by Barbara Bernath
 
Unlike the risky and invasive approach to self-image issues, this quick operation requires no elaborate equipment, expensive clinics, or nasty scalpels.

It inflicts no pain or scarring, and it leaves no lingering feelings of phoniness or sharp pangs of regret.

You will wake up feeling vibrant, authentic, and rejuvenated, because all that Cosmetic Brain Surgery requires is a little imagination.
 
How does it work? During this simple procedure you will be encouraged to creatively re-think a few core aspects of your identity.

Why? Because it is in these deeper layers of who you are and not in your flesh layer that the re-shaping must take place if you truly want to be at peace with yourself. 

Much like a Zen master, you will have to realize that the way you see yourself is a deeper reflection of the way you see everything else.
 
Let's use the principles of Quantum Physics to shed some light on this issue. Relax, it's easy to understand, and besides, you are brilliant, remember?

Let me explain. At the quantum level the true substance of the universe seems to be made of either pure, physical matter, more commonly known as ‘objects;’ or made of flowing, interrelated actions, generally described as ‘events.’

Depending on your perspective of the universe, it will appear to be made of one or the other, either objects or events. With this theory in mind, I invite you to apply this apt metaphor to the way you perceive yourself.
 
If you want to be an 'object,' you can continue to see yourself as a finite product in a material world. You can fill your days lamenting the way you look, while completely ignoring all the other dynamic aspects of yourself and your life.

You can continue to see yourself as an isolated and faulty object that needs constant fixing in order to belong, rather than seeing yourself as a remarkable ‘event’ participating within millions of other miraculous ‘events’ within the universe.
 
If you want to become more of an 'event,' you must begin by seeing yourself as a dynamic, shifting series of actions, rather than seeing yourself as a static form.

For example, most creative people are events, and their sense of self is derived from their connection to the wonder and flow of a greater creative energy in the world.

Truly creative people are not objects, nor do they want to be. They are active producers and their inspiration comes from tapping into and emulating a greater creative force--not from imitating static perfection.

Although they may create beautiful or evocative objects, most realize that their creativity is a continual process--not a final product.

They understand that life itself is a massively divine event, and they are a simply echoing this process in a micro-dimensional way.
 
Events come and go. They have high points and low points. They inspire us, persuade us, and move us into new territory.

Events are sublime specifically because of their impermanence. They represent transformation, risk, and revolution.

Objects, on the other hand, must be locked away or forever guarded to stay the same. While they may look precious and perfect behind a hard, glass case, they remain untouchable, cold, and ultimately, dead.
 
With this said, I invite you to break free of the old ‘objectified’ concept you have of yourself and start embracing your new identity as an awe-inspiring event.

How? By getting more creative. By letting go of old ideas and notions and opening up to newness.

This means looking inside and out with new eyes, listening with new ears, feeling with new fingertips; it means being curious and spontaneous and stepping outside of your norm.

It means taking that dance class, entering that poetry slam, diving into (or out of) that relationship.

It means living deliciously and ‘dangerously’ by taking fresh risks with your talents and passions; the risks which pull you out of your comfort zone and into your soul’s hot-zone where your heart flutters, your knees shake, and your eyes water.

There you will discover the staggeringly beautiful creature you have always been and have always wanted to be. I welcome you to find her now.
 

Copyright by Barbara Bernath 2006 / All Rights Reserved

Barbara Bernath is a Registered Art Therapist, Creative Life Coach, and Multifaceted Artist who lives in Vancouver on the West Coast of Canada.
 
For a complete overview of the creative work she does with herself and others, please visit www.BarbaraBernath.blogspot.com
Email: BarbaraBernath@telus.net
 
For the direct link to ‘Cosmetic Brain Surgery--A Blog Designed To Change Your Mind--Not Your Body’ go to: www.CosmeticBrainSurgery.blogspot.com

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