Our first series of ten podcasts was about choosing to learn from life. [Hear the podcasts here] We looked at why we sometimes don't, and what happens if we try and insulate ourselves from change, or just react without thinking. We considered a process for engaging with learning experiences, and putting some thinking space in. So instead of reacting, we re-think, and then act. Then we find ourselves doing different things which can really help us grow - not just as individuals, but in relationships, and in the bigger things we believe in.

Where did this come from?

These ideas borrow heavily from a set of tools called "Life Shapes", developed by Mike Breen. He calls this process a "learning circle", and he got it from looking at the life and teaching of Jesus.

I believe this is a natural process which can help us - it's not a religious doctrine, but part of our DNA. It's something I've lived out, and seen others do too. That's why I feel able to present it with reference to life experience, and I've heard from lots of people who have felt it fit with their experience too.

I also believe in God, and that Jesus was a great example of the kind of person who learned, and showed others how to learn from life. For me, following Jesus has become my way of life.

You might not share that faith. I'm not trying to convert you! I wonder if you might enjoy a taste of the things Jesus was offering, however, when he promised life and freedom to people who re-thought and believed. There is a big question for us all of what we believe in, and how that naturally shapes what we do.

I have found that beliefs are hard to change. We tend not to want to change them - we certainly don't want to be told what to believe. I think that, for me at least, beliefs seem good to cling to when a changing world presents challenges and threats. Beliefs are the way I make sense of the world, and we all need the world to make some sort of sense!

A few weeks ago, in one of our podcast, I had a really good talk about this with a friend, Greg Sharples. We agreed that the things we do are a result of what we really believe in. If we're happy with those things - great! If not, it might be that challenging some of those beliefs can produce a massive turnaround in life which makes us much more chilled.

I edited the Chill version of the podcast to keep the length down, and because we got deep into things Greg decided to believe in, including God. However, his full story about what he believed in, and what he did, is in this full length version (it lasts about 20 minutes). It produced a big life change for Greg, and I found it really inspiring, so I wanted to share it with you here.

What are the things you really believe in, that are driving your choices in life? I know that's a very personal thing - it defines us - which is why it can be so powerful to consider it when you are thinking of making a change. It might be a big step towards your chilled life! If you would like to share, you can email me here - podcasts@bernleckie.com

On the next few pages there is more info about some of the other podcasts in the series so far: