.

-BB

Legal Disclaimer: The information presented on this blog is not a substitute for professional advice (e.g., medical doctor, psychologist, psychiatrist, counselor or attorney). Topics discussed on Breaking Barriers  are intended to serve as general information  with respect to common life issues and this information is offered in the spirit of beneficence and nonmaleficence. You assume the responsibility of any decisions and subsequent consequences taken after reading the information presented on Breaking Barriers. As such, you agree not to hold Breaking Barriers or any associate of Breaking Barriers liable for any loss or cost incurred by you, or any person related or associated with you, as a result of implementing the discussed techniques offered by Breaking Barriers.