MBE in Clinical Practice Session 12 Discussion

Session 12: Living in True Self

12.2 My Personal Truths

What are some of the personal truths by which you live your life? List as many as you feel necessary in the space below. Use extra paper if needed:

1. I am passionate
2. I am a procrastinator
3. I enjoy learning
4. I care about the environment
5. I care about other people’s pain and suffering
6. I am sensitive to criticism and judgment
7. I can be self absorbed in relationships
8. I am adventurous
9. I love animals and nature



In what positive ways have your personal truths helped you to live the life you want to live? List them below:

Enjoying nature and having energy to explore
2. Doing work that is helpful to others
3. Making personal decisions/choices that help the environment
4. I have some caring friends and support system


In what ways have your own personal truths hindered you from living up to your own potential? From living the life you would like to lead?

1. Disorganized home
2. Shirking responsibilities that don’t appeal to me - not going to dentist, not taking care of finances, etc.
3. Not having a savings fund
4. Don’t have as many friendships as I would like
5.

In what ways could you change your personal truths to help you to live up to your own full potential? List those changes below:

1. Possibly, I could be aware of things that I have made my truth and make peace or make other accommodations - rather than to keep trying to change unsuccessfully.
2. I could ask for help
3. I could reframe these truths or even re-evaluate them.
4.
5.


12.3 Positive Affirmations of My Personal Truths


Rephrase any circled responses from the previous exercise, My Personal Truths, so that they are more helpful to you in achieving the life you would like to live:

1. I tend towards procrastination with things that are “boring” to me and I can tolerate feelings of boredom.
2. I can be self-absorbed in relationships without even knowing it and being aware of it helps to ameliorate it.
3. I am aware of criticism and judgement of others as well as the somatic response the follows - I don’t have to respond in ways I have in the past.


Was this exercise difficult for you? Why or why not?

Not really - I spend a lot of time evaluating my personal characteristics and stories that I tell myself.


Did you notice any recurring themes? Were these themes positive or negative?

I noticed some negative and positive reoccurring themes.

How could you adapt more positive personal truths to help you live the life you would like to live?

I could be aware of my language when describing myself and others - avoiding the global, external, and permanent thinking.


12.4 What I See when I Look in the Mirror

Look into a mirror, preferably a full-length mirror, and describe what you see in as much detail as possible. Use the space below to record your observations and descriptions.

I see a person/woman who I can find many flaws with. I notice in great detail perceived imperfections with notes of disgust. I also see some beauty and attractive qualities. I have reddish hair and pale skin littered with freckles and other marks like red dots, scars and some pimples. I notice tiny hairs all over my face and the impulse to pluck some of the longer ones. I observe my bright blue eyes and when I stare too long - I feel uncomfortable. I see softness in the face - and can sense I genuine longing for peace and acceptance. I see piercings and tattoos - they look beautiful to me - but I can find fault or judgement if I look long enough. Taking a broader view - I immediately point out areas of my body that appear “overweight” or fat. I notice my belly and how it slightly spills out of my pants. Looking closed - I notice the skin on my arm is hanging looser than in previous years. I notice wrinkles around my eyes and I am honing in on the puffiness under my eyes - wondering if that is all others can see when they look at me.



12.8 What I Would Tell My Fairy Godmother


You’re walking in the woods when you meet your own special Fairy Godmother. She offers to grant you a single wish, but this Fairy Godmother cannot change other people. She cannot change the world. This Fairy Godmother can only change things about the way you think and feel. The Fairy Godmother asks you what you would like to change about yourself.
What would you tell your Fairy Godmother? Answer the questions below in the space provided:

What would you ask the Fairy Godmother to change about the way you think?

I would ask FG to help me let go of harsh criticism - of both myself and others. To transform my defensiveness and sensitivity to empathy, love and connection to all sentient beings. I would ask her to help ease my fear and anxiety and questioning about my decisions. I would also ask for less negative and fear based thoughts. Lastly, I would ask for the incessant thought activity and mindless chatter to quiet so I can listen to my inner voice/feelings and be open to the world around me.

What would you ask the Fairy Godmother to change about the way you feel?

I would ask her to help me be have less negative reactions - as well as feeling left-out in social situations. I would as her to help quickly transform my frustration into calm and my anger into love. I would as for my relentless insecurity to be replaced with confidence and security in the present moment.


What would you ask the Fairy Godmother to change about the assumptions you have made concerning your life?

I would like her to remind me that these assumptions are stories I have told myself and others have told about me. I would like to remember that many things that make up my “self” are products of past experiences that have shaped my automatic reactions - they don’t have to remain permanent.


What would you ask the Fairy Godmother to change about the assumptions you have made about your ability to live fully in your True Self?

I would like to change the idea I have that I can only be my true self when I am alone or in nature - and that no one really knows me or understands me.