Taming Your Gremlin: A Surprisingly Simple Method for Getting Out of Your Own Way
Language: English
Pages: 192
ISBN: 0060520221
Format: PDF / Kindle (mobi) / ePub
This is a completely updated edition of the 1983 classic that introduced a powerful method for gaining freedom from self-defeating behaviors and beliefs. Rick Carson, creator of the renowned Gremlin-Taming™ Method, has revised the book to include fresh interactive activities, real-life vignettes we can all identify with, and new loathsome gremlins ripe for taming. Carson blends his laid-back style, Taoist wisdom, the Zen Theory of Change, and sound psychology in an easy-to-understand, unique, and practical system for banishing the nemesis within. Among the things you will learn are:
- Techniques for getting a sliver of light between the natural you and the monster of your mind.
- The extraordinary power of simply noticing and playing with options.
- Six keys to maintaining emotional balance amid upheaval.
again feeling your breath pass lightly over the back of your heart. In your mind say the words, “My gremlin.” Notice the surface of your skin once again. Gently lift your eyelids. It will be as if you are peering out from within your body into a multidimensional movie—the world around you. You may at this same instant be aware of your skin tingling and feeling very alive. I call this state of separateness being centered. BEING CENTERED Being centered is simply one way of being. For goodness’
the world as it actually exists. That is why your gremlin uses them. Direct contact with your own rich experience in the current moment leads to excitement, and excitement is a prerequisite for experiencing the vibrancy of existence. Lack of contact will, over time, lead to boredom, and boredom is no more than a form of deadening yourself, something your gremlin loves for you to do. As you begin to differentiate yourself from your gremlin, you will find it easier and easier to simply notice your
are gremlin terms that dampen the spirit of experimentation. Instead, simply change for a change. Play around. As you become aware of an outdated concept or an old habitual behavior, consider playing with changing the behavior. Change for the moment. To vow to change forever sets you up for a gremlin attack, since that wily master of misery will turn your vow into a should with which to beat you over the head. To vow to change forever would be no more than to develop a new habit or a new act.
him with a sense of detachment and choose and play with options. So now we have three options to play with: Breathe and fully experience Change for a change Accent the obvious The following is another option: JUST IMAGINE IT There is a great deal of emphasis nowadays on the belief or at least the possibility that if you can imagine something, you can have it. It’s a lie. At least it’s not true in my experience, and I’ve given the theory a first-class run for its money. That’s not to say
a successful research psychologist whose gremlin had him convinced that unless his (the gremlin’s) advice was followed, Joseph would eventually become destitute and lonely. From time to time, Joseph’s gremlin showed him a beautiful painting entitled Joseph Leading a Happy Life. He convinced Joseph that fulfillment, happiness, and general comfort with himself would result once Joseph had arranged his circumstances and his life into a living version of the beautiful painting. As Joseph began to