When Liz asked me to be a guest on her LizianShop Live, I wondered how I could make a beneficial contribution to the show. Liz did not know that I had carried a ‘lucky’ stone for several years at the time of asking.
Why is a psychologist happy to carry what is in effect a ‘good luck charm’? The answer is, of course, simple. Because psychologists are human: and subject to the same feelings and emotions as everyone else. Furthermore, while our training and years of studying the human condition have to be centred on actual episodes of life, there is no reason not to enjoy the areas which, at first glance, do not make sense.
My feeling is owning a ‘lucky stone’ is beneficial. Moreover, more so if there is a sentiment, reason or intention behind the stone or talisman. Once we have a symbolic focal point to anything we wish to attain, then psychological magic can, and indeed will happen.
The Symbolism of Objects Are Potent Reference Points
I cannot comment on the idea that lucky stone has a defined physiological benefit. However, I would find it hard to dispute that carrying a focal point or symbolism of success has a profound effect on one’s ability to attain the goal.
Moreover, there will be sceptics. Who will comment: ‘What! Carrying a talisman will make something happen – idiot? ‘However, the very same person will swear that his car is safer than anything else on the road: without acknowledging the certainty: no matter how safe the car: it is the driver who is the key to accident or safe journey. From years attending road traffic accidents, many times fatal accidents, the driver will sometimes blame the vehicle. Even though evidence determines the driver is at fault. Consider the observation with care: in this situation, the driver is transferring blame to the car. Furthermore, this is irrational.
The point is: inanimate objects can have a living reality within most peoples minds. From a child’s teddy bear to the lucky ‘golf club’ owned by a hard-nosed lawyer, from a chef’s favourite knife or ladle to your favourite piece of jewellery. There are reasons for the bond: But is the bond to an inanimate object is in itself irrational? I doubt it. Therefore, it is acceptable to acknowledge that people who love to carry a lucky talisman are like any other human who has a favourite possession, which helps with a task.
Many people purchased crystals from Liz during the show. Moreover, the reasons stemmed from the love of geology to metaphysical ideas. Outsiders should harbour no problem with either end of the spectrum. Accepted, many who find the idea as irrational: they could well be the very same person who owns a 10 thousand pound stamp collection, a garage full of old cars, three sets of golf clubs, five tennis rackets, glass cupboards full of porcelain, or have to change their good two-year-old car for the latest model.
We do not need a rational explanation to love or collect anything. Moreover, no one should justify why they like to collect in a specific genre. In the same light: when there is a desire to do something which brings pleasure, then follow the quest. (there are exceptions, anything which hurts or damages is not within this statement).
I noticed an interesting and vital aspect of Liz’s show. The audience was interactive and demonstrated immense camaraderie. Moreover, even though there were slightly conflicting ideas of what each stone represented, the audience was content to accept their unknown friends’ ideas and thoughts. Moreover, in contemporary society, this must be acknowledged as a beneficial aspect of the unifying subject: collecting stones and studying their uses. Furthermore, this aspect has incredible psychological benefits beyond the central focal point.
Friends Can Share Diverse Interests – Togetherness is as Important as the Subject
It is possible to one has a focal point of concentration. An overriding lesson here may be to following one’s heart. Having a hobby or interest which combines everything from geology to metaphysics seems to stretch the imagination. Furthermore, anything which can enlighten one’s imagination is beneficial to the thinking process. The sceptics have their ideas which have little concern for the crystal collector. Indeed, as a psychologist, it would be easy to root out non-coherent habits in every member of humankind. So be careful where the first stone is thrown!
In Conclusion:
It can be seen as beneficial to carry a symbol of one’s hopes. For example, some call the stone a ‘worry stone’ and hold it in their hand in times of anxiety. Others use a stone or talisman as a symbol of something wished to achieve. The technique is simple: hold the stone while working on the means or while planning an objective. There is no need to revert the planning stage regularly: the unconscious mind holds the processes already reviewed or considered (this process is known as anchoring in other techniques). An accepted idea is to imbibe a fear, phobia or unwanted event in the stone or talisman and either bury it or throw it into the water: a recognised freedom technique recognised for many centuries.
Talismans Have Many Forms
We should exercise more effort to accept people’s beliefs or ideas: even if they conflict with our mindset, rather than finding ways or ideas which ‘prove’ one’s viewpoint. An excellent and more accessible way is to accept people have alternative ideas and perceptions. Anyone who believes their ideas and concept of life is better than others is making life difficult. An individual cannot influence the weight of any group of people. Those who follow alternative ideas enjoy excellent benefits beyond their central belief or hobby. Connectivity and sharing, and being within a group of like-minded souls: has incredible benefits to one’s health and wellbeing.
Darren Stanton
