Understanding the Influence of Childhood Beliefs (Images) on Your Life and Body

Introduction

In the journey toward self-discovery and healing, one of the most powerful insights in Core Energetics is the concept of "images"—deeply rooted beliefs about ourselves, others, or the world that often remain hidden but shape much of our adult lives. These images are formed during childhood, sometimes in response to challenging experiences, and become a lens through which we see ourselves and the world.

Let’s explore how these beliefs form, how they affect us, and the transformative potential that arises when we bring them into conscious awareness.

What Are Images in Core Energetics?

“Images” in Core Energetics refer to the ingrained beliefs we develop in response to early experiences, especially those that trigger intense emotional responses. When a child encounters moments of pain, fear, or rejection, they often create beliefs—such as “I am unlovable” or “The world is unsafe”—to make sense of those feelings. At the time, these beliefs serve as survival mechanisms, helping the child gain a sense of control or stability in an otherwise unpredictable world.

Yet, as we grow, these images become limiting. They stay hidden in our subconscious, influencing our thoughts, behaviors, relationships, and even our physical body.

The Body’s Role as a Repository of Beliefs

One of the core principles in Core Energetics is that our beliefs don’t just live in our minds; they’re also stored in our bodies. Physical patterns—like tension in the shoulders or a tendency to clench the jaw—often reflect these internalized beliefs.

For example:

- A person who believes, “I must always be strong,” might habitually hold tension in their shoulders, unconsciously bracing for life’s challenges.

- Someone with an underlying belief of “I am unworthy” might shrink inward, avoiding eye contact or adopting a protective posture.

The body becomes a living repository of these images, expressing them in ways we might not notice but that impact how we move through the world.

Identifying and Releasing Images

To break free from these limiting beliefs, Core Energetics invites us to consciously engage with these images. Through exercises involving movement, breathwork, grounding, and vocal expression, we begin to identify where these beliefs live in our bodies and explore the emotions tied to them. This holistic approach connects mind and body, allowing us to release long-held beliefs and the physical tension they produce.

For example:

1. Movement and Breathwork: Moving through different postures and consciously breathing into tense areas helps activate energy flow and bring awareness to the physical expressions of images.

2. Expressive Techniques: Vocalizing or physically embodying emotions linked to these images can lead to the release of trapped energy, allowing the body to let go of outdated patterns.

By experiencing these beliefs both emotionally and physically, we open the door to lasting transformation. This release process gives us a clearer sense of who we are beyond these childhood beliefs, letting go of limitations and reclaiming a more authentic version of ourselves.

Why Awareness is Key

In Core Energetics, awareness of our images is essential to breaking free from their influence. When we bring these beliefs into conscious awareness, we recognize them as beliefs formed at a particular moment in time—not truths. Through this understanding, we give ourselves permission to let them go, creating room for more empowering beliefs.

The Impact of Releasing Limiting Beliefs

When we free ourselves from images, we don’t just feel lighter emotionally; we experience an increase in physical vitality and openness. Releasing these beliefs allows for a fuller expression of life energy, creating the conditions for a more joyful, grounded, and connected experience of life.

Understanding and working with images is a transformative practice, inviting us to examine and ultimately let go of beliefs that no longer serve us. By bringing awareness to these images, we can break free from past limitations and open ourselves to a fuller, more authentic experience of life.

Conclusion

In Core Energetics, images serve as powerful insights into the beliefs that shape our lives. By understanding where they come from and consciously engaging with them, we begin to unlock new levels of freedom and self-awareness. This journey isn’t always easy, but the reward is profound: a deeper connection to ourselves, others, and life itself.

If you’re intrigued by this exploration of Core Energetics, consider diving deeper with a practitioner or exploring somatic practices that bring together the mind, body, and spirit on your journey of transformation.