It’s sad how many awesome people live their lives trapped in invisible prisons, virtual jail cells built out of negative expectations, fear-based judgments, and traumatic memories. Perpetual stuckness might seem to be our three-dimensional reality, but the higher-dimensional truth is that we bask in an almost infinite ocean of opportunities. Our limiting expectations and judgments blind us to countless possibilities, even ones that are screaming for our attention.
The more strongly we cling to our expectations and biases, the thicker we build our prison walls. And what good is a prison without guards? Other people’s opinions fill that role, and our fears are the guard dogs. We may desperately long for escape, but then we wonder “What would people think? Would it embarrass my parents? Will my friends abandon me? Will strangers laugh at me? Maybe even threaten or attack me?” And so we stay in our cell, unsure why we suddenly resent our friends and family. And whenever we sneak a peek over the prison wall, those fearful guard dogs snarl.
So instead of escaping, we struggle to make our prison cell tolerable. Fresh paint on the walls, a new throw pillow or two, and soon we’re content. And then we compete with others for who has the most livable prison cell. Some even manage to decorate their cells so lavishly they declare themselves liberated. But they’re not – they’ve merely bedazzled their cell more than others have. We’ve all encountered people who brag about how enlightened they are, unaware that such a declaration is the one of thickest shackles the ego can create. Enlightened people don’t care about other people’s opinions – they only care about other people.
So, how do you break free? Out of dozens of empowering mindsets you can embrace, here are five of awesome perspectives that can help you escape your mental prisons:
1. Ignore limitations placed on you by others
You can be, do, and have just about anything you desire, within the confines of a civil and just society. Ignore anyone who tells you otherwise, be they a spouse, a parent, a friend, a politician, or a guru. Have you ever had a well-intentioned spiritual teacher unwittingly box you in by defining you as a specific archetype? The starving artist, perhaps? Or the blind seer? An archetype is nothing more than an energetic pattern you’re in vibrational harmony with in the present moment – it does not define you now and forever. Even religious scriptures can hold you in bondage if you see them as definitive truths about your life, rather than as ancient perspectives on wisdom.
2. Question yourself
Accept the possibility that you might be wrong about almost everything. Growth shuts down when your worldview hardens. An open mind lubricates spiritual growth, and without openness you may sink into spiritual arrogance. Spiritual ego is insidious, especially when you assume you know what’s best for everyone, everywhere. Spiritual ego can short circuit your growth at an immature stage, and yet delude you into believing you’ve reached the summit. If you think you have all the answers, rest assured you’ve only seen the tiniest tip of the iceberg.
3. Be authentic
How many masks do you wear? How many of these masks are based on what you think other people want to see in you? How many are designed to make others like or respect you? When you take on a false persona to please other people (who are probably also wearing masks), there’s no space for authentic happiness. It might be scary, but take off your masks and see what happens. When you commit to a life of authenticity, opportunities begin to materialize all around you. Your cell door opens, and you become like a kid in a candy store basking in the joy of abundant opportunity. You’re then free to follow your passions without regard to other people’s expectations, judgments, and biases, even if they hold you in contempt. You may even become a role model, showing them how to unlock their cell door as well.
4. Let go of habitual negative expectations
Give up expectations, conclusions, and judgments about the hostility of the world and open yourself to the abundant array of possibilities you’ve been overlooking. When you feel trapped by circumstances, ask yourself, “What else is possible for me? What opportunities am I overlooking?” Expand your vision with an open mind and an open heart. Reject the energy of “no.” Purge the energy of “yes, but….” Of course, this doesn’t mean you should let go of specific desires and goals. A crystal clear understanding of what you desire activates the energy that allows it to manifest. Just be open to something else that’s just as good, if not better coming your way instead.
5. Understand how the logical mind works
The mind is a duel-edged sword. It protects you by being keenly aware of dangers and threats in your environment. But this keen awareness gives it a natural negative bias. As a result, it sometimes invents danger where none actually exists. How many times have you caught yourself imagining a future confrontation? Or reliving a past argument so you can get it right the next time around? The cognitive mind loves to bask in conflict – it’s why our favorite books and movies all focus on struggle and strife. This helps keep us safe, but it also entraps us. Rather than getting mired in the energy of imaginary conflict, simply recognize that your mind enjoys solving problems, and offer it different puzzles to play with instead.
About The Author
As a teacher, healer, and author, Patrick Prohaska has helped thousands of clients and students shine with personal power, joy, and authenticity. Patrick is the creator of Light Bridge, a revolutionary system for healing and personal transformation that blends Law of Attraction life coaching principles with subconscious belief sculpting and energetic attunements. Patrick has a Bachelor’s degree in History of Science and a Master’s degree in the Religions of Ancient India. He’s the author of Brain Cells: Escape Your Mental Prisons and Dream Yourself Awake: The Power of Lucid Living. He lives in Colorado and is available for lectures, seminars, and workshops around the globe. When he’s not teaching or communing with a client, you’ll find him exploring the Rocky Mountain wilderness.
If you enjoyed this article, you may also be interested in: https://www.youwealthrevolution.com/blog/create-lucid-dreaming-state/