Do you create resolutions for the new year? I have been chatting with friends and clients about this and have been surprised to hear how many people don't. The majority of them said it's because they "don't stick to them anyway" - so if that's you, too, then you're in good company. 

Spoiler alert (or maybe sigh of relief?): This blog is not about "5 ways to stick to your resolutions this year." Instead, I want to offer a fresh perspective on resolutions - so let's dig in!

So, generally speaking, a resolution is "a firm decision to do or not do something" (Oxford Dictionary). The subtext of this is that it is something that requires that dreaded word...  willpower. 

Aka restraint, self-control, discipline, resolve...

None of which are inherently bad, mind you, but these are absolutely things that a lot of (if not most of) us fail at maintaining, eventually. 

Hence the "resolutions are pointless" mentality.

But what's really behind that?

It's truly fascinating to me how the principles and practice of mind-body medicine are applicable everywhere. 

To me what practicing mind-body medicine means is to take a truly holistic approach to health and healing; to consider, of course, the mind and the body of the person, which includes - beyond physical symptoms - what a person thinks about themselves, the lens through which they see the world, the beliefs they hold about themselves and others, their happiness and general relationship with the full spectrum of emotions, and so forth.

It also includes the Spirit, the (emotional) heart, the environment in which the person grew up and now lives and thrives, the relationships and job(s) they have, how isolated or supported they are, and so, so much more. 

So what does this have to do with resolutions?

This is where it gets interesting.

All of these things I just mentioned have to do with the subconscious mind, vs the conscious mind.

The conscious mind contains the things we are aware of, which include the thoughts and feelings that are apparent, memories, and awareness of ourselves and our environment in the present moment. 

This is also the mind from which resolutions are made: We are consciously aware of the change we wish to make (such as the typical weight loss goal, new exercise regimen, or meeting some other measurable mark) and we create a plan of action to achieve this goal - again, from the conscious mind.

The problem is that any and all roadblocks we encounter in succeeding come from the subconscious mind.

And... this includes all forms of success, including embarking on a healing journey and achieving sustainable health and wellness.

Why?

The subconscious mind is where our limiting beliefs exist, where any and all emotions we don't allow ourselves to feel are dwelling, where the aspects of ourselves we  have deemed shameful and not ok/ not enough have been suppressed...

In short, the subconscious is where all the layers exist that stand between us and our Authentic Selves. 

And while our conscious mind is great at powering through things for a while (there's that willpower thing again)... eventually and inevitably, we will hit a snag in the road - a trigger, a challenge of some kind - that pings one of these subconscious aspects and brings everything to a dead halt.

For example: Let's say I want to move my body more frequently. According to a recent Forbes Health Poll, most resolutions fail after 3.74 months. So what's happening at that 3.74 mark?

Maybe I missed a day or two at the gym. Maybe I ask my loved ones if they see any difference in me since going to the gym and they say, "Not really." Maybe I am starting to look and feel better, and that unexpectedly creates a lot of discomfort in my body for various reasons. Any or all of these hypothetical situations are pinging one (or several) of my subconscious beliefs that might be something like:

• "I am not enough."
• "I am not lovable."
• "I cannot succeed."
• "I am a failure."
• "I am unworthy (of happiness, of getting what I want, etc.)."
• "I am inadequate." 

And these beliefs cause us to - subconsciously - engage in self-sabotaging behaviors that inevitably thwart any and all progress, creating self-fulfilling prophecies failure, not enough-ness, being unsuccessful, unworthy, and beyond.

Phew.

THIS is why working with the subconscious mind through mind-body work is foundational and non-negotiable for anyone who wants to see lasting change in their lives.

I imagine that includes you - it includes all of us. So how do we get started?

I'm so glad you asked!

It's no secret that most healthcare modalities, including "holistic" and "alternative" ones - even many forms of therapy! - don't come anywhere close to addressing the subconscious aspects of our health and well-being.

Most therapies and treatments focus on what is conscious: what is measurable, testable, quantifiable, reportable... Which leaves many people wondering, "Is this it? Am I destined to feel this way forever?" 

Eventually, many folks tend to wander into the world of mind-body medicine, or somewhere in the ballpark of understanding that something is missing in their health journey but they aren't quite sure what it is or what to do about it. 

The Sacred Illness Community is the answer to that need:

This is an educational space where highly motivated and curious seekers are able to engage in:

• Self-guided learning that helps you understand what the mind-body connection is all about; how to work with your subconscious mind and explore, release, and reprogram all that is stored there; and engage in somatic exercises and practices that are foundational and complementary no matter what other healing modalities and treatments you are currently utilizing;
• Unlimited access to our immense library of courses and workshops, with new, multi-week courses added quarterly;
• Monthly LIVE Q+A calls with yours truly (Dr. Erin) and my team where you can get individualized coaching and submit questions about the ideas, practices, and concepts you are learning about; and
• Access to a supportive and like-minded community where you can connect with people on a healing journey, derive inspiration, make powerful connections, and have lively discussions on all things mind-body-spirit and beyond.

And, coming January 25th...

I am launching for the first time ever my "Self-Healing Bootcamp." 

This is an incredibly powerful, straightforward, highly researched, backed by neuroscience and my nearly decade of clinical and mind-body experience roadmap of all of the essential pillars of what you must incorporate in your healing journey in order to achieve  sustainable health and longevity. 

It's a "mind-body cheat sheet" if you will, that is complementary to any other healing modality you are currently employing - whether it be surgery, medicine, yoga, dietary changes or beyond.

Think of The Bootcamp as the foundation off of which all other therapies, healing, and wellness blossoms. Don't leave home without it!

The best part?

Membership is only $37/ month.

Think of it like the cheapest school tuition you will ever pay, for possibly the most powerful and life-shifting education you will ever receive.

My goal was to make this a no-brainer. Did I succeed?

Are you ready to get started? I am so excited to see you on the inside!

Click here to learn more and join us!