Sincerely Human
By Norman Araiza, MA, Feb 16, 2007

Making things happen

From the time humans had developed to the point of being able to ponder their existence, capabilities and limitations, we have questioned whether we could possess powers that are not commonly known. If so, what are these powers, and how do we learn to harness them? When we think about uncommon powers, most often extrasensory perception comes to mind. Extrasensory perception (ESP) includes more than prognostication, whereby a person has the ability to foresee future events; clairvoyance, where a person can see objects or actions beyond the normal range of vision; or clairaudition, where a person has abilities to hear sounds or conversations from a range beyond the normal. Also included in this group are telekinesis, telepathy and many other forms of superhuman abilities.

ESP has been scientifically tested for many years without conclusive evidence that it does exist. Yet, many believe that certain individuals possess these abilities. As a point in fact, most large metropolitan police forces utilize recognized psychics in their search for missing persons. Among those who claim special powers are individuals who purport to be able to communicate with animals. Mediums are believed to be able to communicate with the dead.

Do these powers truly exist? Are they a part of human perception that most of us have somehow lost or not developed? Are there other powers or abilities that special persons possess? Does the lack of verifiable, repeatable, scientific evidence prove that these abilities do not exist, or does it suggest that the scientific method is too limited to measure these abilities?

The purpose of this article is not to explore ESP but rather to discuss an uncommon ability or power that I believe exists for most of us and that may be considered outside the realm of what we consider normal.

We have all grown up hearing certain phrases or holding common beliefs that we accept without knowing much about their basis. For example, we have all heard that “anything is possible if we put our mind to it.” What does that mean? How do we put our mind to it? Another example is: “If you can conceive of it, you can make it happen.” A bit of wisdom I learned from Earl Nightingale back when I was just 21 years of age was this: “What you think about, comes about”—meaning that if you think about failing, you will surely fail. But if you think about succeeding, you will succeed.

We all know the benefits of positive thinking, but what I’m leading to is beyond that. Unfortunately, most clients I see have allowed themselves to fall into the habit of worrying. They worry about the very things they don’t want to happen. I’ve written in the past about my referring to worry as “failure in rehearsal.” When we think about things occurring that we do not want to happen, we inadvertently reinforce that thought, which in turn programs us toward failure. Like any bad habit, worrying can be eliminated with awareness of what we are doing. When we catch ourselves in the process of negative thinking, we can label it as such and replace the negative thought with visualizations or thoughts of what we want to accomplish.

My formal experience with the powers of the mind took place during my clinical hypnosis training at the University of California at Berkeley. The course was limited to licensed healthcare professionals and was conducted by two well-published psychology professors who brought in respected experts to lecture and demonstrate. In short, the course presented evidence that suggested the trance state was associated with creativity, problem solving, goal attainment, healing and physical rejuvenation. Without going into studies conducted on the subject, it was the opinion of the presenters that by utilizing techniques similar to those used to induce a hypnotic trance, combined with visualization methods, certain areas of the brain involving suggestibility, motivation and desire are stimulated and may clearly influence the subject and also others, as long as they are receptive. The implications of this idea are astonishing but not new in any way. Humans have been using a method for similar results for thousands of year
s: prayer. The difference between prayer and the method that I’m proposing is in the believed power base. People who pray believe that if they pray hard enough and long enough and if it is indeed their deity’s will, their prayers may be granted. I am not in direct disagreement with this idea. I am, however, suggesting that this power to make things happen is potentially within each of us; that they are powers wise men throughout the ages have known and used with dramatic results. 

Whether these things occur because God is in each of us or whether these powers are a part of our human legacy is the domain of theologians and philosophers. What I have learned through my investigation in this area is that when a deep level of relaxation is achieved and maintained, concurrent with visualization of the successful completion of whatever goal you have in mind, as well as visualizing yourself going through the steps that are necessary to bring about the successful completion of that goal, the results appear magical. The problem is solved, the goal is reached, the healing takes place. The difficulty lies in the tendency to just fall asleep while in this deep state of relaxation. To the inexperienced or undisciplined mind, the ability to achieve clear visualizations while in this deep state of relaxation is problematic as well. However, with practice the trance state is reached more easily and our visualizations are made clearer. 

Some among us seem to be able to make things happen. We may not know, and they may not know, exactly how they do what they do, but they do use methods that lead them to success. There are many books currently in circulation that report on the habits of successful people. Among the methods successful people utilize, is what is referred to as “oneness of mind,” meaning that they are focused on what they want to achieve. This acute focus is with them day and night. As with any skill, some develop it and others don’t. Most of us are capable of learning to play the piano. Few of us practice sufficiently to become proficient at it. For those of us who do, the ability appears magical. Likewise, there are those who practice success. Most of them utilize these same techniques I’m suggesting, unconsciously. Instead of formally inducing trance and working on visualizations, they go to sleep thinking of the goal they are seeking, and as they fall asleep they see the entire process in their mind’s eye. They see themselves 
doing what needs to be done in order to be successful, and they see themselves in the role of the successful person achieving and enjoying success. Then, as if by magic, it occurs.

Few of us take the time to consider what really makes things happen or question the basis of accomplishment or lack thereof. I believe it begins in the mind. We see it clearly first, then we take action. If we don’t see it clearly in our mind, and it happens, it was just an accident. I prefer living by design rather than by accident. Then, if good things happen by accident, so much the better—but taking an active role defines success.

Of course, that just leaves the question of decision, which is perhaps the most difficult part of the equation. For some, deciding what to do is the stumbling point. Robert DeRopp, in his book The Master Game, stated that any game is better than no game at all. 


Norman Araiza, MA is a US-trained psychotherapist enjoying a limited practice in SMA. He can be reached at 152-5454 or 2gatos10@cybermatsa.com.mx .