The assigned reading titled The Anatomy of Internalized Beliefs deals with how beliefs about the soul can be transformed into unquestioned assumptions about how things are. These assumptions need not be conscious in order for them to direct the course of a life. But beliefs about the soul are not the only beliefs that can be internalized as assumptions. Early on in our lives or subsequent to childhood, we make various decisions about who we are. Some of these decisions can become enduring and persistent beliefs that can be transformed as basic assumptions that covertly guide our thinking, decisions, and actions. Some of these non-conscious “who I am” assumptions can be sources of empowerment. Others can limit what we do, place restrictions on our relationships, and distort our self-perceptions. For the purpose of this exercise, these assumptions about ourselves will be referred to as core beliefs. If you are not able to articulate one of your core self-beliefs, select one of the above that comes close to describing how you sometimes feel.
In this assignment, identify one of your core beliefs about yourself and write a 2-page paper that includes the following elements:
· A statement of the core belief
· When and under what conditions do you think it was formed
· How it has influenced your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in the past
· How it currently influences your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors
· Finally, after you have thought about one of your core self-beliefs, consider (in writing) if it “makes sense” to keep it or if the time has come revise it or let it go.
One of the most difficult parts of this assignment is isolating a core self-belief because core self-beliefs tend to be elusive. In fact, you might not be able to identify a core belief, but you will be able to locate one of its neighbors. It might be useful to review the following examples of core self-beliefs that students have identified and written about in the past.
· I am a special person, destined for fame
· I am courageous
· I am imposter – “I hope nobody ever discovers how weak and incompetent I really am”
· I am under-rated by people around me
· I am honest
· I am stupid
· I am unloved and unlovable
· I am a person who is consistently misunderstood
· I am polite
· Underneath it all, I don’t feel like I am a person of worth
· I am invincible
· I am unattractive
· It’s important to me that everyone like me
· Underneath it all, I am a phony
· I am outgoing
· I am a good listener
· I always keep my word
Get The Answer