Prior programming is the collection of ideas, concepts, views, and beliefs that we use as our “operating system” in daily life. These programs come from our parents, religious institutions, schools, families, peer group, media, and society. Sometimes the programs are valid. Sometimes they are not. When the programs are not valid they definitely work against the positive changes we may be trying to make in our lives.
One aspect of prior programming may be the expectation that we should be content with what we have. Do you remember an experience as a child when you wanted something but you were told it was wrong to want it? I do. I also remember being told to consider all of the poor unfortunate people who had even less than I had. There is a lot of programming that goes on to convince us to not want more or not want something different (except in TV commercials which do the opposite.)
Say this statement aloud, “I should be content with what I’ve got.” Rate the truth of the statement on a 0-10 scale. Remember that 10 is very intense or very true for you. Write down your rating.
Repeat the following statements while tapping on the karate chop point. “Even though I should be content with what I’ve got, I deeply and completely love and accept where I am right now. Even though I’ve obviously been taught that I should just be content with what I’ve got, I deeply and completely accept myself and all of my feelings. Even though I know I should be content with what I’ve got, I deeply and completely love and accept myself and my desire for more.”
Eyebrow…I should be content with what I’ve got.
Side of Eye…I should be content with what I’ve got.
Under the Eye…I should be content with what I’ve got.
Under the Nose…I should be content with what I’ve got.
Chin…I should be content with what I’ve got.
Collarbone…I should be content with what I’ve got.
Under the Arm…I should be content with what I’ve got.
Top of Head…I should be content with what I’ve got.
Take a deep breath and check the intensity of your original statement, “I should be content with what I’ve got.” Write down your new rating. If the rating is above a 3, continue tapping with the previous statement. Once your rating is quite low, move on to the positive tapping rounds below.
Eyebrow…I appreciate what I have now
Side of Eye…It is ok to want more
Under the Eye…Wanting more doesn’t mean I am unhappy
Under the Nose…It just means that I see possibilities to make things better for myself
Chin…I feel gratitude for what I have right now
Collarbone…I will feel gratitude if I get the things I want too
Under the Arm…I choose to feel calm and relaxed about wanting other things
Top of Head…I choose to love and accept myself and all of my feelings
Take a dep breath and let it out. Check the intensity of your original statement, “I should be content with what I’ve got.” Record your new rating. If it has gone back up, consider starting back and the beginning and repeating the sequence. Or, if you noticed some resistance to the positive tapping statements, it might be useful to just tap while repeating the ones that were most difficult for you.
This is only one example of how tapping can be used to address prior programming that keeps us from moving forward in meaningful ways. Try using it for all of your “shoulds” and “shouldn’ts” and you will begin to experience true emotional freedom.