Are you ready for a one-step healing solution that's nearly guaranteed to have you feeling better immediately? Who wouldn't? Well, it exists. It's free. It's accessible any time of day or night. No physical effort required.

Engage your mind.

A few days ago, I had the opportunity to talk with a number of people about the power of the mind to heal. One of their common concerns was this: "I want to make the change; to do things differently; to heal my life. But my mind keeps playing the same old tapes!"

I'm sure we've all felt that way at one time or another. It's how things seem to go until we learn to step in and work the "tape player." I've been there myself. Because I've been there myself, I am confident in my suggestion that the tape can indeed be changed.

Do you listen to music around the house ... in your office ... in your room? At least occasionally, I'll bet. So let's say you've got a particular CD in the player, or a particular playlist going on your iPod. And let's say you've had enough for now; you're ready to listen to something else.

What do you do?

I'm serious. What do you do? Because how you change the player is the same way you change the recital that's going on in the back of your mind.

1. First, you must decide that it's time for something different. It starts with a basic choice.
2. Now what if you only had one CD available, or one playlist? Well then you'd have to go out and find an alternate. It's not enough to simply decide you've had enough of the "bad tapes" your mind plays when you're running on autopilot. Consciously choose something to replace them with.
3. Finally, you'll actually make the change. It's not enough to think "I wish something else would come on now." You, the operator, must consciously change the content.

That's it. Not too tough, once you recognize the three steps. Only thing is a lot of times people stop at wishing.

I suggest that you plan ahead what you're going to replace the old tapes with. Usually, a positive affirmation. Take note of the text you're replacing, and then reverse it to the thought you want. For example:

If the "old tape" says "I'm always been dull and stupid," then the new version might go like this: "I am creativity and fresh beginnings."

If the "old tape" says "I can't afford to buy organic food and join the gym. We don't have enough," then the new version might go: "I am abundance and wholeness. I make healthy choices."

Great when it's your own thought. But what if the "old tape" comes in someone else's voice? A respected member of your family, a teacher, or some authority that you believe knows more about you than you do.

First, if you are an adult, it's time to question the premise. Who really knows more about you than you do? Of course we turn to doctors, counselors, and other experts for their opinions and objective advice. But I'll bet theirs aren't the "old tapes" you're playing. Rather, most likely those of a bully.

Yep, a bully. Relentless criticism is one of the characteristics of a bully who seeks to overpower and control you. As long as you keep playing "the tape," they are succeeding. Even though the person may not be physically present in your life today, as long as you give their voice priority over your own, they are still in control of your mind.

When you're ready to take charge yourself, the steps are quite simple.

1. Decide to re-focus the little voice in the back of your head.
2. Prepare something new, more to your liking, to represent where you are headed in your life today.
3. Replace the old thoughts with the new ones. Whenever you notice the old thoughts creeping back (which they most likely will at first, since that's your habit), then replace them again. Repeat.

That's it! Just like changing the playlist on your iPod. Engage mind and expect wholeness.