The process of self-transformation: a 'poem'
Eric Mahleb
Behaviour and mental health practitioner, coach and trainer with expertise in mental health, resilience, work/life transformation, stress and burnout. Check out my Positive Stress Mindset training ???????
The following is a 'poem' by the late author and singer Portia Nelson.
Entitled 'There is a hole in my sidewalk', I find it to be a wonderful illustration of the change and self-transformation process.
As you will read, change is not a linear process. It requires trying and failing before succeeding. It also requires a willingness to be vulnerable and to open up existing patterns of seeing, thinking and believing.
Enjoy.
Chapter One.
I walk down the street.
There's a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I fall in.
I am lost.
I am helpless.
It isn't my fault.
It takes forever to find a way out.
Chapter Two.
I walk down the same street.
There's a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I pretend I don't see it.
I fall in again.
I can't believe I'm in the same place.
But it isn't my fault.
It still takes a long time to get out.
Chapter Three.
I walk down the same street.
There's a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I see it there.
I still fall in.
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It's a habit.
My eyes are open.
I know where I am.
It is my fault.
I get out immediately.
Chapter Four.
I walk down the same street.
There's a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I walk around it.
Chapter Five.
I walk down a different street.
Do you agree with this illustration of the self-transformation process?
How many times have you fallen in a hole, maintaining that it isn't your fault, or blaming the street workers or some other reason?
And how easy was it for you to change your habit and start taking a different street?