Identifying what to cut to

Practicing the figure 8

Cutting-Ties group

We are all bound by invisible chains, things that bind us and block us and keep us from being who we really are. These ties come from childhood from family environment, culture, fears or reactions to events that took place years ago.

A method developed by Phyllis Krystal can help us to cut the ties that bind us to anyone or anything that acts as an authority and exerts control over us. Detachment from such control will allow us to remove the accumulated layers of conditioning which obscure the inner light of the Higher Consciousness (Hi C) or Real Self. The exercises that are contained in this method can help to free us from everything that prevents the Real Self from being expressed through the exterior shell or receptacle comprised of the body, mind, personality and ego.

The method is fully described in Phyllis’ book, “Cutting the Ties that Bind…growing up and moving on” For more information on the work of Phyllis Krystal see http://www.phylliskrystal.com/intro.htm

How can we free ourselves from our negative conditioning, from our parents, friends, siblings, addictions, and repetitive behaviour patterns? The word "attachment" has been widely misinterpreted. We can be fully involved in the world and dedicated to our work and our loved ones...yet free from old programming that binds us to the past and prevents us from fully-experiencing the present.

Through these techniques, we become free from old patterns of thinking, feeling and behaving and begin to tap into our High C, or Higher Consciousness.

Identifying what to cut to

To discover what you need to cut to find a space where you can relax, allow your mind to empty itself, visualise yourself in a golden circle of light and visualise another golden circle of light in front of you (see figure 8). Then ask your Hi C to show you what you need to cut to, the first image, symbol, word or person that appears in the opposite circle is the one you need to cut to. Then begin to practice the figure 8 as directed below.

The Figure Eight is a symbol that enables a person to protect his own space or territory and at the same time avoid invading anyone else's space. It is advisable to have only one person or symbol at a time in the circle opposite your own when using the Figure Eight exercise, to avoid confusing your separate reactions to different people, issues, challenges.

Practicing the figure 8

1. Imagine you are sitting or standing in a circle of golden light on the ground around your feet. The radius of this circle is the length of your own arm with the fingers extended.

2. Visualize another circle of golden light directly in front of you about the same size as yours and just touching, but not overlapping your circle.

3. Starting at the point where the two circles touch, visualize a neon blue light flowing around the opposite circle in a clockwise direction until it is complete.

4. Let it continue to flow around the left side of your circle, around your back, around your right side and back to where the two circles touch, to form a Figure Eight.

5. Continue visualizing the Figure Eight of neon blue light for two minutes at a time, morning and evening as preparation before cutting the ties, or briefly, as the need arises throughout the day, whenever you become aware that you are trying to control someone, or that you are allowing someone or something to control you.

All of these images must be visualized on the ground. If any of them appear to float, ask the Hi C (High Consciousness) how to secure them firmly in place on the ground before proceeding with the exercise.

The neon light has the effect of drawing each person’s projections into his or her own circle. It's an important step in helping the two individuals disentangle. The neon blue light also helps keep both free from invasion or control by the other.

If you are practicing the Figure Eight in preparation for cutting the ties with someone who was very abusive to you, you might find that they won't stay put in their circle. You'll have to use your imagination to find ways to keep them in their circle. This is very important because during these two weeks of practicing the Figure Eight, you are beginning to clarify the boundaries between you and the other person. So you may have to find creative ways of keeping them in their circle. Perhaps you'll have to extend the circle upward to form a cylinder...or maybe you'll have to "erect" a high glass enclosure. Maybe you'll even have to put a lid on the top of the enclosure. Maybe you'll have to nail down the enclosure at the base.

After you've practiced the Figure Eight for two weeks, you'll be ready to cut the ties that bind. To find out more go to http://www.phylliskrystal.com/intro.htm

By cutting the ties, you are not ridding yourself of a relationship. For example, cutting the ties with your mother or father doesn't mean that you stop having a relationship with them. It means that you consciously go through a process in which you realize how you are bound and then you release or cut those bonds so that those relationships can grow in a healthy direction. Cutting the ties allows you become free...free of feeling controlled, free of the hurt, free of the anger, free to move on in life and live it to the fullest.
And remember--the Figure Eight is just the warm-up, the preparation. You're not cutting the ties by practicing the Figure Eight.

Cutting-Ties group

On the first Sunday of every month we facilitate a "Cutting the Ties" group from 4.30pm to 6pm. When cutting a tie one-on-one with a guide, or in a group setting the individual practices the "Figure Eight" image for at least two weeks prior to the "cutting". If you want to attend one of the group meetings please call us in advance to book a place as seating is limited.

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Last updated: February 9, 2010