Many things are just a shifted thought away.
“Scintillating ballets of ardently choreographed magic, crackling, popping, and flickering into her edgy preoccupation; sooty specters wafting fragrantly toward the harvest moon’s prenatal party, celebrating the fluffy, flaky ice queens’ eminent deliveries; radiating warmth caressing, and then fervently entering her growing awareness; from its iron-grated stage and red brick playhouse; gently eased the pulsating rhythms of her hamster wheeling mind out of its disquieting dolor and dollar signs. “WOW!!! What an amazing fire!” she exclaimed joyously, as if surprised by its heartwarming presence, when glancing up from her MacBook at the blaze she had kindled nearly an hour before. She then began noticing Sarah McLachlan’s soothing rendition of White Christmas, the festive fragrances of her flickering spruce and cinnamon bell jars, the firelight dancing across her half-filled goblet of pinot, and the peace that was emerging all around her. She marveled at the beauty, and how lost she had become.” (from An Advent for Holiday Stress).
Just A Shifted Thought Away
As conveyed through this belletristic allegory, shifting our focus can change our lives. Obviously this doesn’t work for everything, and it’s harder for some than others, but when we can move ourselves to do it, it makes a difference. Even the idea of shifting our thoughts away from something we’ve always believed to something else is itself such a shift. From micro to macro, from little to big, from start to finish — where to begin.
For instance, if we grow up believing certain things about political, cultural, national, or religious traditions; within the context of a particular language, family, and/or subculture; then these things often seem like spoken or unspoken truths that we don’t even question. This can also apply to our perception of self — who we are in the context of the world. We may have grown up hearing parents, teachers, or peers describe us in certain ways, and we may have internalized our perception of these opinions, beliefs, or judgments as fact, henceforth limiting ourselves, our perceived possibilities, and courses of action to the reaches of such internalized precepts. These beliefs are often subconscious, and may have become part of the automatic, invisible substratum of our human operating system. But are they true? And if so, what level of awareness do these truths represent, and what lies beyond them? Don’t you want to know?
Breaking The Invisible Chains And Writing A Different Story
Many cling to accepted views and derivative lifestyles that appear to be unequivocally clear, black & white, right or wrong; because such concrete, categorical illusion makes the human mind more comfortable, and offers its devotees a false sense of power and control (e.g. being right, receiving desired attention, etc.). But at what cost? How much of what you believe did you arrive at independently? Do you even know? How much have you simply adopted, or accepted, as the prevailing family, cultural, religious, or political party line? Please be honest with yourself, and see if you can figure this out. Wouldn’t it be nice to ascertain such things of your own volition, and to know, beyond the shadow of a doubt, that you have done so? Wouldn’t this lead to a clearer sense of self, greater personal freedom, and increased self empowerment; and if so, wouldn’t this change virtually everything about you, your choices, and your life? When people live according to illusion, their beliefs, whether widely accepted or niche, are the foundational filters that determine everything else, and keep them chained to limitation.
So let’s break these invisible chains and see where the story goes!
2023 Wrapped
As 2023 comes to a screeching halt, I am left holding gratitude, light, and love beyond all measure. Some of the year’s highlights, for me, include serving in the roles of spiritual teacher and alternative healer, the use of music as medicine, an expanding global interest in my music as artist Billy Ray Norris, the writing of 17 new songs, the release of 3 of these as Singles, the realization that I will never settle for less than my soulmate, the further insight that music is my true love and will fill the void until my soulmate appears, an advanced lesson in the acceptance of things that are beyond my control, and a deepened appreciation for the love my parents modeled when I was growing up. If you want to know more, just ask.
2024 Mapped
For me, 2024 promises to be a year of great transformation, elevation, and celebration. I plan to grow healthier and more youthful through meditation, exercise, conscious nutrition, music, and uninterrupted joy; to help people heal and grow through spirituality, alternative healing, and traditional psychotherapy; to complete the production of my next original album; and to once again offer intensive couples therapy to couples from all corners of the globe.
Intensive Couples Therapy In Hawaii
Intensive Couples Therapy, also called Marriage Intensives, or simply Intensives; is a short-term, concentrated approach that gives couples the time they need to get to the root of their issues and restore their relationships. It usually takes place over 3-5 days, is said to roughly equal 3-5 months of weekly therapy, and is especially beneficial for couples experiencing a relationship crisis. In the U.S., these services are typically provided by a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT).
Intensive couples therapy, as I offer it, usually involves 8 hours of concentrated therapy each day, with a lunch break in the middle; and typically lasts 3-5 days (although I have done them as long as 10 days with international couples). If couples have special needs, or if they’re combining the intensive with a romantic get-away; then we could limit the intensive to 4 hours each day.
Since I live in Hawaii, couples I’ve worked with have often combined their intensives with a dreamy Hawaii vacation, or second honeymoon.
Intensive Couples Therapy is not, to my knowledge, covered by insurance; so couples would need to be prepared to pay cash — and it ain’t cheap — but most believe their relationships are worth it.
Please contact me if you’re interested in pursuing Intensive Couples Therapy in Hawaii. You can either call (808) 961-9999 or email me HERE.
Blessings to y’all for a safe, healthy, and prosperous New Year!
Photo Credit: Fire Prince Music, BMI
