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Why you are more like an Elephant than you know - Take Back Your Power
Marcus Matthews • 21 December 2020
You can break free because you are free - you just don't know it
Stick with me because the start of this blog may seem a little weird but this is a true story and I wrote it to demonstrate that when something happens that makes no sense, months, years later you come to realise the significance of a moment.
About 18 months ago I worked with a colleague on some blocks and whilst under hypnosis I got a scene. That scene was me as a baby elephant following my mother - told you this might sound weird.
The scene felt real and there was a belief I was not safe - needleless to say, that session would lead to me to understanding that for me to live my purpose, I needed to leave the police and become a fulltime therapist.
What happened two days ago would bring that session forward and give a new context.
Often the reason why we don't believe something is possible, is because we are blinded by our subconscious programming. Our reality is simply the result of experiences, attached to feelings which, when repeated, become who we believe we are.
Elephant Facts
- THEY CAN IDENTIFY LANGUAGES - Researchers at the University of Sussex in Brighton, discovered that African elephants can distinguish differences in human gender, age, and ethnicity purely by the sound of someone’s voice. If the voice belongs to a person who is more likely to pose a threat, the elephants switch into defensive mode.
- THEY CAN USE TOOLS - In 2010, a 7-year-old Asian elephant named Kandula impressed researchers by utilising tools from his surroundings to reach fruit that had been strategically placed just beyond his reach. After watching the fruit, tantalizingly, for a few days, Kandula had an "aha moment." He found a large plastic block, rolled it over, and stepped on it, propping himself up just far enough to reach the fruit with his trunk. While Kandula’s “aha moment” didn’t happen immediately, it stuck with him. He repeated the trick with other tools, and even figured out how to stack blocks to reach even higher.
- THEY UNDERSTAND HUMAN BODY LANGUAGE - Researchers recently observed evidence that elephants might understand human pointing. They tested this by pointing at food hidden in one of two identical containers, and observing which container a group of captive African elephants approached. Without any previous training, the elephants picked the correct container almost 68 percent of the time. That’s only about 5 percent lower than how one-year-old human babies perform on similar tests. When researchers stood between the containers and did not point, the elephants approached them randomly.
- THEY SHOW EMPATHY - A recent study observed Asian elephants comforting one another when distressed. The elephants in the study used both physical contact and vocal sounds as forms of comfort, stroking one another with their trunks and emitting small chirps. The study concluded this behavior is "best classified with similar consolation responses by apes, possibly based on convergent evolution of empathic capacities.
- THEY MOURN THEIR DEAD - It would be a stretch to say elephants, or any other animals, understand death in the same way humans do. But elephants have demonstrated fascinating reactions to the deaths of their kind, often displaying what appear to humans as symptoms of grief and mourning. They caress the bones of the dead with their trunks and will stand near the body of the deceased for hours. Sometimes they even try to bury the remains. They don't behave this way toward the remains of other animals. In this powerful photo, taken by John Chaney for National Geographic, a female elephant "very slowly and with much empathy wrapped her trunk around the deceased elephant’s tusk. She stayed in this position for several hours…"
- THEY MIMIC HUMAN VOICES - An Asian elephant named Koshik baffled researchers in 2012 when they realised he could say five words in Korean. "If you consider the huge size of the elephant and the long vocal tract and other anatomic differences—for example he has a trunk instead of lips... and a huge larynx—and he is really matching the voice pitch of his trainers, this is really remarkable," said Dr. Angela Stoeger, a lead author of a study about Koshik that appeared in Current Biology. While it is almost certain Koshik doesn’t comprehend the meaning of the words, the researchers believe he began mimicking sound as a way to bond with humans, which were his only form of social contact during his formative years.
- THEY HAVE EXTRAORDINARY MEMORIES - Elephants can remember routes to watering holes over incredibly long stretches of time and space. This is necessary for elephants that live in the desert where water is scarce. Research also shows that elephants often form close bonds with companions, and can recognize them even after long periods of separation. Dr. Shermin de Silva, now director of the Uda Walawe Elephant Research Project in Sri Lanka, said in 2011 that “Elephants are able to track one another over large distances by calling to each other and using their sense of smell … Our work shows that they are able to recognize their friends and renew these bonds even after being apart for a long time." In 1999, two elephants named Shirley and Jenny, once companions in a circus, reunited at The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee after more than 20 years apart. Their immediate bonding can be seen in the video above, shot during their reunion.
Source: https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/55640/7-behaviors-prove-elephants-are-incredibly-smart
So what's my point?
Are many of these things not human characteristics?
Given that premise, let me tell you about a dream I had. I don't know if I have read this, heard this or it actually appeared in a dream, but I do believe from my research this story is true.
Elephants Do the Work
In India cows are sacred so unlike in other countries they do not work the land, instead elephants do all the work, but how can these huge intelligent creatures who could easily kill a man become subservient?
When the elephants are young they are tied to a post by one leg, cruel but this is common practice and as you can imagine just like a toddler who doesn't do as they are told, they pull and try to break free, not wanting to conform by the rules. Overtime they are fed, watered and learn not to pull, because when they comply the tight noose becomes looser. They don't realise this but what they learn is the more they fight the less they get, so they trade freedom for the comfort of not being in pain.
As this process continues over weeks and months their reactions become subconscious, their trade offs, become less of a trade off, or a logic process but a subconscious knowing that to stay safe and connected the rope gives them comfort. Eventually the rope is replaced by a reed, this reed can easily be broken, but the elephant has no power. The elephants story has been changed. It now sees it's captor as someone who offers it, basics needs, food, purpose, shelter and maybe love, as many owners see the elephants as essential in doing their work.
Yet should the situation change and the elephant gets a new owner who does not provide these needs, will the elephant run back to nature, back to it's family. No it has become conditioned over time, it's story has changed.
Are you not the elephant, as a child did you not struggle until you learnt that you had to give up your freedoms in return for connection?
Are you not the elephant, who learnt that you had to give up your freedoms in return for a wage to help you live?
Are you not the elephant, who once had purpose but now feel trapped, abandoned and hurting?
Like the elephant you are powerful, you are free to run away and find a new life, a better life, but the stories you attach to the feelings you tell yourself everyday are represented by the reed around the elephants leg. The familiar feeling that keeps you trapped. Logically you should feel different, but emotionally you are trapped.
Now we don't know if the elephant was told it could change at anytime whether it would.
We don't know if it would choose faith over fear, to reconnect to it's natural state.
We do know that animals born in the wild, with help and guidance can be re-naturalised.
So if an animal can find their freedom again with the right help, what's stopping you?
Who do you need to help you find the root cause of that feeling that is keeping you trapped?
"I believe everyone should live a fulfilled and happy life and when you remove the destructive feelings you attach to the stories you tell yourself everyday, in one session and no more than three you can start your journey back to being who you were naturally created to be -
Marcus Matthews
If you want to start that journey then I've extended my offer below until the end of December, so don't be a captured elephant.
Learn what is holding you back then with my help, let me help you find freedom again - Use code
Empowered2020 and get the course for FREE
A few months ago, I came into the possession of two profound experiences that forever changed the way I view life, faith, and personal growth. These revelations helped me break free from limiting beliefs and pointed me toward a path of greater clarity and empowerment. Today, I’d like to share these insights with you, not as an expert, but as someone who has walked through the maze of doubt and found a clearer way forward, one which allows you to feel more at peace.
What does God, The Law of Attraction and Success have in common? In this blog I discuss a profound insight which came from a conversation about God, Religion and Church. As part of my own spiritual journey I have started to discover The Bible and God, after a 44 year absence. This time with a wiser head I still had the same question I did when I was 6 years old - Why Do I Need To Go To Church? At a service about 6 months ago a Pastor said of Matthew 18:20, “ For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them,” he was emphasising the profound importance of community in the Church and this was the place to find God - I still wasn't convinced. Although I understood this, I have never felt God's presence in church and further reading, the truth of this verse is that it emphasises the profound importance of community and connection not just the church. It reminds believers that Christ’s presence is not confined to large congregations or grand buildings but is found wherever people come together in His name—whether in worship, prayer, fellowship or more importantly service. This verse assures us that even the smallest gatherings are sacred spaces where Christ works to guide, strengthen, and unify His followers. But Wait...... This is when it hit me, and in this article I want to discuss how this verse may have been hijacked by the church because this same principle is also discussed in books Like Think and Grow Rich, and runs through many other practices when it comes to finding success or as I like to call it inner peace. This is why connection to a divine purpose, be that from a spiritual, personal or business perspective is all about aligning with those who serve others to improve humanity not those who wish to take your divine energy.
This video was from a Keynote talk on the 16th November 2024 at The Mecure Hotel Abbotswell Chester
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It's a Sunday evening and my Whats App pings a message from a Grandmother deperate to help her Granddaughter who is on a downward spiral due to a Ketamine addiction. A familar story as services stuggle to help people. In this blog I reveal the reason why she was addicted and why traditional methods don't always work
6 years ago this month my life took a dramatic turn and in this blog I want to explain from a mans perspective why we need to give men purpose
The Power of Now: How the Present Shapes the Future and Why Understanding the Past Can Transform Today As I sat down for a Sunday meal with my family, surrounded by the familiar warmth of loved ones, I had no idea that a simple conversation would unlock a profound insight into my own wellbeing journey. The discussion veered into our family history, where I discovered that my Great Grandmother had suffered from severe mental health issues and was subjected to Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT). This revelation sparked a cascade of thoughts, leading me to reflect on how the past, even events from generations ago, shapes our present reality and how understanding this connection can empower us to change our future and how we can either change the course of history for good or we can continue that trauma for generations to come. Our lives are intricately woven with threads from the past, some of which may have been spun long before we were even born. The experiences, traumas, and coping mechanisms of our ancestors can subtly influence our beliefs, behaviours, and emotional responses. Often, we find ourselves stuck in patterns of thinking and acting that seem impossible to change. Much of this resistance to change stems from the fact that our minds are designed to seek comfort in the familiar. When we attempt to alter our habits or challenge long-held beliefs, our subconscious mind, which is heavily influenced by our past experiences, pushes back. This is a protective mechanism, intended to keep us safe from perceived threats, even if those threats are outdated or no longer relevant. From my own experience and that of my clients, I've seen how powerful these inherited patterns can be. For many, understanding that these feelings and behaviours may have deep roots—sometimes extending to previous generations—can be a revelation. It's as though we're carrying the emotional legacy of our ancestors without even realising it. Is it worth considering we are living history and we may look back and realise the mainstream ideas may not be as effective as we believe. The NHS Talking Therapies programme, which includes counselling, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and psychotherapy, has been shown to be effective for many individuals dealing with anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions. According to the latest data, around 50% of people who completed their course of treatment through these services moved to recovery, meaning they were no longer considered to have clinical anxiety or depression by the end of their therapy. Note moved to recovery not resolved. CBT, which is one of the most commonly used therapies within the NHS, accounts for over 40% of all therapy courses and has a recovery rate of approximately 44.5%. While CBT focuses on addressing current issues by changing negative thought patterns and behaviours, it often does not delve into the deeper, underlying causes of these mental health issues, which may be rooted in past experiences. For those looking for a more profound and lasting change, hypnotherapy offers an alternative by accessing the subconscious mind to uncover and address these deep-rooted emotional drives. This approach can help individuals not only manage their symptoms but also resolve the underlying issues that contribute to their mental health struggles. Electroconvulsive Therapy, once a common treatment for severe mental health conditions, has seen a significant decline in use. This decline is largely due to advances in understanding the brain, the development of more effective and less invasive treatments, and the recognition of the potential negative side effects of ECT, such as memory loss and cognitive impairment. The landscape of mental health treatment has shifted towards a more holistic approach, one that takes into account the psychological, emotional, and social factors that contribute to mental wellbeing. This is a positive change, but it also highlights the importance of understanding the root causes of our mental health challenges. Simply treating the symptoms, as ECT often did, is no longer sufficient. Instead, there is a growing recognition of the need to address the underlying issues, many of which may be rooted in our past. You see we don't go from perfectly OK to suffering with our mental health it's a slow decline, and yes there is a spectrum, but in general in todays world ECT has been replaced with drugs and coping mechnisms, so has the world really changed? While modern methods of talking therapy often focus on managing symptoms and exploring surface-level thoughts and feelings, they sometimes fall short of addressing the deep-rooted emotional drives that influence our behaviours. These therapies can provide valuable insights and coping strategies, but they may not always reach the underlying causes of emotional distress, which are often buried in the subconscious mind. Hypnotherapy, by contrast, delves into these deeper layers of the mind, uncovering and addressing the core issues that drive our emotional responses. By accessing the subconscious, hypnotherapy can facilitate profound and lasting change, helping individuals to resolve the root causes of their struggles rather than simply managing the symptoms. In my journey of self-discovery, I've come to realise that understanding the past is not about dwelling on it, but rather about using it as a tool for change. When we recognise the origins of our beliefs and behaviours, we gain the power to rewrite the narrative. We can transform adversity into opportunity by reframing our experiences, shifting our perspective, and creating new, healthier patterns of thinking. This approach is not about blaming our ancestors or feeling burdened by their experiences. Instead, it's about acknowledging the impact of the past on our present and using that knowledge to shape a better future. By understanding how our minds work and the role of the past in shaping our present reality, we can make conscious choices to break free from negative patterns and create a life that aligns with our true desires and values.
What if we saw the beauty in everyones personal gifts - How would the world look and feel? In this blog I would like you to consider how the labels placed upon us define our path in life. With the increase in neurodivergence, has anything really changed when it comes to recognising peoples unique gifts or are we just creating new sociatal labels, which appear more acceptable? Are workplaces more inclusive or are we just polorising people by giving them a lable? What if we stripped away the label and saw the human how would that change our actions and behaviours? Who are you without a label, take if off and then define yourself? This question encourages a profound self-exploration, particularly for those navigating life with ADHD and other neurodiverse conditions, with an ever growing need to label difference, are we forgetting the beauty of diversity? Redefining Neurodiversity and Neurotypical: A Different Perspective Neurodiversity encompasses a range of differences, including ADHD, autism, dyslexia, and more, whilst Neurotypical refers to individuals whose neurological development and functioning are typical, aligning with what is considered the societal norm. Now it begs the question what is normal and as a society are we thriving? These labels of course are useful to understand each other but are typically labelled as "disorders," and in a world that seems more disordered than ever I think we need to look again at the way we label people, what if we challenge that narrative? Instead of viewing neurodiversity as a series of deficits, we can see it as a spectrum of unique perspectives and abilities. "Neurodiversity is not a defect. It’s a different way of thinking." The one thing we need in the world today is a different way of thinking This shift in perspective transforms perceived limitations into strengths. For example, individuals with ADHD often exhibit exceptional creativity, problem-solving skills, and resilience. These are not just compensations for a disorder but are superpowers that can lead to incredible achievements. The Power of Labels: Empowerment or Excuse? Labels can provide clarity and community, but they can also become crutches. Owning the label of ADHD or another neurodiverse condition can sometimes be an excuse to avoid action. However, it’s essential to move beyond the label and embrace the unique abilities it signifies. Questions for Reflection: Are you as a leader finding more people using neurodiversity as an excuse and why? What are my true passions and interests, beyond the roles and labels I identify with or others place upon me? How would I describe myself and my abilities if I couldn't use any labels or diagnoses? What unique strengths and perspectives do I bring to my relationships and work and why is that? How would I approach challenges differently if I viewed them through the lens of personal growth rather than limitations? What possibilities could open up if you focused on potential rather than conforming to societal expectations? How are you using your unique perspective to empower yourself and others? Are you embracing and loving who you truly are, or are you using your skills as an excuse to fit in? These questions encourage self-awareness and growth. It’s about recognising the incredible capabilities you possess and leveraging them to make a positive impact. Embracing Authenticity: Beyond Judgement, Shame, and Guilt The journey of self-acceptance involves overcoming judgment, shame, guilt, and the need for validation. Society often imposes standards that make neurodiverse individuals feel less than or different. However, embracing your true self means letting go of these external pressures, regardless of whether you define yourself as neurodiverse or neurotypical. "Your value is not determined by how well you fit into societal norms, but by how authentically you live your truth." Moving Forward: Action Steps Celebrate Your Strengths: Identify the unique skills and abilities that come with who you are. Write them down and reflect on how your unique skills can contribute to your personal and professional life – ditch the label. Make a shift: Challenge the narrative that labels give. Instead, view the world in a different way, let’s experiencing the world, with its own set of advantages. Seek Supportive Communities: Surround yourself with people who understand and appreciate you. Although therapy can give insights to your past and coaching can give you stratergies for the future, there are many people who have walked your path. Find someone who can help you navigate the world and teach you how to love your gifts, not love the label. Mentors can be a source of great knowledge and inspiration, more over they can instil confidence and empower you to move forward. Set Empowering Goals: Use your unique abilities to set and achieve goals that align with your passions and strengths. Focus on what you can do, rather than what you can't. Practice Self-Compassion: Be kind to yourself. Understand that everyone has challenges and that your worth is not diminished by them. Final Thoughts Reframing the labels society puts on us allows for a more empowering and inclusive approach. By embracing who you truly are, you can transform perceived limitations into incredible strengths. Remember, your unique perspective is not just valid—it’s invaluable. Who are you without a label? You are a person with unique abilities, a valuable perspective, and the potential to make a significant impact on the world. Embrace it, own it, and use it to empower yourself and others. Who do you know who needs to hear this and what do you need to ditch the label and step into your own unique brilliance? Share this post with someone who needs to step into their truth and if you need further support then feel free to book a free call to find out how I can help you ditch the label and turn adversity into oppotunity. Why not watch my Positive Mindset Webinar where I teach you the foundations of stepping into your trueself. Book NOW
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