Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself by Joe Dispenza

Are you ready to break free from old patterns and become the best version of yourself? In this episode of Mind Set In Stone, join Dave and Poppy as they dive into Dr. Joe Dispenza’s groundbreaking book, Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself. 

Discover the science behind how your thoughts shape your reality and learn practical steps to rewire your brain for success, happiness, and fulfilment.

Whether you're striving for personal growth, seeking deeper self-awareness, or curious about the intersection of neuroscience and spirituality, this episode offers insights to transform your mindset and create a life you love.

Tune in and unlock the tools to change your mind and change your life. Keep your mind set in stone and your curiosity open!

Thank you for tuning in to this episode of Mind Set in Stone Podcasts. If you enjoyed our deep dive, be sure to subscribe and leave us a review! Share your thoughts with us on social media, and let us know which book you’d like us to explore next. Until next time, keep your mind set in stone and your curiosity open.

This has been a Big L Riz Media Podcast—where big ideas meet lasting impressions.

Transcript

Welcome to Mind Set in Stone Podcasts, where we dive deep into the most compelling books on the shelf. Join hosts Dave and Poppy as they uncover the stories, themes, and ideas that shape our understanding and inspire curiosity. Get ready to explore the big ideas that leave a lasting impact.

Let's get started.

All right, so get this, we're diving deep into Joe Dispenza's Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself. I've got to say, just glancing at these excerpts you all sent over, I'm already hooked. He's suggesting we can actually change our reality just by changing our minds.

It's a bold claim for sure, but what's really got me intrigued is how Dispenza backs it all up. This isn't just positive thinking fluff. He's weaving in neuroscience, epigenetics, even quantum physics to explain the science behind it.

And he's a chiropractor, right? That's not your typical self-help guru background.

Exactly. He brings this really unique perspective. Combining his medical background with years of research, he makes a pretty compelling case.

Like, he starts off with this mind-blowing fact from quantum physics. Atoms are 99.999999% energy and only 0.000001% matter.

Hold on. So, if we're made of atoms, are you saying we're mostly empty space?

Essentially, yeah. And Dispenza uses this to illustrate a key point. Our reality is way more malleable than we think.

Okay.

I think I see where he's going with this.

Then he brings in this concept of the observer effect. This idea from quantum physics suggests that just by observing something, you actually influence its behavior. So basically, our attention, our observation can directly affect reality, even at a subatomic level.

So, like my thoughts right now could be shaping the world around me.

That's the radical idea and quantum physics actually supports it. Dispenza argues that we often limit ourselves by focusing only on what we can see and touch, the material world, and we totally forget about the power of our thoughts and beliefs.

It's like we get so caught up in the physical stuff, we miss these invisible forces that are also at play.

Exactly. And those invisible forces, our thoughts, emotions, and beliefs, they're shaping our reality all the time, whether we realize it or not.

So, are you saying we're basically creating our own reality with our minds, even unconsciously?

That's the premise. Dispenza believes most of us are living on autopilot, just reacting to our environment in predictable ways, and that creates more of the same experiences over and over.

So, like we're stuck in a rut because our environment is basically shaping our brain to keep doing the same old things.

In a way, yeah. We become conditioned by our surroundings, our past experiences, and the beliefs we hold about ourselves.

So how do we break free? How do we start creating a reality we actually want, consciously?

That's where Dispenza's work gets really interesting. He says we need to shift our focus from the external world to our internal world. Instead of letting our environment control our thoughts and feelings, we need to start consciously choosing those thoughts and feelings to match the reality we want.

So, it's not enough to just change our circumstances. We have to change our inner state first.

Exactly. Dispenza outlines what he calls the big three limitations. Our environment, our body, and time.

Let's unpack those. He says we need to think greater than our environment. What does that even mean?

It means developing a vision that goes beyond what we see around us right now. Think about someone like Martin Luther King Jr. He had this dream for a better world that didn't exist yet. But he held that vision so strongly that he inspired millions to help create it.

So, we need a clear vision for the future, even if it seems impossible at this point.

Precisely. We have to believe it before it can become reality.

All right. That's environment. What about the body?

How does our body limit us?

Well, Dispenza argues that our bodies store memories of past experiences. And not just in our minds, in our cells. These cellular memories can influence our thoughts, feelings, and even behaviors in ways we aren't aware of.

So even if I'm trying to be positive, my body might still be clinging to old patterns of fear or anger.

It's possible. He explains how our memorized emotions and habits are like these subconscious programs that can hold us back. Just thinking positive isn't enough because there's so much negativity stored subconsciously in our bodies.

So how do we even begin to change those subconscious programs?

Dispenza suggests we can actually unmemorize negative emotions and literally reprogram ourselves with new information. He points to practices like meditation, visualization, and gratitude as powerful tools for shifting our internal state at a cellular level.

So, we can actually rewrite the story that our body is telling.

Exactly. And this leads into that third limitation he talks about, time.

I get how we can get stuck in the past, regretting things or worrying about the future. But how can we possibly overcome time as a limitation?

Dispenza believes we can access a realm beyond time and space, but it takes focused intention. He describes how all possibilities exist in the present moment. The past and future, they're just constructs of our minds.

So, we can actually change our present by focusing on a future possibility. Can you explain that a little more?

Okay. Imagine a scientist conducting an experiment. Before even starting, they already have a vision of the outcome they want, right?

That vision, that intention, it exists in their mind, even though the results haven't materialized yet. Dispenza believes we can apply that same principle to our lives.

So, it's about creating a mental blueprint for the future we want to experience.

Exactly. By focusing on that blueprint, feeling the emotions as if it's already happening, we start shifting our reality in that direction.

This is starting to click. We talked environment, body, and even time as limitations. Now you mentioned epigenetics before.

How does that tie into all of this?

Epigenetics is the study of how our environment and internal state actually influence our genes. It's a revolutionary field challenging that old idea that genes are our destiny.

Wait, so you're saying our genes aren't fixed? They can change based on our thoughts and experiences.

That's what the research suggests. Dispenza talks about studies showing how our thoughts, emotions, and beliefs can alter the expression of our genes. He uses this fascinating example of diabetics who laughed heartily for an hour.

They actually changed the expression of 23 genes related to blood sugar regulation.

Hold on by laughing. What study was that? How is that even possible?

It was published back in 2014 in the journal Diabetes Care. While we don't fully understand how it works, the evidence points to our internal state having a profound impact on our biology right down to our DNA.

You're saying my thoughts and feelings right now could be signaling to my genes and changing my body.

It's a powerful concept, right? And it reinforces the idea that we have far more control over our health and well-being than we often realize.

This is also fascinating. Dispenza then talks about this difference between living in survival mode versus living in a creative state. How does that fit into everything?

He says when we're dominated by stress and fear, we're basically stuck in survival mode. All our energy is going towards self-preservation, and the world starts to feel like a pretty dangerous place.

So, to change, we need to shift out of that survival mode and into a more creative, expansive state of mind.

Right. He suggests that in survival mode, we limit ourselves to just the material world. We get so preoccupied with basic needs, safety, comfort.

But in a creative state, we open up to new possibilities.

And this is what he calls the identity gap, right?

Yes. The identity gap is the difference between who we appear to be to the world and who we really are inside.

Okay. I need you to unpack that one a bit more. Yeah.

Okay.

Think about it.

We all present a certain persona to the world. We might project success, confidence, happiness, even if inside we're feeling something completely different.

So, it's like wearing a mask, even when we're struggling or hurting underneath.

Exactly. Dispenza believes that gap, that disconnect between our outer persona and our inner reality, it can cause a lot of suffering.

So how do we close that gap? How do we become more authentic and aligned with our true selves?

Dispenza says we need to become aware of the emotions and beliefs we're hiding, both from ourselves and from others. He suggests that a lot of times that gap is filled with negative emotions and those aspects of ourselves that we just try to hide.

So, it's about being honest with ourselves about what we're truly feeling.

And having the courage to face those hidden parts of ourselves, acknowledge them and release them.

Can you give an example of how someone might close that gap?

He talks about a woman named Pamela who was struggling financially. She felt like a victim of her circumstances, carried a lot of resentment and anger.

It sounds like she was stuck in that survival mode we talked about.

Yeah, she was. But through meditation, she tapped into a deeper level of awareness. She started to see her victim mentality and the negative thoughts and emotions keeping her stuck.

She realized she could choose a different perspective, a more empowering belief system.

So even though her circumstances hadn't changed, she shifted her internal state.

Exactly. Releasing that victim mentality and embracing an attitude of abundance, she created an energy shift.

And what happened? Did her life actually change?

Not long after, she got a large sum of money, completely unexpected. It was like the universe responded to her internal shift by aligning her external reality with her new beliefs.

Wow, that's incredible. So, you're saying that by changing our inner state, we can attract different experiences into our lives.

That's what Dispenza suggests. He sees our thoughts and emotions as magnets, attracting experiences that match our energetic vibration.

OK, now I see how all these pieces fit together. We talk limitations, changing our genes, closing that identity gap, even attracting new experiences. But how do we actually do this?

What are the steps?

Dispenza lays out a whole roadmap for personal transformation, and it all begins with meditation.

So, meditation is the key to unlocking all of this.

He believes it's essential for rewiring our brains, changing our subconscious programming, and creating that new reality. He even presents a specific technique to help you break the habit of being yourself.

Tell me more about this technique. What makes it so special?

He emphasizes working with all three brains, the neocortex, the limbic system, and the cerebellum. By engaging all three in the meditation process, we create lasting change at a very deep level.

So, it's not just about quieting the mind, it's about engaging our emotions and reprogramming our subconscious too.

You got it. Dispenza says meditation helps us embody new thoughts and emotions until they become our natural way of being.

Before we dive into that technique, I think it's helpful to step back and recap. What are the key takeaways from this first part of our deep dive?

I think the biggest takeaway is that we have a lot more power to shape our reality than we realize. Our thoughts, feelings, beliefs, they aren't just passive things happening to us, they're active forces constantly influencing our lives.

So, we're not just victims of our circumstances, we have the power to choose a different reality.

Absolutely. We have the power to change our thoughts, our emotions, our beliefs, even our biology. In doing so, we can create a life that truly aligns with our potential and who we really are.

We're talking about the power of meditation, how it can actually reshape our reality. That's a big part of Dispenza's work.

And you mentioned his technique involves not one, but three brains. Can you remind me about that?

Absolutely. He highlights the neocortex, the limbic system, and the cerebellum. Each one plays a specific role in his meditation technique, all working together to make real change happen.

Okay. I'm ready. Break it down for me.

What's the neocortex? The thinking brain. Got to do with meditation.

Well, the neocortex is where we become aware of our thoughts and belief. It's like the seat of our conscious mind. So, in Dispenza's meditation, we use the neocortex to basically recognize those thought patterns and emotions that we're used to, the ones that aren't really serving us anymore.

So, is that being mindful, like an observer of our own minds, just noticing those patterns without judging them?

Right. Exactly. And once we can see those patterns clearly, then we can start to shift them.

Dispenza talks about creating a new mind, a new way of thinking that matches the reality we want to experience.

So, we're using our thinking brain to envision our ideal selves, that future possibility we want to become.

Right. And that's where the emotional brain comes in, the limbic system. It's not enough to just think about change.

We have to actually feel it too.

That makes sense. Our emotions are powerful. They drive our actions.

Exactly. Dispenza suggests we need to actually experience the emotions of our desired future, as if it's already happening. It's not just daydreaming; it's about bringing those emotions into the present moment.

So, if I want to feel more confident, it's not enough to just think, I am confident. I need to actually feel that confidence right now, like it's already a pardon me.

You got it. He uses the example of imagining yourself giving a speech and totally nailing it. You wouldn't just see yourself up there.

You would feel the confidence, the connection with the audience, the excitement of sharing your message.

It's like giving our bodies a preview of that future reality, so we can experience it emotionally before it even shows up in the physical world.

Exactly, and that's when the third brain, the cerebellum, comes in. This is the part of the brain that stores all our habits, those automatic behaviors.

And how do we work with the cerebellum in this meditation technique?

Well, by repeatedly experiencing those thoughts and emotions of our desired future, we're basically reprogramming our subconscious mind. Those new patterns, those new ways of being, they start to become ingrained in our nervous system.

So, through practice, we can replace those old limiting habits with new empowering ones that actually match our vision.

You got it. Dispenza says the more we embody those new thoughts and emotions, the more they become our default, our new normal.

It's like we're training our brains to operate on a different frequency, one that's aligned with the reality we want to create.

That's a great way to put it. He emphasizes that this is a process, it's not some quick fix. Rewiring our brains and creating lasting change takes time and effort.

But the payoff is huge, right? If we can learn to shape our reality consciously, the possibilities are endless.

That's what makes Dispenza's work so fascinating. He's giving us a map to tap into our true potential and create a life beyond anything we can even imagine.

It's a powerful message, definitely.

Yeah.

But it also makes me wonder about free will. If we're shaping our reality with our thoughts and beliefs, does that mean we're responsible for everything that happens to us?

Well, that's a question philosophers have been debating forever. Dispenza acknowledges that it's complicated. He says that, yeah, we have a lot of influence over our lives, but we're also part of something bigger, this interconnected web.

There are forces beyond our control that shape our experiences, too.

So, it's about finding a balance, right? Taking responsibility, but also acknowledging things we can't control.

I think that's a good way to put it. He encourages us to focus on what we can control, like our thoughts, emotions, and actions, while also accepting that there's some mystery, things we don't know.

That makes sense. It's about finding that sweet spot between owning our lives and knowing we're not in charge of everything. Right.

And I think that surrender piece is important. It's about letting go of trying to micromanage every single thing in our lives and trusting that there's a bigger intelligence at work.

So, aligning our intentions with that bigger intelligence, with that universal consciousness, and then letting things unfold naturally.

Exactly. It's about co-creating with the universe, trusting that we're guided and supported even when we don't have all the answers.

I love that. Okay. So, we covered the three brains involved, the neocortex for recognizing and changing thoughts, the limbic system for feeling those future emotions, and the cerebellum for reprogramming the subconscious.

What else does he say is important in this whole process?

He talks a lot about demonstrating our new self and our everyday lives.

What does that mean? Can you give me an example?

It means acting in line with our new beliefs even before we see big changes. Like, if you're trying to create more abundance, you start acting like you're already abundant. You're more generous with your time and resources, you invest in yourself, you even carry yourself with more confidence.

So, it's not just changing how we think and feel, it's about making our actions match those new beliefs.

Exactly, it's walking the walk, not just talking the talk, it's embodying the change we want to see.

It's like bridging that identity gap, right? Instead of pretending to be someone we're not, we're actually becoming the person we want to be.

Exactly. It's about closing that gap between who we are inside and how we express ourselves to the world.

He also mentions paying attention to feedback from the universe. What does he mean by that?

He wants us to notice those little synchronicities, those opportunities that seem to pop up out of nowhere, even challenges. He sees all of those things as feedback, guiding us on our path.

So, it's about being tuned in to those signs and messages all around us.

Yes, and he says that when we're aligned with our purpose, the universe basically conspires to help us. We meet the right people, doors open up, and everything starts to flow towards our goals.

It's like the universe is our cheerleader, helping us create what we want.

Exactly. He reminds us that we're not alone in this. We're part of a huge web of energy and intelligence.

This is all so inspiring. It makes me wonder, what am I unconsciously creating in my own life?

That's a powerful question. What thoughts and beliefs are we holding on to that could be holding us back? What stories are we telling ourselves that might be keeping us stuck?

What if those stories aren't even true? What if we've been believing in limits that don't actually exist?

That's the beauty of Dispenza's work. He's inviting us to question everything, to challenge those assumptions, and to step into a whole new world of possibilities.

So, we've got demonstrating our new selves, being open to feedback from the universe. What else does he say is important in this process?

He's big on surrender.

Okay, we talked about surrender a bit before, but I'd love to hear more about what he means and how it plays into creating a new reality.

He says that once we've set our intentions and we're taking action, we need to let go of the need to control the outcome.

So, trust that the universe has got us, even if things don't go exactly to plan.

You got it. It's about letting go of attachment to a specific outcome and being open to things unfolding in a way that might even be better than we imagined.

That's a tough one, letting go of control.

Yeah.

Especially for those of us who like to be in charge.

He knows it can be challenging, especially for people used to operating from a place of fear. But he reminds us that the universe operates from abundance and love. When we surrender to that bigger intelligence, we open ourselves up to blessings we couldn't have imagined.

So, it's about shifting from fear to trust.

Yeah. Trusting that we're guided, protected, supported even when we can't see the whole picture.

It's a beautiful concept, but it definitely takes a leap of faith.

He emphasizes that surrender isn't about giving up or being passive. It's about actively choosing to align with a power that's greater than us, and letting that power work through us.

So, it's realizing we're not in this alone.

Exactly. We're partners with the universe, and when we tap into that, amazing things can happen.

This is giving me so much to think about. I'd love to hear how Dispenza's work has actually impacted people's lives.

He shares so many stories in his book of people who have gone through these profound changes because of his teachings. Healing chronic illnesses, manifesting dream careers, it's inspiring stuff.

So, it's not just theory, it's actually working for people out in the real world.

That's what I find so powerful about it. He's not just talking philosophy; he's giving people real tools and techniques they can use to create tangible results.

It's like he's bridging science and spirituality, showing they can work together to create a more fulfilling and empowered life.

Totally. He's demonstrating that our thoughts, emotions, beliefs, they have a direct effect on our physical reality. When we learn how to use that power, we can do extraordinary things.

This has been such a fascinating dive into breaking the habit of being yourself. I feel like I'm seeing the world in a whole new way.

It's been great exploring all this with you. It's obvious that Dispenza's work is hitting home with so many people because it speaks to that deep desire to live a more meaningful life.

And it gives us a path forward, a way to tap into our potential and create a reality that reflects who we really are.

He's reminding us that we're not stuck with our past or limited by our circumstances. We have the power to change, to heal, to create a life that's beyond our wildest dreams.

This conversation has sparked so much inspiration for me. I can't wait to move into the final part of our deep dive, where we'll explore some practical steps to apply Dispenza's teachings to our own lives. Welcome back to our deep dive into Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself.

We've been exploring some pretty mind-blowing ideas about how our minds can actually shape our reality.

And we've talked about the amazing potential that opens up when we align our thoughts and emotions and actions with what we truly desire.

Exactly. So now for the big question, how do we actually apply these concepts in our everyday lives?

That's where Dispenza really shines. He gives us practical steps and techniques that help us integrate these principles into our routines.

So, this isn't just about big ideas, it's about concrete strategies to create real change that lasts.

Absolutely. He emphasizes that personal transformation is a journey, not a destination. It's about showing up consistently and committing to the process.

So, for our listeners who are ready to start this journey, what are some tangible steps they can take?

Well, first, I highly recommend checking out Dispenza's book. He explains the science and the techniques in such detail. It's really helpful.

Yeah, the book is a gold mine of information, but are there any simple things they can start doing today, even before reading the book?

Absolutely. One of the most important things Dispenza talks about is awareness. Just pay attention to your thoughts throughout the day.

Notice those negative or limiting beliefs that pop up.

So, being a mindful observer of our own minds, right? Noticing those thoughts without judging them or getting caught up in them.

Exactly. And once you're more aware, you can start to challenge those thoughts. Ask yourself, is this even true?

Is this thought helping me? Does it align with the reality I want?

And if it doesn't, we can choose a different thought, a belief that empowers us.

Right. Dispenza suggests creating affirmations, statements that reflect the reality you want to create. Like if you want to experience more joy, you might repeat to yourself, I am filled with joy and gratitude.

But it's not just saying the words, it's about feeling the emotion behind them, really embodying that joy and gratitude right now.

Exactly. He says, our thoughts and feelings create an energy field that draws experiences to us that match that vibration. So, the more we cultivate positive emotions and beliefs, the more we'll attract experiences that reflect those things.

It's like we're magnetically pulling those experiences into our lives.

Exactly. He also talks about cultivating gratitude. Take some time each day to appreciate all the good things you have in your life, even the little things

Gratitude is such a powerful practice and it's so simple. It shifts our focus from what we're lacking to what we already have. That can really change our energy and perspective.

He often says, where attention goes, energy flows and reality grows. So, by focusing on what we're grateful for, we're actually helping those things grow and expand in our lives.

And we've talked a lot about meditation, which dispenses sees as a key part of transformation. He recommends a specific type that involves visualizing your desired future, feeling the emotions as if it's happening and surrendering to the process.

Yes. And he provides guided meditations in his book and on his website, which are really helpful for people new to meditation.

I've tried some of his guided meditations. They're pretty amazing. They help you get into a different state of mind where anything seems possible.

He calls it accessing the quantum field, a realm of infinite potential where we can create completely new realities.

It sounds almost mystical, but he brings in scientific evidence to back it up.

That's what's so cool about his work. He bridges science and spirituality, showing that they can actually work together to create a more empowered and fulfilling life.

So, it's not about blind faith. It's about understanding how reality works and consciously using those principles to create the life we want.

Exactly. He says, we're not victims of our circumstances. We're powerful creators of our own reality.

It's an empowering message.

Yeah.

But it also comes with responsibility. Right.

Yes. He reminds us that our thoughts, emotions and actions have real consequences. They affect not just our own lives, but the world around us too.

So, it's not just about personal gain. It's about using that power for good to make the world better for everyone.

Exactly. He encourages us to align our intentions with things like love, kindness, compassion, and peace. The more we embody those qualities, the more we contribute to a positive change in consciousness for everyone.

That's like we're all threads in this big tapestry. And each of us can choose to weave in beauty and harmony and love.

That's a great way to put it. And I think that's what Dispenza's work is ultimately all about, the realization that we're all interconnected. And our individual choices can create ripples that go far beyond ourselves.

Okay, so we've got awareness of our thoughts, creating affirmations, cultivating gratitude, practicing meditation, showing up as our new selves, paying attention to feedback, and surrendering to the process. What else can people do to help them on this journey?

Dispenza emphasizes the importance of our environment, surrounding ourselves with positive influences. That could be spending time in nature, listening to uplifting music, reading inspiring things, or connecting with people who support our growth.

It's about creating an environment that nourishes our mind, body, and spirit.

Exactly. He also talks about being mindful of the information we take in. Limit exposure to negative news and media that can bring you down.

Seek out content that uplifts you, inspires you, and expands your awareness.

It's like we're creating a healthy mental diet, choosing to feed our minds with thoughts and ideas and experiences that support our well-being.

Yes. And be patient with yourself. Change takes time.

It's a process of unlearning old patterns and rewiring our brains. There will be ups and downs, doubts, and times when you fall back into old habits.

It's a journey, not a race. The key is to keep practicing, keep learning, and never give up on yourself.

He reminds us that we're all a work in progress. It's not about being perfect, it's about progress, continuously evolving and becoming the best version of ourselves.

And that's something we can work on for our whole lives. It's not about reaching some finish line, it's about enjoying the journey of self-discovery and transformation.

It's about recognizing that we have the power to create a life full of joy, purpose, and meaning.

This has been such an amazing deep dive into breaking the habit of being yourself. I feel like I've learned so much and I'm feeling really inspired.

It's been a pleasure exploring these ideas with you. I hope our listeners feel empowered to embrace their own journey of transformation.

We encourage you to explore Dispenza's work for yourselves and see what happens. Remember, you have the power to create a reality beyond your wildest dreams.

Keep an open mind, keep learning, keep growing, and never stop believing in the amazing things that are possible.

Until next time, keep diving deep.

We hope you're leaving with fresh insights and a spark of inspiration. Remember to subscribe, leave a review, and check back for more episodes as we dive into new worlds of thought one book at a time. Until then, keep your mind set in stone and your curiosity open.

This has been a Big L Riz Media Podcast, where big ideas meet lasting impressions.