Tangible Minds™

1. Identify functions. As best as possible, identify location in the 3x3 grid for all released parts.
   

2. Make natural groupings. Combine two, three, or more parts which seem to "fit" together. Include formal triads if possible: Inside, Outside, Boundary; Source, Presence, Action. Draw the combined feeling states on a single template and make brief notes about the qualities of each and how they interact.
   

3. Create authentic affirmations. Construct sentences that link the feeling states in each grouping. For example, for an Inside triad which includes Love (Source), At Peace (Presence), and Joy (Action), you might say, "Because I have Love within me, I can feel At Peace in my relationships and I want to express my Joy with those I love."
   

4. Rewrite history. Choose one or more situations that actually happened, in which the old feeling states were limiting your experience. Write what happened. Now imagine the situation all over again, having access to your ideal states. Going back in time with these new states, what would have been different? What would you have perceived, believed, thought, said, and done differently? How would that have affected others in the situation. What else would have been different? Write down as much detail as you can.
   

5. Re-vision the future. Choose one or more situations that you anticipate encountering, in which the old feeling states would limit your experience. Write the scenario. Now imagine how things will be different, having access to these new feeling states. What will you perceive, believe, think, say, and do differently? How is that likely to affect others in the situation? How will their different ways of being in turn affect you? What else will be different? Write down as much detail as you can.
   

6. Visualize your desired reality. Inhabiting the nine new feeling states, take some time to imagine what kind of world would fully and completely reflect, nourish, support, and activate this new way of being for you. Write down as much detail as you can. Return to this vision and revise it often. As you begin to create it in reality, you will discover new perspectives and desires. Be sure to incorporate them as you go.
   

7. Notice current reality. When you look at the shape of your life today in the context of this work you have done, what feeling states naturally arise? Go through each part, one at a time, to allow it to communicate with you about your current situation. What does it tell you about the gap between your current reality and your desired reality? What needs to change? What resources, information, or skills do you need to acquire to make these changes? What aspects of your life are in alignment with your desired reality already? Affirm these and express your gratitude. Write as much detail as you can.
   

8. Create concrete reminders. What are specific, concrete actions you can take whenever you want to remind yourself to access your ideal states? Write these down. A few suggestions include:
   • Make mini-cards with drawings of the feeling states to keep in your wallet or purse. Even just a list of the names can be helpful. If you like, include before and after states.
   • Identify specific words or song refrains you can say or sing to yourself in certain situations, which will recall the feeling state you want. Practice by imagining yourself doing this ahead of time.
   • Identify or acquire items in your wardrobe with colors which remind you of your ideal states.
   • Identify postural and breathing adjustments you can make to bring to mind an ideal state. Practice these ahead of time and use whenever needed.
     
9. Integrate new states into everyday routines. What are specific, concrete routines you already do or wish to begin, within which you can intentionally cultivate and strengthen your access to the new feeling states? A few suggestions include:
   • Incorporate your ideal states, with all the vivid imagery and bodily sensation, into your meditation or yoga practice.
   • Access your ideal states during your prayer or spiritual practice.
   • Tap into your ideal states during meditative exercise like swimming, running, or walking.
   • Start your day by choosing one ideal state to focus on. Write your intentions for the day, with respect to that feeling state and all that it means. At the end of the day, review how you did and notice what went well and what you learned.
   • Keep a gratitude journal, paying particular attention to your states of being.
   • Share your maps of ideal states with loved ones, and periodically check in with them about how you are drawing on these states in your everyday life.
     

Please explore other ideas for incorporating these ideal states into your everyday life and practicing the art of the Tangible Groove: Fully inhabiting current reality while holding a tangible, living vision of what you wish to create. When you discover new strategies, please share them!