Chained Elephants

Tom Bird of Sedona, Arizona, taught the best writing class I ever experienced about chained elephants and limiting beliefs. I’ve had the good fortune of spending time in Sedona on three occasions. It is a unique red rock country known for strong energy vortexes, healing, and UFO sightings.

I did some research about him before registering for the class that was being held in Albuquerque. Tom’s online profile was his picture with long hair, full-length flowing Hippie apparel, sandals, a great smile, and author of several books about writing and publishing. I got the checkbook out and was all in.

The evening of the class finally arrived. All seats were occupied by the like-minded, fellow writers and no doubt the curious. Tom introduced himself and shared some information about his home and career. I remember he started out: “Well, here we are together on a Friday night. I’m sure I’m not the hot spot this evening in Albuquerque. Have you wondered why you are here instead of somewhere else having fun? I suggest it is because we have all been divinely led to share this particular evening.

Chained Elephants Guided Visualization

Before I begin the formal instruction, I want you to relax, close your eyes, and take you through a guided visualization.”

Okay, Tom Bird, I didn’t see that coming, but I’m willing.

In the instant stillness, Tom began slowly and with intention: “A man is walking through a zoo and enjoying the many animals who live there. As he strolls by the different exhibits, he notices that some animals are caged or tied. The elephants catch his attention because they are huge and tied to a tree with only a thin rope. The man wonders: how can such enormous, powerful creatures weighing hundreds of pounds be held captive by a rope around their legs?

Looking around, the man notices one of the zoo trainers nearby. He walks over to the trainer and asks, why don’t the elephants attempt to escape or break the ropes so they can walk around freely?

The trainer explains: Let me tell you a bit of history about the elephants. Since they were babies, we used this same rope to tie them up. At that time, this rope was more than enough to prevent them from running away and keep them exactly where we wanted them to stay.

As they grew up and became stronger, we continued to use the same rope. The elephants decided the rest. In their minds, they still believe that they cannot break the rope and never try to set themselves free. The elephants never try because their past experiences control their futures.”

Limiting Beliefs

I imagine most writers can empathize with the elephants because the visualization is a story about limiting beliefs. This harmful way of thinking kept me from writing and believing that nothing I have to say matters. His perfect choice was a compelling way to begin the class.

After the evening with Tom, I continued to think about the message of the visualization. I realized that limiting beliefs also tied up my right to live free of painful memories. Like the elephants from their birth remaining chained, I remained stuck because of my experiences in childhood. The only way to lasting happiness and feeling good about myself was to change my way of thinking about the past.

According to the National Science Foundation, an average person has between 12,000 and 60,000 thoughts per day. About 80% of those are negative, and 95% are repetitive thoughts. No wonder there are times when we need help to move forward, especially when our beginnings are tough times!

Professional Guidance

If you reach out for professional guidance and support, depending on your personal circumstances, most likely, the first question the therapist will ask is:

What do you want the result of the therapy sessions to be?

If you are female, the second question most likely will be: What kind of relationship did you have with your mother?

If you are male, the second question most likely will be: What kind of relationship did you have with your father?

It is helpful to remember that beginning in childhood, fathers are the most important role models for sons; mothers for daughters. Some kids have zero adults in their lives that care about them.

What kid did you ever meet who said they wanted to grow up in poverty and be unloved? How does life work out if one or both parents are not emotionally and/or physically healthy and unable or unwilling to be positive role models? What if you grow up with no parents or adult guardians at all?

What Does Your Screenplay Look Like

In the movie world, scenes are designed to show:

• Realization
• Revelation
• Recognition
• Discovery
• Decisions
• Direction

If you were writing a screenplay about your life, what would those moments be? Are you the hero of your story? Who is your supporting cast? Do you stand up for people and causes that are important to you? How would your children describe you? What scenes would you do differently?

I try to figure out the whys of people’s words, actions, or inactions. Why does she? Why does he? Why do they? Why do I?

Tough Cookie Tip: My thought is if you can figure out the whys of any relationship or personal decision, you will discover what actions you need to take in your best interests to keep moving forward-just something to consider and then practice. Don’t remain a chained elephant.

Copyright © 2022-2025 Marilyn K Fuller. All Rights Reserved.

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