Why do we continue to do things that are self-destructive? Whether in relationships, health, or finances, many of us remain trapped in patterns of negative behavior that bring the worst possible results. What have scientists learned that might help us break these destructive patterns, once and for all?

The Healing Power of Beliefs

One area under much scrutiny in traditional and alternative medical circles is the power of a person’s internal beliefs to impact their physiology. You may already be familiar with the placebo effect, but here’s some new information that may startle you. In January of 2008, major news outlets began to report about a groundbreaking clinical study on the use of placebos. More than fifty percent of the doctors in the survey reported prescribing placebos over the previous year. When asked why they would prescribe a placebo to a patient, ninety-six percent of the doctors doing so said they believed they would see a clinical, therapeutic result after prescribing a placebo. In other words, because their patients believed they would feel relief after taking a sugar pill, their bodies actually felt relief. Their patients’ bodies actually produced a healing effect based upon their belief that the placebo would work.

Beliefs Become Physical

What does that research tell us about the mind’s ability to impact a person’s daily actions? If we can feel physical relief from symptoms because we believe we will, doesn’t it make sense that our physical actions are also a result of what we believe? Here’s how Alex Loyd, founder of The Healing Codes, puts it, “Everything a person does, they do because they believe they should.” Before you dismiss his statement, think of some common examples. If we don’t believe we should have to exercise, we don’t usually continue an exercise program long-term. If we believe we should be able to eat whatever we want, we will. Even if we have conflicting beliefs about something, the strongest underlying belief is what drives our actions in that area. That isn’t to say that these are always conscious thoughts controlling us! Our most deeply-held beliefs may be hidden within the unconscious mind, sabotaging healthy behaviors and frustrating our efforts to “will” our way past negative ones.

Change the Belief to Change the Action

Dr. Bruce Lipton, author of The Biology of Belief, found in his research that a person’s beliefs control their physical response to everyday stress, which, in turn, determines their overall health. By changing our most basic beliefs, he determined, we can change our physical response to life. What we can conclude from his research and all the other studies mentioned is that, if we can control our health with our beliefs, we can also stop negative behaviors by changing those same beliefs. That, in fact, is the only way to bring about lasting change. Until we learn to recognize and heal our unconscious negative beliefs, we will never live healthy, successful lives. The lesson to take with you is this — if you continually do things that are destructive to your personal peace, that’s an indicator that your belief system is in need of healing. Once you accept the truth of that, you can start taking the steps to move toward health, happiness, and peace of mind.

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