“You are love and joy and freedom and clarity expressing...”
— Esther and Jerry Hicks

BY MARSHA COOK
The last issue of Silver Threads asked the question “What is your truth” and began the explanation of how to embark upon a journey of frank and honest discovery. It reminded all how important it is to be an open and willing spirit; and provided that the earliest steps to be taken included healthy breathing, quiet space and the gift of contemplation, with a touch of optional journaling. This issue will focus on something called “Core Beliefs.” When you can tap into your core beliefs you will easily locate your truth. What is a core belief?

As with truth, let’s begin with what your Core Belief’s are not. They are not convictions that are shaped by life experiences or interactions, by success or failure. (By the way - is there really such a thing as failure?) A core belief is something you know deep in your heart. It is as simple as that. Oprah Winfrey writes an article entitled “What I Know For Sure” in every issue of her “O” magazine. It is always the article you read after everything else. She writes about things she knows in her core.

Everyone has a wealth of this profound knowledge within. Core beliefs are as much a part of you as your heart, your brain, and the air you breathe. Your core beliefs are your truth. When you live them, there is no doubt about your convictions, your integrity, or the way in which you make decisions. Living from your core provides you with a path on which to journey that honors yourself in all aspects of your being. In the “marsha g. cook book of definitions” honoring yourself and loving yourself are one in the same.

You may be asking, “OK, so how do I recognize my core beliefs?” Let’s dive into that right now. Turn off your phone, text message device, television, radio, etc! Take a moment, be sure you are seated comfortably and close your eyes. Concentrate on taking deep, slow, cleansing breaths. You should be relaxed and focused on the task at hand. This state allows you to connect with the “One” and the Universe. (Don’t look now, you are meditating!)

With an open mind ask to be shown one core belief. It will be something you know without all the scripted occurrences of your life. For example, you may discover that kindness is one of the most important functions of your being. Believing strongly in the act of kindness as a way to conduct yourself affects countless interactions, behaviors and decisions, for you, and for those around you. Take your time and allow the wisdom within to rise to the surface.

Now that you have discovered one core belief, take a few more moments to identify some others. Are you on the outside what you are on the inside? How congruent is your inner-self with your outer-self? Have you noticed there are times when you choose one behavior while another feels more comfortably familiar, perhaps wiser? That which feels better, more familiar, even calm is from your core. By living from your core each day will become the precious gift it is meant to be. In this state of clarity and openness anger and odium will recede unneeded from your psyche; colors will be brighter; laughter more full and robust; and the love you know will deepen and spread to those with whom you have a bond; the relationships that surround you will blossom like flowers in spring; you will have come to the understanding that there are no strangers in your world, just people you have not yet met. What an amazing revelation it is to understand each of us is connected to every living thing in our universe.

The last statement is one of the great truths that all have the power to share. I cannot envision a sweeter wish for you, dear readers, than to find the strength and clarity to journey to the center of your being to discover and live your truths. Want to live your best life? Live from your core! Practice your very own truth!

Marsha is a master’s graduate of The Clayton College of Natural Healt and a certified personal trainer. Contact Marsha at info@marshagcook.com