How does transformation work? With the five-pointed star as your guide.
When we want to change something in our life or psyche, the best approach is a versatile strategy. We often get stuck when we repeatedly approach the same issue with the same method. Just as we are multifaceted beings, our processes of change must also have multiple dimensions. This is exactly where the five-pointed star of transformation comes into play.
PERSONAL GROWTHEMOTIONSSELF REGULATIONTRANSFORMATION WORKCHANGE
Sina Birkholz
8/19/20243 min read
EXAMPLE: Regulating Your Nervous System
Let’s take an example. Let’s say: You want to calm your nervous system. Your problem is: You notice that you explode easily, and small things quickly turn into big drama. And even though you’ve noticed this, you just can’t seem to stop it. So, how do we go from this point to a situation where you feel more stable, calm, and centered – where something challenging can happen, but you stay calm, can think clearly, and use your resources effectively to tackle the problem?
When we work with the 5 dimensions of transformation, it might look like this: You use body-based exercises to release accumulated stress and trauma stored in your nervous system. This could be a mix of everyday activities like jogging and targeted therapeutic exercises like conscious breathing or TRE (Tension and Trauma Releasing Exercises). Additionally, you can use physical practices such as coherence breathing to give your nervous system a new, more stable foundation.
On a mental level, you learn how your nervous system works, and you examine the beliefs, stories, and internal dialogues that drive your outbursts. (For example, it's possible that with a small challenge, inner voices whisper that this is the end of the world or that this is happening to you because you are a failure and worthless.)
On an energetic level, you might connect daily with practices like Qi Gong or have a shamanic energy session to dissolve blockages. As for your emotions, you learn to recognize them as they arise, distinguish between thoughts and emotions, and respond from your "Self" – with curiosity and compassion.
On a behavioral level, you change your life so that slowing down becomes possible, and you work on setting boundaries that give you safety.
I understand that all of this together may sound like a lot. And in a way, it is. I’m in no way downplaying the time, energy, effort, and dedication that real change requires. But: a) It is absolutely worth it, b) the journey often feels good, c) – and perhaps the most important point – once you add a new dimension, it gets easier, not harder!
Also, you usually don’t start from scratch. You likely already have your own ways of working on yourself and growing. So, it’s more about finding complementary approaches that provide the missing puzzle piece.
You’re probably already good in one of these areas.
Most people already have an established strategy for approaching change and personal growth in their lives. Perhaps you’re already very good at reflecting on yourself and uncovering the unconscious patterns behind a specific behavior. Or you’re highly attuned to the tension in your body and have developed many successful strategies and daily routines to bring your body back into balance. Maybe you’re an expert at sensing your emotions and have learned to name and process them in a way that feels respectful and nurturing to you. Or perhaps you’re especially brave and quick to experiment with your behavior and initiate change by simply doing things differently.
But as soon as you integrate new dimensions into your transformation process, it becomes a completely new game.
And sometimes, we already apply two of these approaches. But most of the time, we tend to focus on one level and dig very deep there. However, as long as we approach change and growth from just one or two perspectives, the impact remains limited. First: The further we go, the more energy we need to make even small changes. Second: We easily slip back into old patterns. Third: We often hit a limit with a particular issue, feel blocked, or reach some kind of ceiling.
In all of these cases, it can be incredibly helpful to look at the whole picture from a different perspective. For example, if you’re used to working with energy practices, and suddenly you start questioning your beliefs and learning how to understand the unconscious motives behind your behavior, your transformation process suddenly receives a massive boost. If you’ve already thoroughly analyzed your problems and patterns, perhaps even done some talk therapy, and then do a consciousness-altering breathwork session, the results can completely blow you away.
Once we integrate new dimensions into our work on ourselves, it’s as if a missing piece is inserted. It’s as if the missing puzzle piece suddenly gives the whole process meaning and form. Even though these metaphors may not capture it fully—the experience itself is impressive, beautiful, and wonderful. And the results speak for themselves.
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If you'd like to hear directly from my clients, take a look at their testimonials.
To learn more about my approach and the methods I use, visit this page.
DR. SINA BIRKHOLZ
WhatsApp: +49 (0) 176 2397 1687
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SOMATIC COACHING ~ SHAMANISM ~ BREATHWORK
