Cracking The Code 4: Can You Become Aware Of Your Limiting Beliefs?

 

We’re going to cover the next four Belief Codes from Gregg Braden’s The Spontaneous Healing of Belief: Shattering the Paradigm of False Limits today. These will move from additional clarification on the presence of patterns throughout nature to the “key” that can fashion or alter those patterns.

Belief Code 9: If the universe is made of repeating patterns, then to understand something on a small scale provides a powerful window into similar forms on a grand scale.

Have you ever come across the adage, “As above, so below”? If so, are you aware where it may have originated? It’s a modern paraphrase of a passage from the Emerald Tablet (Tabula Smaragdina), a cryptic ancient text that serves as a cornerstone of Hermeticism and Western alchemy.

From my research, the earliest known written records of the Emerald Tablet appear in Arabic works attributed to Jabir ibn Hayyan and the Kitāb sirr al-khəlīqa ("Book of the Secret of Creation"). The original verse stated that elements above and below derive from one another to perform the wonders of the One Thing. The picture above is of a 1609 engraving of the Emerald Tablet.

Are you also aware of who else was very interested in this? Issac Newton, who translated it this way (from the Latin): "That which is below is like that which is above, and that which is above is like that which is below..."

“As above, so below” was more popularized in the late 1800’s by writers and occultists, so you might say that it has some “staying power.” Given what we recognize about fractals in nature, you can perhaps understand why this continues to the present.

Belief Code 10: Belief is the “program” that creates patterns in reality.

I must admit that I enjoy doing the research to help illustrate these Belief Codes. This one really gets to the heart of the matter: What is a belief?

My AI companion, Gemini, gave me this: “At its most fundamental level, a belief is a mental state or attitude in which a person holds a proposition or premise to be true, regardless of whether objective evidence supports it.”

“Beliefs serve as the internal "map" we use to navigate reality, shaping how we interpret experiences, make decisions, and construct our identity.”

And to really dive deep, there are three dimensions to belief:

Epistemic (Knowledge): Beliefs framed around truth claims or facts about the world. ("I believe the Earth orbits the Sun.")

Evaluative (Values): Beliefs rooted in ethics, aesthetics, or moral judgments. ("I believe fairness is essential for a good society.")

Relational (Trust): Beliefs centered on faith, confidence, or reliance on a person, system, or deity. ("I believe in my friend's ability to succeed.")

These are the “programs” that mankind operates (in a mostly unconscious fashion) in the physical reality we call Earth. Most do not wish to examine them closely because they have the power to make one question who they really are and what their life is all about. Once that happens, preconceived notions about everything begin to quake and potentially shatter. But if you happen to “go there” and risk that;

Belief Code 11: What we believe to be true in life may be more powerful than what others accept as truth.

“Whether you think you can, or think you can’t – you’re right.” – Henry Ford

I’ve been aware of this quote forever. When I did a deeper dive, I got: “It describes a self-fulfilling prophecy. Your belief about your ability dictates your outcome. If you believe you will succeed, your mindset drives you to overcome obstacles. If you believe you will fail, you give up before you start—making both predictions correct”

This puts an entirely different framework around one’s life. Again, I contend that life is story, and that the stories which we “tell” ourselves are mostly of an unconscious nature. 

• “It’s always been like that for my family.” 
• “Everything always seems to work out for me, I guess!” 
• “The odds are stacked against you. Why even bother?”

Do you ever wonder while observing others how they could think, feel, or be “that way” in light of what seems to be common knowledge or truth? If you’ve never thought about it in this fashion before, this might illuminate answers for you. And so;

Belief Code 12: We must accept the power of belief to tap it in our lives.

“Most folks are as happy as they make up their minds to be.” – Abraham Lincoln

A deeper dive into Mr. Lincoln and his philosophy brought me this: “Lincoln was reflecting on human attitude and perception. While he didn't believe people could simply ‘choose’ what facts to believe, he did recognize that emotional state and perspective are largely a choice. Whatever emotional reality you decide to hold onto, that becomes your lived experience.”

As we continue in this examination, we’ll see thought and evidence mount up to illustrate that belief truly is an incredible power. We’ve seen in current history what can occur as beliefs become deliberately molded and cajoled into place en masse. Those who choose to do this fully understand the power of belief, and the will to wield it.

In closing this entry, I’ll revert to where we began: As above, so below.

With deliberate consideration, you can consciously tap into this and alter/change your life/story.

More to come!

Cracking The Code 3: Can You Become Aware Of Your Limiting Beliefs?

 

In our continuing review of Gregg Braden’s The Spontaneous Healing of Belief: Shattering the Paradigm of False Limits, we’re starting to move into territory that is far more fleshed out in discussion today than it was back in 2008 when this book was published. I’m guessing that you may have heard of the Simulation Hypothesis. You might be surprised, though, how many other somewhat important and influential people have also ventured into this subject:

Belief Code 6: Just as we can run a simulated program that looks and feels real, studies suggest that the universe itself may be the output of a huge and ancient simulation – a computer program – that began long ago. If so, then to know the program’s code is to know the rules of reality itself.

"If we are living in a simulation, then the cosmos that we are observing is just a tiny piece of the totality of physical existence... It follows that the belief that there is a significant chance that we will one day become posthumans who run ancestor-simulations is false, unless we are currently living in a simulation." – Nick Bostrom, 2003 (Oxford philosopher)

"Forty years ago we had Pong—two rectangles and a dot. Now 40 years later, we have photorealistic, 3D simulations with millions of people playing simultaneously... If you assume any rate of improvement at all, then the games will become indistinguishable from reality... The odds that we’re in base reality is one in billions." – Elon Musk (2016)

"I think the likelihood may be very high... It’s easy to imagine an advanced species looking at us the way we look at chimpanzees. We share 98%+ of our DNA with chimps, yet we build space telescopes and write poetry while chimps can barely use stick tools. If a species existed that was 1% smarter than us, to them, our highest intellectual achievements would be like child’s play—and creating a universe simulation on their desktop would be routine.” – Neil deGrasse Tyson (2016)

"If one looks at the evolution of computing power and physics, it shows that even now, our top supercomputers could simulate human memory. Quite frankly, if we are not living in a simulation, it is an absolute anomaly." – Rich Terrile (NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory Physicist)

If your mind is open to this hypothesis, well, you’re in good company! Now on to;

Belief Code 7: When we think of the universe as a program, atoms represent “bits” of information that work just the way familiar computer bits do. They are either “on,” as physical matter, or “off,” as invisible waves.

Before 1905, science considered waves (such as light) and matter (such as electrons) as completely separate phenomena. It took 22 years, from Einstein proposing in 1905 that light could be particles (now known as photons) until 1927 when three scientists (two at Bell Labs) proved in experiments that matter behaved as a wave.

So, this, the birth of quantum physics, showed that Light (traditionally a wave) behaves like a particle, and Electrons (traditionally particles) behave like waves. Literally, “on/particle” and “off/wave” potential in the same phenomenon.

Now recall Belief Code 1 about what has been proven concerning the power of focused attention, and we are off to the races. There is one other element we’ll add to this today, which is;

Belief Code 8: Nature uses a few simple, self-similar, and repeating patterns- fractals – to build atoms into the familiar patterns of everything from elements and molecules to rocks, trees, and us.

I’m sure that you’ve heard the ancient phrase, “Don’t reinvent the wheel.” Nature follows this to a fault by the Principle of Least Action, a.k.a. “follow the path of least resistance.”  Water flowing downhill will automatically utilize the path that requires the least action.

Makes you rethink the entire concept of “nose to the grindstone,” “pedal to the metal,” and maximum energy expended, doesn’t it?

Add to this the discovery of fractals by Benoit Mandelbrot, a term that he coined in 1975. If you wish to be hypnotically entertained, find an online video that takes you on a literal journey through a Mandelbrot Set. If you haven’t encountered this, it’ll give you a new perspective once you experience it.

What has been revealed in nature and subsequently utilized throughout diverse fields such as technology, computer graphics, medicine, and finance is that there exist no irregular patterns. There actually is an underlying order in seeming chaos. And as this Belief Code states, nature utilizes this, following the path of least resistance, to build atoms into absolutely everything, including us.

Stay tuned! We’re just getting into the good stuff.

Cracking The Code 2: Can You Become Aware Of Your Limiting Beliefs?

Welcome back to our continued review of Gregg Braden’s The Spontaneous Healing of Belief: Shattering the Paradigm of False Limits. The first two Belief Codes that we covered laid the groundwork for the seemingly paradoxical stances that science and personal beliefs might have in a direct comparison. This article, covering the next three Belief Codes, will start to lay the groundwork that begins to bridge this perceived gap.

Belief Code 3: Science is a language – one of many that describe the universe, our bodies and how things work.

I re-watched the award-winning film Oppenheimer to prepare for an upcoming viewing of Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey. As I watched Robert Oppenheimer, tormented by his visualization of the unseen, inner mechanics of the energy of the universe, it struck me that the way he needed to transcribe these visions was in the language of mathematics, something that I personally have never excelled at beyond the most essential level.

Even though I do not understand this esoteric language, I obviously respect its exacting form. I don’t believe that I could utilize it to write poetry, but it certainly can do the work of scientific description in a way that can be recognized and proven by others. Thus, it’s both respected and vital, especially in regard to citing proof of any concept. Keep this in mind as we advance to;

Belief Code 4: If the particles that we’re made of can be in instantaneous communication with one another, be in two places at once, and even change the past through choices made in the present, then we can as well.

OK, it’s time to stretch.

Are you familiar with these seemingly radical notions which are representative of the quantum world? It is a world that we are part and parcel of, as a matter of scientific fact. Please think about this, seriously.

I’m betting that most reading this have some basic awareness that absolutely everything we believe is “solid” is actually empty space, right? Like 99.9999999% empty space, to give you a number you can look up for yourself. The illusion of separation in which we frolic is exactly that; an illusion. But one with rules for the subatomic waves and particles that dance around within its confines. So then;

Belief Code 5: Our beliefs have the power to change the flow of events in the universe – literally to interrupt and redirect time, matter, and space, and the events that occur within them.

This fully fleshed-out statement circles back to the first Code and the power inherent in “mere” observation. How many movies and books are you aware of that speak to the existence of a “multi-verse” where all possibilities exist simultaneously? Think of it as a universal tuner, one where you take on the role of said tuner.

In choosing your signal of focus in any form, visual, auditory, sensory, you transform the space about you via the nature of your choice. Consider how it shifts the energy at any gathering of which you are part. Others are seemingly affected as they focus on your choice of signal.  It can literally change the atmosphere in a flash. I’ll bet that you won’t have to think too hard to find personal experiences of this that you’ve had.

This represents the power that’s broadcast by our firmly held beliefs. They can literally change the world. The only question then regards the scale of the world you happen to be influencing.

We will continue to build on this going forward. I appreciate your interest!

Cracking The Code: Can You Become Aware Of Your Limiting Beliefs?

 

I am beginning to witness many more articles on LinkedIn that are of an energetic or spiritual nature in their examinations of the business environment. This is no great surprise to me, as during my life/story this has been my primary focus regardless of the situation I was in, either personal or professional. Even early in my work life, I would often find myself serving as an empathic listener and offering up suggestions to my managers for different ways of viewing and approaching various situations, not all of them directly related to the business at hand.

I believe the adage that “When the student is ready, the teacher will appear.” Indeed, there are no accidents in life in this regard. And sometimes the exact information or approach needed in a particular situation will appear before you at the perfect time if you are open to it.

Thus it occurred when I discovered a book in my collection that I purchased when it was published in 2008 but put away without reading: The Spontaneous Healing of Belief: Shattering the Paradigm of False Limits by Gregg Braden.

If you are unfamiliar with Mr. Braden, here is a summary from greggbraden.com: “Gregg Braden is a multi-time New York Times best-selling author, researcher, and international educator widely recognized for bridging modern science, spirituality, and human potential. Drawing from a background in earth sciences and technical operations in computer systems, his work explores deep connections between quantum physics, ancient wisdom traditions, and the mind-body relationship. Through his books, films, and international lectures, he shares insights aimed at helping individuals better understand human purpose, resilience, and personal transformation."

In The Spontaneous Healing of Belief: Shattering the Paradigm of False Limits, Gregg Braden argues that human emotion and belief act as a "reality code" capable of directly influencing physical reality, our health, and our DNA.

There have been massive technological advancements made in the 18 years since this book came out. Yet I witness the astounding turbulence that we are individually and collectively encountering while striving to adapt to and adopt them in the face of highly visible manifestations of fear and accompanying emotions.  I do not need to list them all; you encounter them every day both in the “real world” and here on LinkedIn.

Braden lists 31 “Belief Codes” in the book. I believe that examining them with an open mind and heart may be a tremendous benefit to all drawn to this material. What I will do is examine them here in a series of articles for your consideration.

We all know that we are currently within a period of massive change that is not going to recede. One can either be swept up by it while hoping for mere survival, or choose to perceive both it and yourself in a different light and thus navigate it to incredible new possibilities.

In my life/story, this has occurred with the advent of personal computing and the mass rollout of the internet. There is no difference with AI. How you choose to see it and thus create your reality is entirely up to you. These Belief Codes can assist you with that. Let’s dive into the first two.

Belief Code 1: Experiments show that the focus of our attention changes reality itself and suggest that we live in an interactive universe.

Have you ever been driving and had your attention momentarily locked upon something other than the road ahead? Inevitably, the direction of the car begins to follow the direction that your attention is fixed upon. Thankfully, we now have Lane Departure Warning and Lane Keeping Assist in our cars, helping us avoid drastic reactions to the situation.

Braden cites the scientific studies behind each point he offers. In this case, it’s the fact that a wave of energy, when observed, can “lock in” as a particle. The act of observation “changes” the state of reality. It is important to recognize your role in the witnessed reality. This brings us to;

Belief Code 2: We live our lives based on what we believe about our world, ourselves, our capabilities, and our limits.

“I can’t help it. It’s who I am.”

Have you ever taken the time to examine what that “Who I am” contains, where it came from, and if these serve you well? Honestly, most of us are so busy with running the survival loops of our life/stories that we never take the time to slow down and actually examine what we’re authoring, mostly in an unconscious fashion.

This, then, is the “direction” that the vehicle called “your life” is headed. Personal life, social life, family life, business life… We need a very large garage to house all these vehicles that belong to you! But you’ll witness a great many commonalities when you stop to examine your beliefs with deliberate intent.

We’ll continue soon with the next two Belief Codes. I appreciate your attention!

48 Years of Christmas Poems: Christmas 2025

 

Life is a story. 

Whenever I write about my experiences, I use the phrase "life/story" because, to me, they are one and the same. And I understand that the only time that you can perceive and thus create another page in your individual life/story is here and now, the present moment. Again, I write that as "here/now" since I know that they, too, are one and the same.

I believe there is but one force, one energy, which is a constant. That is love. Everything that exists in what we know as life is powered by love. And I feel that love is truly eternal. It never perishes, never dies. It simply transforms and continues.

The simple question in looking back on anything, the only question that matters, is was I loving in the moment? It isn't an easy question since I am no longer present in the here/now, but instead pondering something that is just a memory. We all know that memories become clouded over time.

So this year's poem is dedicated to the woman with whom I spent 25 years of my life, sharing many pages of our individual and combined life/stories. The power that I have in hand is selective memory, recalling the love that we shared, the experiences we created, and that we saw it through together by choice. It wasn't always easy, especially in the final years. And looking back, seeing it through helped me to understand and grow in ways that I never could have created alone.

It made my love more vital, more present, and alive in the here/now. This I now carry forward, understanding that Jeri may no longer be a physical presence in my world, but I absolutely know and feel her love, her spirit, every day. It's impacted the quality of my relationship with a new friend and companion who has flowed in on the same river, the vibration of love and respect.

So love truly does live on. No one is ever "lost" to you if you remember the love and joy that you both shared, and choose to make it a part of your here/now in ways both "big" and "small."

When you forget, forgive yourself and choose again. It honors the spirit of love and your loved ones.

This holiday season, choose to keep the light alive.

Christmas 2025

By Richard Perrotti

 

Ironic, it is, at this time of year

That in darkness, we strive for the light.

In candles, bright colors, and twinkling displays

We find comfort and beauty in their sight.

 

Understand that it takes this gloom of the night

To properly see the illume.

Minus the contrast that blackness brings

It would fade like a tattered costume.

 

Sometimes it takes what seems like a loss

To realize that love never dies.

The spirit within always beckons

And appears in a differing guise.

 

Ponder within this one question

To reveal your wisdom unfurled:

Does the shadow of this world darken your heart

Or does your heart enlighten the world?

 

In the crush of traditions and presents

It feels like our love we exhaust.

Strive not for a Christmas so “perfect,”

That its genuine meaning is lost.

 

The power of love is forgiveness,

And forgiveness begins with yourself.

Judgement as dark and deep as the night

Can be released and put up on the shelf.

 

So, fear not, as the angel announced long ago,

For what is not love is but fear.

Let the light of your love go forth and shine bright,

Spreading tidings of joy and great cheer!

47 Years of Christmas Poems: Christmas 2024

 

I'm going to be totally honest. This may have been one of, if not the toughest Christmas poem to write. I honestly wasn't certain up until a week ago if this would be the year that the annual tradition would end.

Sleep has been difficult as my mood has alternated between depression and rage at what the next four years could be like. Every movie cliché that shows the bad guys winning has played out in my mind. A line that has played repeatedly was from Revenge of the Sith with Senator Padmé Amidala stating, "So this is how liberty dies. With thunderous applause" as the Empire rises and the Republic falls. It seemed to me that the well-financed plans of those craving power had won out and that suffering was going to rule the day.

But another phrase also made itself present in my mind; "These are the times that try men's souls," written by Thomas Paine who has a statue right here in my city of Bordentown, NJ. He wrote these words just before Christmas, 1776 as the American Revolution was going very badly for George Washington's army. As his army was falling apart, General Washington read these words to his troops from The American Crisis on December 19th to rally and inspire them. He then planned out an attack of the Hessian barracks in Trenton, NJ on Christmas that had no business succeeding. The rest is history... our history.

The spark of love and goodness will always remain lit in people's hearts regardless of those who very intentionally cheer hatred and prejudice. Let us choose to stand with "them," whoever is being targeted. This world has seen what happens when that energy runs rampant and it isn't pretty. Let us take example from the father of this country and stay strong this Christmas. Keep the faith alive.

Christmas 2024

By Richard Perrotti

 

Christmas night, 1776

T’was a time that would try a man’s soul

Freezing drizzle turned to a nor’easter

Losses had taken their toll

 

Three armies were scheduled to cross that night

O’er the Delaware cluttered with ice

Only one would succeed, over three hours late

Would Washington thus pay the price?

 

George Washington’s men in the months before

Had suffered ignominious defeat

Morale was sagging, the ranks were thinning

Thus Christmas would take a backseat

 

Deserters and spies had let it be known

That Trenton would soon be attacked

The Hessians looked at the fierce Christmas storm

And chose no defense to enact

 

One small choice, one brave stance

Started momentum to swing

Thus altering the course of this nation

And eventually toppling a King

 

Our country has tangled with villains before

And surely will do so again

Causing heroes to arise unexpectedly

Rallying all good women and men 

 

Choose not to surrender this Christmas

Your hopefulness, spirit and love

Like George, it takes but one victory

To invoke aid and grace from above

 

For though your heart may feel heavy

As you witness pure avarice and lies

Remember that miracles do happen

And that lead balloons truly can fly*

 

*Search “Mythbusters lead balloon” on YouTube

46 Years of Christmas Poems: Christmas 2023

 

I think we've all been through challenges at times. A life without contrast is one that fails to prompt decisions that lead to growth. These challenges can come at any and every stage of one's life and at any time of the year. It gives you pause. You can ask yourself, "What now?"

That question opens the door to new possibilities, seeing things differently and the opportunity for growth. That is what I was considering as this year's poem came to me. Am I aware of what I am aware of, what I'm focusing on? Anyone who has ever driven knows that when your attention gets diverted while behind the wheel that your car will go in that direction unless you snap to and realize what's happening, resume being present in the moment.

There is always obvious and plentiful good that surrounds us. We just simply need to be aware of it and focus on the positive while understanding that in a universe of infinite variety, the opposite of that will also always exist. Make better choices for yourself and your life story will benefit. Bless everyone else for doing the best that they can with the choices that they are also free to make. I feel that is the best that can be done and it is enough.

Please have a wonderful holiday season.

Christmas 2023

By Richard Perrotti

 

Oft times you might feel uncertain,

Of what anything’s truly about.

Even when love ought to be flowing,

You still might feel clouded by doubt.

 

This perception is far from uncommon,

Throughout our whole universe.

Where anything and everything

Can be viewed as both blessing and curse.

 

The story surrounding King Herod

At the time of Jesus’ birth

Was he ordered the slaughter of innocents,

And unleashed great anguish on earth.

 

Doesn’t this ring so familiar,

As we gaze at our world torn by war?

Our focus on this fosters sadness

But within your heart there’s a cure.

 

Some celebrate the holidays grandly.

Others stage a violent coup.

Know that many of the truths we cling to

Depend greatly on our own point of view.

 

Understand, if you can, that you live in

Infinite, unlimited variety.

There’s always going to be choices,

To focus, experience and thus be.

In our world we celebrate Christmas

At the darkest time of the year.

Thus, our decorative lights shine their brightest,

Inspiring warmth and good cheer

 

Shine your light on the good that surrounds you,

On what others might fail to see.

Feel the joy that this will bring you.

It’s the most precious gift under the tree.