Source: Robert Dilts

Establish the following spaces on the floor. Step into each one and elicit the corresponding state.

Test the spaces.

Process a toxic thought by taking it through this sequence.

Step through each space with the new belief.

Future pace, checking the ecology of the new belief.

Test.

This pattern creates a defense against destructive (toxic) thought patterns, conceived by Dilts as “thought viruses.”

Step 1: Establish the following spaces on the floor: Step into each one and elicit the corresponding state. #

a. Neutral Space: An objective state from which you can review the process. b. Prior Limiting Beliefs Space: Experience a belief that you no longer have and that was limiting or childish, such as believing in Santa Claus. c. Initial Doubt Space: Experience the time at which you begin to doubt a limiting or childish belief that you no longer have. d. Old Beliefs Museum Space: Get in touch with all of your prior limiting or childish beliefs. e. Empowering Belief Space: Think of a belief that is functional and ecologically appropriate. Experience the sense of empowerment that comes from this kind of belief. f. Open to Belief Space: Connect with something that you previously were not open to believing, but are now open to believing. Get the sense of openness to belief. g. Sacred Space: Elicit the congruent and committed feeling of being fully connected to your mission in life.

Step 2: Test the spaces. #

Have the person step into each space from the meta-position space. Amplify and re-anchor the state for any spaces that do not trigger the corresponding state.

Step 3: Process a toxic thought by taking it through this sequence. #

a. Create a toxic belief to guide you through the process. b. Have the person take this belief through each of the states in the sequence above. c. Continue cycling through this sequence until the person is ready to deposit the toxic belief in the Old Beliefs Museum Space (part d). d. Take the meta-position and create an empowering belief to fill the void left by the old, toxic belief.The new belief must be functional and ecologically sound.

Step 4: Take the new belief with you as you walk through each space. #

Follow the sequence of steps as before, but this time with the new belief. If the person begins to experience any confusion, have them step into the meta-position and clarify the belief so that it can function in the state where the confusion developed.

Step 5: Future Pace, Checking the Ecology of the New Belief. #

Take this belief into imaginary future situations and look for any ecological problems to address. Refine the thoughts in any way that is necessary.

Step 6: Test. #

In the coming days or weeks, notice any ways that this new belief influences your attitude and results in life. Notice any limitations or problems, and refine the belief as needed.