Welcome to Module Two
Unlearning Who We Thought We Were: Investigating Belief Systems
We often move through our lives completely unaware of the degree to which unconscious programming is running the show, and that so many of the behavioral patterns and belief systems that frame our reality are not actually “ours” at all. Unlearning who we thought we were to come home to a more nurturing, nourishing, authentic state of existence takes courage, curiosity, and a whole lot of compassion.
In this module, we will dissect limiting belief systems, implicit bias, microaggressions, patterns of victimhood, and disposability politics. We will also dive into our destination vibration.
LIMITING BELIEF SYSTEMS
Limiting Belief Systems are learned very young through our family and friends, as well as through the social and cultural environments we were groomed within. Because we are so entrenched in them, we believe them to be “natural” and “right” and “true.”
When we can begin to bring some awareness to these less than helpful—limiting—beliefs, we can begin to ask ourselves if we actually know these things to be true, and if it’s possible that they are not.
IMPLICIT BIAS
This relates to ways in which a person is unaware of how their belief systems and worldview inform their thoughts and behaviors in society. These are limiting belief systems that come to impact the quality of life of others.
MICROAGGRESSIONS
Microaggressions are a symptom and example of Implicit Bias and Limiting Belief Systems. These are comments, assumptions, and gestures in social situations that are rooted in stereotypes of a social group. These are downplayed or explained away due to their seemingly “micro” nature without considering their cumulative effects or harmful logics and impacts.
PATTERNS OF VICTIMHOOD
We all have patterns of victimhood that arise when we are operating in fear and reactivity rather than a conscious state of awareness. These patterns surface any time we are unable to accept the “what is” in a situation, circumstance, or relationship in our lives. We often think that we are entitled to things being different than they are, and expect to be comfortable and have our needs met in every situation.
DISPOSABILITY POLITICS
Disposability Politics are rooted in a form of victimhood and punishment that seek to dismiss entire complex humans for a mistake or a series of mistakes.
When unconscious trauma and pain smuggle themselves into our relationships, communities, and organizing efforts, we’ll often resort to Ego building practices that perpetuate harm by dismissing someone based on their mistakes rather than providing them an opportunity to be accountable to themselves and their community by taking responsibility for harmful actions and learning from them.
