It takes 21 days to break a bad habit and create a new habit.
I takes 21 days to burn fat and gain muscle.
Almost 25 years ago I was in a support group where we would meet and discuss this 21 day principle. We discussed our lives, our dreams, our thoughts, our struggles, our abuse, our addictions as we healed and pondered God's Word. We affirmed one another by speaking affirmations and Love into our own lives. At that time there were no churches within the Houston area that were open to support groups such as AA, NA, SAA and CODA. This group was the first to attempt support groups in churches and it was met with a brick wall as we were called 'new agers'.
I am thankful that today more churches are offering support groups of all kinds, as well as outreach programs in the community. I am hearing from others, for the most part, there is no longer shame based teaching or ostracizing of those seeking psychiatric or psychological help or counselors.
You ask what about the 21 days? One of the discussions of the group was how it took 21 days to redirect neurotransmitters connections to reestablish a new thought pattern. But I soon found that outside of marking off the days on the calendar and with continuous support. this discipline is almost impossible.
An addiction is any behavior that cannot be stopped, whether it's Facebook, Twitter, Myspace, TV, eating, work (away from home and in home), exercising, drugs, alcohol, shopping, money, sex, maintaining appearances or a person. Even being in church can be an addiction if being there is to numb us as opposed to seeking authentic connection to God and each other in the Body. Addiction is anything that numbs our ability to face our pain and life around us; anything that keeps us disconnected from God and each other; anything that keeps us from having abundant life.
If not careful there are all kinds of gimmicks and quackery to heal any addiction. Even counselors can be the addiction especially when the patient is not in need of medical intervention and the therapy goes on for years without any sign of progress. One example of this is when you see weight loss gimmicks that result in more weight gain later. When the source of the habit or addiction is not dealt with, old patterns will eventually come back in the absence of healing Love, Support with unconditional Love and a full invitation to express the deepest crevices of our hearts, thoughts, fears and emotions is healing.
I prayed for years asking God to show me what healing was. In these support groups I observed and experienced healing. Healing is emotional, spiritual and physical which comes from connection and inner work within the group. 'Getting Real' started by Dr. Charles and Connie Meisgeier and 'Love Machine' started by Jim Spivey both exemplify this invitation to heal. In these I started the work of my own life's pain I saw these as the open door that Jesus spoke of, His Love and His Truth will set you free. Surrendering, giving up control to God, allows His unconditional Love to flow through the group, surrendering to the Holy Spirit allows healing.
This book, lists various illnesses with probable causes for each illness as well as positive affirmation for healing.
'This little book does not 'heal' anyone...For us to become whole and healthy, we must balance body, mind and spirit. We need to take good care of our bodies. We need to have a positive mental attitude about ourselves. And we need to have a strong spiritual connection. When these three things are balanced, we rejoice in living. No doctor, no health practitioner can give us this unless we choose to take part in our healing process.... Remember, the word metaphysical means to go beyond the physical to the mental cause behind it.'
Heal Your Body, Louise L Hay
Here's an example from the book that is of immediate interest,
Influenza - Probable Causes: Response to mass negativity and beliefs. Fear. Belief in statistics. (wow, isn't that interesting especially when we are being bombarded by pharmaceutical companies and commercials reminding us to be fearful!) - Affirmation: I am beyond group beliefs or the calendar. I am free from all congestion and 'influence'.
It starts in our minds. Romans 12:1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God--this is your spiritual act of worship. 2 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will.
3 John 1:2 Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.
I have a dear friend, Ruth, who after being diagnosed more than 20 years ago with ovarian cancer and given 4 months to live, used health, prayer and scriptures as affirmations. The results of constantly seeking God for her healing was a testimony to many, including those in the medical field who ironically didn't believe in healing outside of conventional methods. She proved them wrong. And Ruth, I thank God for you, you are an amazing woman and I sure miss you girl!!! Anytime on the calendar to get together soon?
Here's one of my favorite affirmations.
Psalm 139:14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
So together we are hatching eggs.
Teresa Parsons
hisheartmyheart@gmail.com
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