When we as people have two or more conflicting internal representations of something, these different representations may create different belief systems which could then create different types of perceptions, emotions and behaviour. They may also run conflicting neurological patterns which cause us to try to use two different conflicting responses simultaneously to resolve the same stimulus.
Because of this, the following pattern / technique can be used to resolve the conflict between the different internal parts – Merging these parts from a position of separation into one of unity and increased, integrated power.
Get into a space of comfortable relaxation where you will not be disturbed for at least 20 – 30 minutes. Quiet your mind by imagining a clear black board inside your mind and focussing on this black board. Then begin the steps as follows by asking the relative questions:
Ask the follow questions for each part separately. Finish off with the part on the left and then repeat the questions for the part on the right, or vice versa.
(You will begin to notice that as you ask these questions for each part individually, the answers will begin to be similar.)
Ask each part separately the following:
Example: “What resources can this playful part have that can help the work part?”
“What resources can the work part give to the playful part to help it?”
Visually imagine the resources being transferred from one hand to the other, from one part to the other for both parts.
Begin to imagine and notice how these parts are looking very similar or even more identical as the resources between them are shared.
Allow a third image to form, somewhere in between your hands, and allow this new image to take on the valuable qualities of both the old parts.
Let this new image begin to form out of the two images, right in the middle between both your hands, which combine the best of both images and as you do that imagine a series of visual images that represent the transition from each part into the new image in the middle. Continue to do this until you have a representation in the centre that combines both, fully.
Now look at this new part and see what it looks like, hear what it sounds like, feel what it feels like now that it has the combined resources of both the old parts.
Now bring your hands slowly together, each hand containing the individual images of the two old parts, and bring them together on as fast as they are integrated one into the other in the center where the new, stronger image is.
Allow them to simultaneously merge / collapse so that only the third image remains.
Start your story with “Once upon a time…” and tell a short story involving this new, powerful image.
Now reach out in front of you with both hands and take this new, powerful, integrated image and bring it inside yourself.
Notice as you bring it inside where you store it and allow it to permeate your understandings and how it transforms your ways of thinking.
OK… Now think of what you had for breakfast last week Monday and if you enjoyed it or not.
This is called “breaking state”. It allows you get out of the mind-set you were just in while doing the exercise so that you can test the results.
Now think about the conflict situation that you had before you began the exercise.
Enjoy the new thinking patterns that this new, integrated part of you offers.