August Inspired Leap™ "Ah-Ha!" Newsletter
August 2008

Do You Believe?

Dear Dianna,

What does seeing a rainbow signify to you? Do you think of the science behind rainbows, do you barely glance at it, or do you pause and see it as a "sign" of good things coming, blessings, or a spiritual connection? Depending upon how you answer that question, you're going to approach all decisions you need to make in a different way than anyone else.

While working on my upcoming book about aha! moments, I've had the pleasure of reading some excellent books and articles. The more that is revealed about the brain and how it works, the more scientists realize how little they do know. However, one thing that stands out is the power of our beliefs to influence all of the thinking we do and the decisions we make.

In his fascinating new book, On Being Certain: Believing You Are Right Even When You're Not, Dr. Robert Burton talks about the "hidden layer" within our unconscious (I usually talk about this as the "nonconscious mind") that apparently uses all of your stored memories, beliefs, attitudes, and even genetics to "send" an answer to your conscious mind. Depending upon the strength of the supporting data your unconscious has access to, the "feeling of knowing" that surfaces will range from a vague sense of rightness to an aha! moment.

Dr. Burton, a neurologist, through sharing research, personal experiences, and compelling stories, shows how we can experience a powerful "feeling of knowing" or of "being certain," only to find out later that the facts show we're wrong. And, in some cases, we'll still argue for our "truth." Studies show that no two brains are wired the same way because of our unique mix of genes, beliefs, and experiences.

Burton points out that because of our unique experiences and the effect those experiences have on our neural networks, none of us are able to offer a non-partisian view of our thoughts and opinions. If we have a feeling of certainty about something, we cannot believe that our views are wrong. Therefore, any debates about our views are pointless. He calls this belief of thinking that "we can step back from our thoughts in order to judge them" the "myth of the autonomous rational mind."

Even when we fully agree on an idea, this agreement arises out of different ways of thinking, involving utterly unique genetics and personal experience. To expect that we can get others to think as we do is to believe that we can overcome innate differences that make each of our thought processes as unique as our fingerprints. [p. 123]

Using the age old debate between science and religion as one of many examples, Burton takes to task some brilliant minds for implying that some things are "certain" or "true" when they're really only beliefs until definitive research can verify them. He notes that even scientists can forget that they too are unable to approach this hot topic without their own biases entering into the picture. Burton ultimately argues that this understanding about ourselves points to the need for validated scientific research before ever stating that something is true. Of course Burton confesses that this point-of-view comes from his education, training, and experience!

A Different Point of View

My take away from his book and other research is a bit different. To me what jumped out is the power of our beliefs to influence our thoughts and reactions to situations, and the gift that intuition and aha! moments bring to help us "see" those beliefs and attitudes. For example, if you believe that perscription drugs are dangerous or best avoided (may be a conscious or an unconscious belief), then you're likely to say "my intuition tells me a homeopathic remedy is right for me." Even if scientific research points to the safety and efficacy of perscription drugs and to the relatively poor success rate of homeopathic remedies, your intuition is still giving you the right answer at that moment - for you.

A hidden belief can wreak havoc on a conscious intention, rational thought, and scientific studies. When research points to the fact that "9 out of 10" people experienced fantastic results, what about the "1 out of 10" who didn't? Maybe your intuition is telling you that based upon your beliefs, your experiences, and your genes that you're more like the "1 out of 10" people than the "9 out of 10." So, the next time your intuition appears to be at odds with data or with "reality," consider the possiblity (alas, I have no data to prove it) that your intuition knows more than you think.

I guess the ultimate question is, "Do you believe in an innate intelligence or consciousness" that is more than your thinking brain? If, like spiritual leader Eckhart Tolle (author of A New Earth), you believe that you are not your thoughts, but the observer of your thoughts and connected to a higher intelligence, then you're more likely to believe in your ability to determine what is right for you in any given moment. If not, then the research of others is more likely to guide you. There is no right or wrong. It's simply a choice...or, a belief.

Upcoming Events and Workshops

We've got a lot going on, so I hope you can join me for one or more of these events. Check out the changed dates and come be inspired!

Envision Your Way to Success Monthly Tele-Class, Next Session is now offered TWO different times: Tuesday, September 9th at Noon and Wednesday, September 10th at 7pm Central! The August sessions were fantastic - please join us on the next call.

An Intuitive Day at the Spa, NEW DATE: Wednesday, October 1st at the top-rated LakeAustin Spa Resort (this is one of my favorite events!) Spend a day exploring what your intuition has to tell you, then finish off with a 50-minute spa treatment and time to relax.

Work Less to Accomplish More, NEW DATE: Friday, September 19th at Vintage Villas. Take time to re-think how you "make" things happen and create a new, easier way of working by harnessing all of your inner resources and the resources of the universe. Sign up today to take advantage of early bird pricing!

Envision Your Way to Success Luncheon Workshop, NEW DATE Tuesday, November 6th, St. Edwards Professional Center (near Arboretum). If you can't make the tele-classes or long for the power of connecting with others and doing visualizing with a group, then this workshop is for you. I still hear from attendees of this workshop back in 2006 about the amazing results they achieved after attending this workshp.

Getting Unstuck Without Coming Unglued , NEW DATE: Friday, October 17th at Vintage Villas. Are you stuck in uncertainity about what your big dream is or what the right next step is to make it happen? If so, this workshop is for you. You'll learn some powerful ways to get unstuck and what wisdom your "stuck" situation has to offer you.

I Know What to Do, So Why Don't I Do It, NEW DATE: Thursday, October 30th, Vintage Villas. Do you have a clear idea of what you want, but find yourself going in circles or moving backwards? If so, this workshop will help you understand why you find it difficult to move forward and how to move beyond your fears.

Second Annual New Year, New You! Vacation Retreat in Hawaii, January 17-24, 2009 at the Sheraton Maui Resort. Save the dates! More details to come on this inspiring, relaxing, and phenomenal way to launch yoursef into a magnificient 2009.

As you might imagine, I'm one of those people who pauses in awe whenever I see a rainbow. It doesn't matter how busy or stressed I am. When a rainbow shows up, I stop for a moment. We saw lots of rainbows in Maui last January and hope to see them again in 2009. Here's one picture that Monica Benoit-Beatty took of them:

I hope you can join us in Hawaii in 2009. In the meantime, may you be inspired to pay attention to the beliefs influencing your perspective in any given moment, be open to changing your beliefs as new information comes to you, and be willing o ease up on someone who sees the world differently. It's not you. It's not that they're stupid. It's just their beliefs.

With sincere wishes for finishing out your summer by creating some new inspiring beliefs about what you can achieve,

Dianna Amorde President, Inspired Leap Consulting Inc. Comments or questions about this newsletter? Email me at damorde@inspiredleap.com. I look forward to hearing from you.

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If your company needs help with inspiring employees to reach new heights in productivity, creativity, morale, and integrity, please contact us at inspiredleap.com or 512-236-0090. If you need some more inspiration or more regular nudging to practice these steps, check out our website to see what's new to inspire you (a visit to The Quiet Room may be just what you need!).