DO YOU WANT FREEDOM?

THE CYCLE OF SUFFERING
All people suffer; it is not a weakness, it is a necessity of life itself.

When my clients realize that they are not alone, that all people are suffering physically & emotionally, they become aware that they are standing at the place where the tide of suffering can be turned. Hope becomes a new reality, and belief becomes the weapon of choice.
 
After working with me for a short period of time, clients begin to realize that the biggest cause of their suffering is the fear of the unknown. This fear can be physical, emotional, or both.
 
Their freedom from suffering begins when they are shown that the suffering itself is the beginning to freedom from suffering. When we unpack this paradox, we cease clinging to the suffering.
 
Allow me to explain.
 
WHY DO WE SUFFER?
Our brain likes certainty; its number one role is to ensure the body survives (which ensures the brain itself survives). Paradoxically, it is through the habitual behaviors of survival (driven by the brain) that the body breaks down. 
 
There is an important part of the brain, the amygdala, which responds to danger by sending signals to the hypothalamus, which stimulates the autonomic nervous system (ANS). The ANS consists of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. Both are necessary for survival, however when engaged unnecessarily these systems are detrimental to our overall health & wellbeing.
 
The sympathetic nervous system drives the fight, flight, fawn response, while the parasympathetic nervous system drives the freeze response. When these responses are activated by fear, the body 'dumps' large amounts of chemicals into our system.
 
Our body was not designed to engage the amygdala to the levels that modern society has created on human beings. The action of survival that the brain takes, without you realizing, is counter-productive to your own survival, and dramatically reduces the opportunity for a life of physical and emotional wellbeing.
 
Entering survival mode creates a dump of chemicals; we stimulate the adrenal glands, triggering the release of catecholamine (including adrenaline & noradrenaline/norepinephrine) 
 
WHAT CAUSES US TO CONTINUE TO ACTIVATE THE AMYGDALA?

• Maladaptive behaviors (survival habits)

As we move through our formative years from child to adult, the brain creates adaptive behaviors in order to survive; however, a great number of these adaptive behaviors are designed for short-term use, not for long-term use. Often trauma (be it physical or emotional) occurs in life; and if we do not know how to process the trauma in a healthy manner we develop behavioral patterns that are maladaptive. In other words, when adaptive behaviors no longer serve us, we need to release them, & voluntarily move toward the unknown (in order to make it known). This cycle of 'forward momentum' is how we develop as a person; we release the safety of the known, and move toward the unknown (evolution). This is where most people become stuck. They do not know how to voluntarily let go of the things that are causing the suffering.
 
CAN WE DO IT ALONE?
The short answer is no.
Attempting to solve the problem by using the information you have in your head (information that is only from the past) prohibits you from processing trauma, and creates a never-ending battle with the autonomic nervous system (ANS). Doing the same thing repeatedly, and expecting a different result, does not work. The actions you take are still maladaptive (and they begin to destroy you).
 
By clinging to the known (which is the data provided from your own individual apriori predispositions - created by the past), and avoiding the unknown, blocks ability to become open-minded.

In order to move forward, we must be open to the opinions, support, and knowledge of others. Otherwise the continuation of maladaptive behaviors will  literally destroy your own life and the relationships you hold with loved-ones. 
 
WHERE TO START?
Therapy and/or Life Coaching (to process the trauma that is creating maladaptive behaviors), is the starting point that will change your future dramatically. 
Learning techniques that enable you to accept and process every type of emotion, as you experience it, will liberate you from the cycle of suffering.
You will become emotionally & physically healthier; your approach to everyday life will evolve, and this evolution will create a new level of overall wellbeing that surpasses any tangible asset you possess. 
 
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE TECHNIQUES I EMPLOY WITH MY CLIENTS?
A simple place to start is by learning mindfulness & meditation practices.

THE PRACTICES:

•  Mindfulness is engaging the practices of being fully present
  
• Meditation is a tool (a practice) to learn how to engage Mindfulness

 
WHY PRACTICE MINDFULNESS & MEDITATION?

• Mindfulness offers a life that is created from a place of serenity & calm; it releases anxiety, overwhelm, & depression.
•  In its simple form, mindfulness teaches impermanence. By understanding impermanence, the aspirant of mindfulness learns to let go of the things that are binding you to your suffering (your past).
• Meditation is a tool showing how simple it can be to let go. By following the steps of meditation, you develop the qualities of awareness, acceptance, and release. You begin to see the pathway toward emotional freedom.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: 
Paul J Pettit
Born in Sydney Australia in 1963.
Paul is a practitioner of *naturopathy, certified life coach, certified reflexologist, & certified naturopathic usui shiki ryoho reiki therapist. He is also a published author of a self-help series of books, and Podcast host of Mindfulness Mondays

Paul specializes in mindfulness-based practices.
* Naturopaths use natural therapies to treat pathology or diseases and dysfunctions.
For more information on Paul Pettit - http://www.paulpettit.com