personal development – Allan Johnson, PhD

The Interplay of Thoughts, Emotions, and Behaviors: Unlocking the Path to Emotional Intelligence

Posted on August 3, 2024August 1, 2024 by Allan Johnson in habits, intention, meditation

Understanding the dynamic interplay between thoughts, emotions, and behaviours is crucial for gaining insights into human cognition and behaviour. This interconnectedness forms the basis of our experiences, shaping how we perceive and interact with the world around us. Our thoughts influence our emotions, which in turn affect our behaviour, creating a complex web of reactions to internal and external stimuli.

Emotions play a crucial role in our daily lives and influence our behaviour and interactions with the world around us. They are complex, multifaceted experiences that encompass a wide range of feelings, from joy and love to anger and fear. These physiological sensations often occur instinctively, triggered by external stimuli or internal thoughts, and can manifest in a variety of ways, such as increased heart rate, changes in body temperature or muscle tension. Our somatic awareness is an essential part of experiencing emotions, as we can become very aware of these physical changes when we are overwhelmed by strong feelings. Once triggered, emotions can profoundly affect our thoughts and cognitive processes, causing us to interpret and react to situations in certain ways. For example, feeling sad can lead us to think about underlying causes, while fear can lead to thoughts that focus on potential threats or dangers. Understanding the complex relationship between emotions and cognitive processes is essential to understanding the complexity of human experience and behaviour.

Behaviours emerge from these thoughts. Sometimes these behaviours are automatic and beyond our control. In most cases, however, we have control over our actions. It is important to recognise that we have different behavioural options at any given moment, but our mind tends to quickly jump from an emotion to a thought to a behaviour. This quick transition is driven by our mind’s perception of what is best for us, but this is not always correct. By becoming more aware of this process, we can learn to pause and consider our reactions more consciously. By acknowledging the power we have to choose our behaviour, we can exert more influence over our interactions and the outcomes we experience. This heightened awareness allows us to navigate challenging situations with more grace and control, developing a greater sense of emotional intelligence and well-being.

Developing an awareness of this cycle is essential to our emotional and mental well-being. The sequence of emotions leading to thoughts, which in turn lead to behaviours, forms a loop in which each element can influence the others. By becoming aware of this process, we can gain greater insight into our own thought patterns and emotional responses. Through practises such as meditation, we can develop the ability to break this cycle, leading to more positive, beneficial and healthy behaviours. Meditation helps us to recognise when our automatic mind is taking over and allows us to pause and decide how we want to respond rather than react impulsively. This focussed awareness is a central theme in many guided meditation exercises, enabling individuals to cultivate a sense of inner peace and emotional resilience.

Our mind often wanders off into either the past or the future. If it focuses on the past, this can lead to rumination —the replaying of old, limiting stories and identities. If it looks to the future, it can trigger anxiety by playing out scenarios that may never materialise. By practicing meditation, we cultivate a greater awareness of the present, as if we were shining a bright light in an attic to see all the little details of our inner world. This practise helps us to build a different relationship with our inner world and better align our outer behaviour with our true self.

Overcoming challenges is a fundamental aspect of the human experience, an enduring journey that shapes our character and resilience. Meditation and self-reflection are powerful tools on this journey, giving us the opportunity to delve deep into our inner thoughts and feelings. However, it is important to recognise that these practises are not quick fixes that bring instant results, but are ongoing processes that we continually nurture and develop. As we navigate through the complexities of life, we endeavour to create harmony and consistency between our inner aspirations and the reality of our outer world. Often our minds may conjure up various excuses and resistance to change, but it is in these moments that our commitment to growth and self-improvement is revealed.

Our ego often resists this practise, preferring convenience and ease to the introspection and effort required for meditation. For example, if you decide to get up early to meditate, the voice of the ego may tempt you to stay in bed instead. This voice is looking for novelty and convenience, remnants of our evolutionary past when it was vital to conserve energy. It is important to recognise that this resistance is a natural part of the human experience, rooted in the instinct to avoid discomfort and seek instant gratification. However, through mindfulness and self-awareness, we can learn to observe these impulses without being controlled by them. By acknowledging the role of the ego in our behaviour and choices, we can begin to develop a healthier relationship with our thoughts and actions.

We no longer live as hunter-gatherers. Today we can consciously recognise when the old patterns of our ancient mind emerge and make different choices. The rational, conscious part of our mind understands the importance of meditation and urges us to continue despite resistance. When we take the time to reflect on our thoughts and feelings, we gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us. This self-knowledge enables us to make healthier choices and face life’s challenges with more clarity and purpose. Through mindfulness and self-reflection, we can develop a deeper connection to our inner self and cultivate a greater sense of inner peace and fulfilment.

The further we progress on our journey of personal growth and self-discovery, the more important it becomes to find ways to stay inspired. Simple acts such as lighting a candle or burning incense can create a calm and uplifting atmosphere that allows us to reconnect with our inner selves. These small, intentional acts can reignite our enthusiasm and remind our ego of the importance and deeper meaning of the practise. It is important to remember that showing up regularly and enduring resistance are integral parts of the journey to a more aligned and aware self. By recognising and working on obstacles and challenges, we can cultivate our resilience and strengthen our commitment to personal development.

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If you want to start putting these ideas into action, you can sign up for Integrative Meditation (Level 1). This course represents the culmination of years of learning, practice, and personal growth. Integrative Meditation is a comprehensive framework designed to enhance your mental and emotional well-being. It draws on Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), positive psychology, neuroscience, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), journaling, and breathwork to support you in reducing stress, enhancing focus, building emotional resilience, and discovering your true self.

Mindfulness and Meditation: Embracing Thoughts Without Being Controlled by Them

Posted on July 20, 2024July 20, 2024 by Allan Johnson in habits, intention, meditation

Through meditation we can develop a different relationship with our thoughts, a more mindful approach that allows us to observe them without being controlled by them. By meditating regularly, we can cultivate a sense of inner peace and self-knowledge and gain the ability to recognise our thoughts and feelings without being overwhelmed by them. This process enables us to face life’s challenges with greater clarity and purpose, improving our overall wellbeing and mental resilience. As we continue to deepen our meditation practise, we may find that our capacity for empathy, compassion and understanding expands, leading to more harmonious relationships with others and a deep sense of connection with the world around us.

With any meditation practise, there is a natural evolution of motivation. This initial enthusiasm can change over time, which is natural in any meditation practise. In the beginning, everything feels exciting and positive, but you may experience phases where interest, concentration or motivation wane. Overcoming these phases can lead to renewed interest. It is important that you recognise that fluctuations in motivation are part of the journey and that they provide opportunities for self-reflection and growth. Accepting the ebbs and flows of motivation can deepen your understanding of the practise and lead to a more sustainable and fulfilling meditation experience. In addition, the support of a community or teacher during times of waning motivation can provide valuable insight and encouragement, helping individuals to manage and overcome these inevitable periods of fluctuation.

And I’m certainly not perfect; my own meditation practise has its ups and downs. There are times when I feel unhappy, stressed or anxious when I skip a few days. It’s not about shaming ourselves, but gently returning to our practise without judgement. And then when I look into my body and realise something is wrong, I know it’s probably because I haven’t meditated for several days, and that’s okay. It’s important to acknowledge the fluctuations in our practise and treat ourselves with kindness during these times. By accepting imperfection, we can grow and learn from our experiences, leading to a deeper sense of compassion and understanding for ourselves and others. As we master the fluctuations of our meditation journey, we develop resilience and a greater capacity for self-awareness, leading to a more meaningful and fulfilling practise.

It’s just a matter of noticing when you have drifted away from the practise for a while, perhaps due to a busy schedule or unexpected life demands, and allowing yourself to gently and non-judgementally return to the meditation practise. It’s natural for our attention to wander, but the key is to recognise this without berating ourselves. Instead, we can use these moments as an opportunity to practise the art of returning to the present moment and reconnect with the essence of meditation. With each return, we strengthen our ability to be present and we cultivate a kind and compassionate relationship with our own mind.

In meditation, the process of noticing our thoughts plays a crucial role in achieving a state of mindfulness. By recognising our thoughts without judging them, we create space for introspection and self-awareness. As we apply this practise, we gradually develop the ability to intentionally direct our thoughts and gently nudge them to flow like a calm river, free from the confines of overthinking. Just as a gentle breeze carries the clouds across the sky, we learn to let our thoughts meander through our consciousness and observe them with a sense of detachment and calm. Through this mindful observation, we cultivate a deep sense of inner peace and clarity that allows us to experience the present moment with a heightened sense of awareness and serenity.

Through our meditation practise, we start to develop a deeper understanding of the nature of our thoughts and feelings. We learn to observe the fluctuating patterns of our mind without getting caught up in them. In this way, we can cultivate a sense of detachment from our thoughts and create space for a more balanced and peaceful state of being. As we continue to practise, we become more adept at simply noticing our thoughts without judging them or holding on to them, and eventually allowing them to emerge and disappear without causing us distress. This process of non-attachment allows us to experience a greater sense of clarity and inner freedom, enabling us to face life’s challenges with a calmer and more resilient attitude.

And just as our thoughts constantly flow in a stream of consciousness, so our emotions constantly flow in a stream of consciousness. This constant flow of thoughts and emotions shapes our perceptions, reactions and ultimately our reality. It is fascinating to observe how our inner world mirrors the ever-changing outer world, creating a dynamic interplay between our thoughts, emotions and the environment around us. As we move through life, this stream of consciousness reminds us that we are connected to the world. It influences our experiences and the way we interact with others.

We are constantly bombarded with stimuli, events and interactions with other people, creating a complex web of feelings, thoughts and emotions. This intricate web can often lead to behaviours that are not conducive to our wellbeing or that of those around us. However, through the practise of meditation, we gain the ability to observe how our feelings and thoughts automatically translate into behaviours. With consistent practise, we gradually develop the ability to intercept and break the negative cycle that can manifest when harmful thoughts and emotions lead to negative or limiting behaviours. This increased awareness allows for a greater sense of control and the ability to respond to stimuli in a more attentive and constructive way.

Just as people lift weights at the gym to get stronger or run on the treadmill to develop more stamina and speed, through meditation we train our mind’s ability to notice when a thought or emotion immediately and unconsciously turns into an outward behaviour, especially if that outward behaviour is not what we want to do. Through consistent practise, meditation allows us to cultivate a sense of inner calm and awareness so that we are able to respond to situations with greater clarity and purpose. It helps us to be more mindful of our thoughts and feelings by creating space between stimulus and response. This increased mindfulness can lead to healthier and more conscious responses and promote a sense of control over our actions and behaviours. In addition, meditation can also promote emotional resilience as we learn to manage challenging emotions with a sense of calmness and balance.

One of the reasons why the breath is so often used as an object of meditation is that the breath is a constant in our lives that is always available to us, whether we realise it or not. Its inherent neutrality allows it to be used as a focal point without distracting or biassing us. The rhythmic nature of the breath, its gentle rise and fall, provides a calming and grounding sensation and makes it an ideal anchor for our attention during meditation practise. The more we tune into our breath, the more we may also discover that its patterns and subtleties provide insights into our emotional and mental state, opening up a deeper level of awareness and connection with ourselves.

We notice when the mind begins to wander and then return to the present without judgement. This observation of the mind wandering and gently bringing it back to the present moment is a fundamental aspect of mindfulness meditation. It allows us to cultivate awareness and acceptance of our thoughts and feelings without getting caught up in self-criticism. The idea of non-judgement is very important here, as it creates a space for self-compassion and kindness towards ourselves. In meditation practise, every moment is an opportunity to start again, to let go of distractions and refocus our attention on the present. It is a constant process of returning, re-centring and embracing the unfolding of each moment with an open heart and mind.

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Cultivating Present Moment Awareness: Your Journey to Mindful Living

Posted on July 16, 2024July 17, 2024 by Allan Johnson in meditation

My approach to meditation is deeply rooted in the belief that we can enrich our understanding of mind and psychology by incorporating a variety of contemporary approaches and influences on meditation. This holistic approach allows us to cultivate a greater sense of contentment, joy, pleasure, and connectedness in our daily lives. By embracing various meditation techniques and principles, we can tap into a deep well of strength and establish a regular and consistent meditation practise that serves as a source of inner strength and calm.

I want you to start by imagining a really happy memory from your life— perhaps a holiday with family or friends, or a great experience you had with a partner, child, or parent. Think of one of those truly happy, transcendent moments that keep popping up in our lives, moments that we savour and are grateful for when they happen. Maybe it was a sunny day at the beach, with the waves lapping gently against the shore and a cool breeze caressing your skin. Or maybe it was a special occasion, like a birthday party full of laughter and joy, surrounded by the people you love. These moments are like treasures that we carry with us, brightening our days and reminding us of the beauty and happiness that life has to offer.

As you recall this memory, I want you to become aware of all the sensory details, all the things you perceive in this scene as you let it reappear in your mind’s eye. Try to imagine the colours, the sounds and the scents that surround you at that moment. Feel the temperature on your skin and the feelings that were stirred up inside you. Let the scene play out like a vivid film in your mind’s eye and explore every detail and feeling associated with it. Now pay attention to where your thoughts are. Is it running into the future, into a time after this event? Is it going back to something that happened before that time? Or does it really only seem to focus on that one big, happy, transcendent moment?

It’s probably focussing primarily on that one moment, because that’s what these big, happy moments do for us. They create a sense of ‘present moment awareness’, a sense that we really are in this moment. The past does exist and the future will inevitably come, but neither seems that important in this moment. This is something I call ‘time-orientation’. Our mind tends to spend a lot of time in places that are not the present. It often dwells on the past, going over memories, stories, limiting beliefs and moments of shame or embarrassment. This leads to a mindset of rumination where we replay past events. In contrast, when we experience these profound moments, it is as if time stands still and we can only focus on the beauty and joy of that particular moment. It is as if the rest of the world fades away and we are completely immersed in the blissful present. This heightened awareness and connection to the present moment can bring about a deep appreciation for the simple yet extraordinary things that happen in our daily lives and remind us to cherish every moment.

I won’t deny that the past has happened or that bad things have happened. But maybe our minds spend a little too much time there. Memories, both good and bad, can have a powerful impact on our thoughts, shaping our present and influencing our future. It is important to acknowledge the past, learn from it and then gently release it from our thoughts. Similarly, our minds can also focus excessively on the future, on things that have not yet happened. This is where anxiety arises as we visualise things that could or might happen. The unknown can be scary, but finding a balance between recognising the future and living in the present can help to lighten the burden of worry and anxiety.

Our orientation to time plays an important role in shaping our thoughts and emotions. It constantly pulls us into the past, where we brood, or into the future, where we are afraid. It is a common human experience to dwell on past mistakes or worry about the future, but these tendencies can often overshadow the richness of the present moment. When we constantly project our thoughts backwards or forwards, we miss out on the opportunities and experiences that are available in the present. By consciously focussing our attention on the here and now, we have the opportunity to fully engage with our surroundings, connect with others and enjoy the beauty of the present moment.

One of the most important tools we use to create a stronger connection to the awareness of the present moment is the so- called meditation object. A meditation object is anything that we use to focus and centre our mind — a tool that we draw upon. This can be a sound, a body sensation, a mantra or a visualisation. In this module, we will focus on the breath. When we focus on the breath, we pay attention to the rising and falling of the chest, the sensation of air flowing in and out through the nostrils, and the rhythm of inhaling and exhaling. This practise can help us to develop a sense of calm and presence as we focus our attention on the natural and constant rhythm of our breathing. By refining our ability to stay present with the breath, we develop a valuable skill that we can use in various aspects of our lives to promote mindfulness and emotional regulation.

The breath is often the best and simplest meditation object. When we focus on the sensation of the breath, we start where we are most physically aware of it. The first step is to notice how the breath moves through the nostrils, how the chest expands or how the belly rises and falls. This will serve as a starting point for the mind to return to when it begins to wander. As we continue to practise, we may find that our awareness of the breath deepens and we can observe the subtle changes in its rhythm and temperature. We may also become more sensitive to the connection between our breath and our emotional state, noticing how it can become shallow and hurried in times of stress and slow and deep in moments of calm. By regularly meditating on the breath, we can cultivate a greater sense of presence and peace and gradually train our mind to become more focussed and aware both on and off the cushion.

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This course represents the culmination of years of learning, practice, and personal growth. Integrative Meditation is a comprehensive framework designed to enhance your mental and emotional well-being. It draws on Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), positive psychology, neuroscience, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), journaling, and breathwork to support you in reducing stress, enhancing focus, building emotional resilience, and discovering your true self.

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Overcoming Self-Sabotage and Limiting Beliefs

Posted on March 5, 2023 by Allan Johnson in Psychosynthesis

Self-sabotage and limiting beliefs are common obstacles that can prevent us from achieving our goals and living the life we want. Self-sabotaging behaviours such as procrastination, self-criticism and avoidance can keep us stuck in a cycle of negative thinking and inaction, while limiting beliefs such as ‘I’m not good enough’ or ‘I don’t deserve success’ can undermine our confidence and self-worth.

Self-sabotage behaviours can take many forms, but they all share the common characteristic of undermining our progress towards achieving our goals. For example, we may set high goals for ourselves but then procrastinate or avoid taking action. Or we may practise self-criticism and engage in negative self-talk that reinforces a sense of inadequacy or imposter syndrome. These behaviours can be self-defeating and make us feel stuck and unfulfilled.

Limiting beliefs, on the other hand, are deeply held beliefs about ourselves that hold us back and prevent us from realising our full potential. They can have their roots in childhood experiences, social conditioning or negative self-talk. Common limiting beliefs include thoughts such as ‘I’m not good enough’, ‘I’m not smart enough’, or ‘I don’t deserve happiness’. These beliefs can be persistent and lead us to settle for less than we really want in life.

To overcome self-sabotage and limiting beliefs, it’s important to understand the underlying causes. Self-sabotage can be due to fear of failure, lack of self-confidence or motivation, or the belief that we aren’t capable or don’t deserve success. Limiting beliefs may have their roots in childhood experiences or negative self-talk that reinforces a negative self-image.

For example, if we grew up with critical or unsupportive caregivers, we may have internalised messages of inadequacy or low self-worth. If we have experienced failure or setbacks in the past, we may feel that we aren’t capable of achieving our goals. By identifying the causes of our self-sabotage and limiting beliefs, we can challenge and reframe these thought patterns.

There are a number of strategies that can help us overcome self-sabotage and limiting beliefs. Here are some examples:

Cognitive restructuring: cognitive restructuring is about identifying and challenging negative thought patterns and replacing them with more positive, realistic thoughts. For example, if we tend to think ‘I’ll never be able to achieve this goal’, we can change this thought to “I may encounter obstacles along the way, but I can take steps to overcome them and achieve my goal”
Behavioural interventions: Behavioural interventions include concrete steps to change our behaviour and overcome self-sabotage patterns. For example, if we’re prone to procrastination, we can set specific deadlines and break tasks into smaller, manageable steps.
Mindfulness and self-compassion practises: Mindfulness and self-compassion practises can help us develop greater self-awareness and acceptance and reduce the impact of negative self-talk. For example, we can practise self-compassion by treating ourselves with kindness and understanding when we make mistakes or experience setbacks.
Recognise and challenge negative self-talk: Negative self-talk can reinforce self-sabotage and limiting beliefs, and it’s important to recognise and challenge these thoughts. For example, if we tend to think ‘I’m not good enough’ or ‘I don’t deserve happiness’, we can challenge these thoughts by asking ourselves for evidence that supports or contradicts these beliefs.
Visualisation and positive affirmations: Visualisation and positive affirmations can help us cultivate a more positive self-image and strengthen our sense of our abilities and worth. For example, we can visualise ourselves successfully achieving our goals, or repeat positive affirmations such as ‘I’m capable and deserving of success.’

Overcoming self-sabotage and limiting beliefs is a difficult but essential part of personal growth and development. By identifying the causes of these patterns and using strategies such as cognitive restructuring, behavioural interventions, mindfulness and positive affirmations, we can begin to change the way we think and overcome self-defeating thoughts and behaviours. It’s important to consult a therapist or coach if you’re struggling with self-sabotage or limiting beliefs, as they can provide you with additional tools and insights to help you achieve your goals and live a fulfilling life. Remember: you’re capable and deserve to be successful and happy, and with the right attitude and support, you can overcome any obstacle in your path.

In The Path of Mindful Living: A 21-Day Mindfulness Companion, I lead you through a series of self-guided mindfulness exercises and show you how to bring mindfulness into your daily life. Readers of my blog can download the workbook and pullout charts for only £6.

How We Construct Reality Through Language

Posted on February 11, 2023 by Allan Johnson in Psychosynthesis

We humans have the unique ability to reshape the world around us through stories. The stories that our family and society tell us about our origins, other people and our place in the world provide a framework that we use to process and interpret our experiences. Unfortunately, these stories can be harmful and disempower us, making us feel insignificant, worthless and unable to even trust ourselves. However, if we are able to take control of the stories we are told and the stories we tell ourselves, they can become powerful tools that enable us to build a better future for ourselves and those around us.

Humans have a remarkable ability to recognise patterns, to recognise regularities and to draw conclusions from them. The stories we make up about ourselves, about others, about the past and about the future show that pattern recognition is an essential part of our conscious experience. Our ability to recognise patterns enables us to understand the world around us and predict what might happen in the future. It also enables us to understand our own lives and the lives of those around us. By paying attention to the stories we tell ourselves, each other and modern life, we can become more mindful and live in the present moment.

Our past experiences form the basis of our identity, and this identity is constantly changing and evolving as we gain more knowledge and understanding of the world around us. Each of us carries a unique mantle of beliefs and memories that we use to interpret the world around us. As our stories evolve, so do our perceptions, realities and identities.

Since the Axial Age, many scholars have reflected on the mysterious relationship between words and reality, reminding us again and again that we often forget that the word is not the world. The Indian grammarian Pini wrote the Astadhayayi, the first systematic work on grammar and language, to decipher the logical rules that shape language. This was a defining moment in human history, for he showed that human language is not a divinely ordained code, but rather an organic result of evolution. Pini and other ancient grammarians brought in a new level of perspective and awareness and made us aware of the power of words. Language is a powerful tool that enables us to interpret and make sense of our world.

When we understand how we construct stories from words, we can begin to realise our place in the universe. The great grammarian Dionysius Thrax of Alexandria made a startling discovery about human language: depending on its role in a sentence, a word changes shape. In fact, the rules of language change from one moment to the next – not only over time, but also within the same context. Thus, language is a sensitive indicator of the time and place in which we live. In modern times, Ludwig Wittgenstein, in his Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus, put forward the idea that ‘the limits of my language mean the limits of my world’, suggesting that what we can see depends on the metaphors, analogies, and explanations available to us.

We have the power to change our world through the stories we tell ourselves. Language gives us the ability to explain and comprehend reality by creating symbols to represent what is and reshape it according to our imagination. Wittgenstein’s realisation that language is different from thought has immense consequences. Our minds are filled with a cacophony of sensory impressions, but when we try to translate them into language, this chaotic brew is tamed into linear narratives. No wonder, then, that we sometimes find it difficult to express our feelings, even when we have experienced something extraordinary or terrible. But if we want to bring it into the human world, we first have to put the experience into words, and that can take time. Ultimately, language is a tool with remarkable strengths, but also with inherent limitations.

No two languages are alike – each is a unique window into a particular worldview, with its own concepts, vocabulary and ways of categorising the world. Through Saussure and structuralism, we began to understand that language is not just a collection of symbols, but a complicated system of abstract rules. Even though we believe our words are set in stone, the structure of language allows its meaning to change over time. The paradox raised by Saussure is that we can continue to communicate when language is constantly in flux. We all participate in this process, but our individual contributions are different – language is a collective story, and each of us is a character in that narrative. This means that every day we are all involved in a collective project to develop and refine our language. Through language we can understand how to reshape reality and even create new realities. So we should ensure that our own contributions to this ongoing story are meaningful and constructive – because the true power of language lies not only in its ability to shape reality, but also in its potential to change it.

Although language plays an essential role in our lives and thought processes, it does not tell us the whole story. Meanings are quite ephemeral, constantly changing and rarely unambiguous. This is because meaning is a constantly evolving process that requires attentive and skilful use to function properly. Words are indeed powerful transmitters of meaning, but they are not the only ones. Images, symbols and icons are also carriers of meaning, often crossing cultural boundaries and providing a common language of understanding. They serve as a link between language and something else, which means they can help bridge the gap between cultures that do not share a common language.

Everything in the world is a story – and we are the authors. It is our duty and desire to understand ourselves and the world as deeply as possible. Stories shape our reality, but they do not directly reflect reality. Ideas, beliefs, stories and knowledge reflect our constructed reality; they are built on a foundation of truth that we all possess. We have the power to question our stories, to recognise their illusory nature and lack of substance. Our inner wisdom gives us the power to build a solid, true and authentic reality by understanding the wisdom of not knowing. We construct our own story about who we are and how we experience the world – and only through purposeful introspection can we manifest this reality. This is the ultimate goal of language, to communicate our unique story to the world.