“It’s very simple, really, what I try to do. People come to a fork in the road. They’re confused. They don’t know which way to take. I just put up a signpost: ‘Not that way. This way.’” Claude Rains as Dr. Jaquith in “Now Voyager”
Each of us interacts with the world from our own unique perspective. This interaction is built up of all our past and present experiences and dictates how we approach new situations and encounters. You went this way, and this happened. You didn’t go that way, and that happened. Over time, this becomes the unexamined and unconscious criteria you use to make future decisions, which can limit your ability to imagine new horizons.
Maybe you’ve asked yourself the following:
- What do I want to start but haven’t started?
- What do I want to stop but haven’t stopped?
- What do I want to say but haven’t said?
- What do I want to see, but haven’t been able to see?
- What have I felt but haven’t expressed?
- What do I want to change but haven’t changed?
Moving to a place of illumination starts with gaining clarity and insight about where you’ve been, where you are now, and where you’re heading.
Which is all well and good – but how exactly do you do that?
Let me show you the way!
I’ve developed a powerful and proven three-step process called Examine Envision Emerge that will help you get started on this journey of discovery! You’ll learn how to examine your current thought patterns and belief systems; envision what you want to have, be, do, or change in your life; and chart a new course to emerge into the light of a brighter future.
The purpose is to challenge existing assumptions and attitudes that may no longer serve you and explore ways to shift your perspective in order to consider new horizons. Because sometimes all it takes is a subtle shift in perspective, an opening of the mind, or an intentional pause and reset to begin to see new possibilities.
Let’s take a closer look at each step in the process!
Examine: “What Is”
“If you start to look around, you will start to see.” Anne Lamott
To know where you want to go and determine how to get there, you must begin by understanding where you are now and recognizing or reaffirming what you already know about yourself. We begin with what Ram Das calls “planting seeds of awareness”: you examine without judgment your present circumstances and your current thoughts, beliefs, assumptions, feelings, and fears. Those without a clear idea of what they’re doing and why they’re doing it will not have the foundation to keep going in the face of change or challenge. Your ability to acknowledge What Is is a vital first step in getting from where you are now to where you want to be.
Envision: “What Might Be”
“Knowledge of what is does not open the door directly to what might be.” Albert Einstein
The next step is to envision where you want to be and why, and what you’re willing and not willing to do to get there. If you can’t see it, you can’t be it – and you won’t be able to change it. A sense of purpose is essential to success and effectiveness. At the heart of this step is giving yourself permission to identify all of the alternatives, possibilities, and options regarding what you want to have, be, do, or change in your life. You will learn how to look within, listen, and recognize What Might Be, not just what is. Getting clear is the key to opening the door; moving forward with confidence; and easing the way as you step into the unknown.
Emerge: “What Will Be”
“It will all become clear as we walk along. It is in walking a path that we come to understanding.” Margaret George
The final step is moving from thought to action, making a conscious effort to change the way you perceive and interact with the world. Having examined the path you’re on now and envisioning a different way ahead, you will learn how to chart a new course; retrace your steps to understand how you got to where you are; or perhaps choose another destination altogether. The goal is to empower you to make conscious, creative choices, know the next right action, and develop the momentum you’ll need to bring forth What Will Be.
All of my books, webinars, blogs, and videos incorporate one, some, or all of these steps. Ready to get started? Feel free to wander at will through this website!
Want to know how Examine Envision Emerge literally rescued me? Check out EEE To the Rescue to see how I put this process into practice when I locked myself in my barn!