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Weekly Newsletter Archive >
Choose a Different Lens
Choose a Different Lens
Oct 29, 2009
Did you know? An event has no emotional impact until we give it meaning according to our beliefs, values, past experiences, likes and dislikes. In other words, our perception of any event is our reality! How you think defines and determines how you react in any given circumstance. One person may see an event in a positive way while another may see it as disastrous. Many times, we see another person or situation in a very negative or unrealistic way, which may cause us needless stress, anxiety, fear, frustration or unhappiness. There is a very effective and relatively simple method for dealing with these illogical, unrealistic or negative perceptions. The experts call it “reframing.”
Much like reframing an old picture can give it new life, so can reframing the situations that cause us stress. According to Dr. Don Colbert, author of The Seven Pillars of Health, the term “reframing” means learning to see the past, present and future in a positive light.
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a treatment that focuses on unhealthy patterns of thinking and the beliefs that underlie them. For example, a person who is depressed may hold the belief, "I’m worthless," and a person with a phobia may hold the belief, "I am in danger." By using CBT, the person is encouraged to view the belief as just one possible interpretation rather than fact and to monitor their thoughts. In this way they can retrain themselves develop more constructive thought patterns.
The Bible is the original source of CBT. Romans 12:2 Amplified: “Do not be conformed to this world (this age), [fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs], but be transformed (changed) by the [entire] renewal of your mind [by its new ideals and its new attitude], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God, even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His sight for you].”
It’s so easy to dwell on negative thoughts and situations. Reframing is a way of challenging yourself to see the positive in everything that is happening around you, however bad it may seem. It gives you hope that even in a hurtful situation, there are lessons to be learned. Every situation can be reframed – you just have to learn to pay attention to your thoughts and be willing to challenge them rather than blindly accept them. When your perception changes, your response and behavior change as well.
Free 3-D Living Basics E-Book
Every coaching package is based on the 3-D Living Program. You can learn a little more about the program by clicking the Free Resources link and requesting the free e-book. Share it with friends and family and when you are ready to take the next step in improving your health, contact me and we can discuss the coaching package right for you.
Free Online Christian Conference
I am one of four speakers at the second annual Reaching for the Hem online conference which has been rescheduled for November 7th! I will be speaking at 1:00 pm on how to live a 3-D life. I know this will be a time of great refreshing and encouragement. Please join me on November 7th!
When I first learned about this, I asked the Lord to show me how to best use it in my life and to help my clients. He explained it to me this way: “Refocus your lens.” When you try to photograph something very close up with a narrow lens, it can become distorted. It also magnifies the flaws. When we look at a person or situation through a narrow lens, we can become overly critical and nit-picky. If we simply refocus to a wide-angle lens, we can then see the “big picture” so to speak. Everything returns to the proper perspective and proportion. It makes all the difference.
If your dad was cold and unaffectionate or harsh and abusive, you may see all “fathers” that way, including God. Refocus.
If you observe your husband or wife with that narrow lens, every little fault is magnified and becomes annoying. Refocus – look at the big picture – see their generosity, diligence and sensitivity. Maybe you didn’t get the new job or promotion. You can get down on yourself and be upset or refocus – thank God you still have a job and believe God has something better for you.
Reframing or refocusing, as I call it, is finding the positive in any situation. There is always something we can learn and some positive we can glean from it. We can’t always control what happens to us, however, we ALWAYS have the power to choose to control our response to it. Making that conscious decision to challenge thoughts, not just accept them, begins with renewing your mind to the Word of God. The apostle Paul illustrated this concept beautifully for us in 2 Corinthians 4:8 NLT: “We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed.” Talk about finding the positive!
You can choose to be a victim or a victor who intentionally makes a decision to learn from events and move on. Things can be problems or challenges; disasters or opportunities; stumbling blocks or stepping stones. People can be stubborn, shy and slow or determined, sensitive and thorough. We are told in 1 Corinthians 13:7 Amplified: “Love... is ever ready to believe the best of every person...” That includes thinking well of yourself!
Instead of dwelling on the negatives, refocus your lens and find the hidden blessing! You can do this with nearly every situation – even the most traumatic ones. This may sound simplistic, but by choosing to practice this Biblical principle, you will reduce your stress level dramatically and improve your health and relationships as well. Just remember that this is a process. Don’t be hard on yourself as you learn to refocus. Changing any habit takes time and this is no exception.
We are always to find the beautiful and good in our lives. Every good and perfect gift comes to us from God (James 1:17); He sees us and all He created and calls us “good” (Genesis 1:10); every situation may not be inherently “good” but God can turn it to our good (Genesis 50:20); we are to thank God IN all circumstances (1 Thess. 5:18) and overcome evil with good (Romans 12:21).
Do you need any more reasons to begin refocusing today?
As always, until next week, I wish you abundant, overflowing health, peace and joy and I call you BLESSED!
Ann
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