Given the increasingly busy routines of Brazilians, Silvio Ferrérie , author of the book Free yourself from beliefs that imprison you!, presents six practical activities to help balance your daily routine. His suggestions include everything from moments of silence and digital disconnection to meditation and personal reflection, adaptable to any schedule. A specialist in holistic therapies, Ferrérie seeks, through his guidance, to promote greater well-being and inner harmony.
How do you think a lack of self-reflection affects people’s everyday lives?
In my opinion, a lack of self-reflection can be one of the main causes of the internal and external conflicts we face on a daily basis. When we don’t take the time to look within, we end up repeating patterns of behavior, going on autopilot every day and believing in beliefs that limit us, without even realizing it. The lack of this personal analysis creates a barrier to self-knowledge and the transformation we seek. Thus, we become hostages to beliefs that are not ours, but that were imposed by the environment, culture or past experiences. This affects not only our mental health, but also our relationships, our decision-making and the way we deal with daily challenges. It allows us to explore our emotional needs, unconscious desires and fundamental values, providing a deeper understanding of the motivations behind our actions. Self-reflection is an invitation to break these chains and build a more conscious, authentic and balanced life, knowing ourselves better, recognizing our achievements, giving us strength to improve our positive side , as well as recognizing our limitations , allowing us a continuous search in the creation of strategies to correct and deal with our dualities in a healthy and constructive way .
What practices do you find most challenging to incorporate into your daily life? How can you overcome them?
One of the most challenging practices, in my opinion, is the consistency of moments of pause and silence to look within ourselves directly, without judgment or criticism, but in a truthful way; naked and raw. We are so used to the rush and distractions of the modern world that, often, self-reflection and contemplation end up being left aside. I also find it difficult to accept and embrace our own shadows without judgment, where it is much easier to deny or repress uncomfortable feelings than to face them.
Overcoming these challenges requires discipline and self-compassion. Starting with small steps, such as meditating for a few minutes, writing in a thought journal, or simply practicing mindfulness during routine activities, helps create space for self-discovery. Another important point is to understand that evolution is a gradual process.
We need to allow ourselves to make mistakes, learn and grow without demanding too much of ourselves for ‘perfection’. By practicing this acceptance, we become kinder to ourselves and others, which allows us to live in a more balanced and conscious way.
Can you share any personal experiences that inspired you to write “Free Yourself from Imprisoning Beliefs!”?
My inspiration for writing ‘Free Yourself from Imprisoning Beliefs!’ came from a very difficult time in my life. For years, I faced many emotional challenges that led me to believe negative and limiting thoughts. I felt I wasn’t good enough, I was afraid of failure, and I worried too much about what others thought of me.
There were many fears of being judged by others, of not living up to expectations, and of not being accepted for who I really was. This constant struggle with my own thoughts created blocks that prevented me from seeking opportunities, feeling confident, and living life to the fullest, damaging all areas of my life, personal and professional relationships. I was always trying to please others, comparing myself, and seeking external validation.
With all these events, I experienced a deep depression that lasted for almost a decade and that reflected not only on my mental and psychological state, but also on my physical state, such as diabetes that appeared during this period and a struggle against depression and anxiety.
There was a time when I reached my limit. My own thoughts were suffocating me and I couldn’t realize how much this was harming me and taking me deeper and deeper into an endless darkness. In several depressive moments I thought about giving up on everything, even writing a farewell letter and going to the railing of a bridge on Easter Sunday . The feeling of internal suffocation was so great that I couldn’t see a way out. That’s when a miracle happened for me, an angel in the form of a homeless person appeared out of nowhere and came to where I was. At that moment I thought it was going to be a robbery, but he just asked me for a cigarette and since I didn’t have any to give him, he started talking to me and during our conversation he told me a little about his life, which broke me inside and made me see how lucky I am, because I have a good life, a good family, a home to live in, plenty of food, a bed to sleep in, a hot shower to bathe in and most importantly a wonderful mother who has always supported me, guided me and given me and my siblings so much love. It was like a lightning bolt hitting me in the head and made me see how selfish I was being with myself and my family who loves me so much. Feeling very ashamed of what I could do, I hugged this enlightened being who appeared in front of me with so many lessons that he taught me in a few minutes. I got in the car and went home ready to seek help and thus began a redefinition of my life, a revolutionary act within my being.
That’s when I started seeking help, actively working to change my mindset and adopt healthier practices, such as positive affirmations, professional therapy, and daily exercise from the moment I wake up until I fall asleep. All of this brought me clarity and helped me see who I really was. This journey of transformation is so powerful, so transformative that it made me discover my life purpose, “Helping people”. With all this transformation that I’m still going through, I felt I needed to share it with the world. I wrote the book with the purpose of bringing inspiration to people who are looking for a path, looking for their purpose and finding themselves without the need for validation in the hectic world we are currently experiencing, to free themselves from their own limiting beliefs, to find their own inner strength to live in a more conscious and balanced way.
In this book, I try to present not only historical facts about the duality of light and shadow, but also questions, exercises and information of utmost importance that I use to this day. I try to make it clear to readers that they will not be alone on this journey; I am also in this ongoing process, and together we will deconstruct all the beliefs that limit us and we can give new meanings to life’s events, based on our changes in the perception of the world.
How do you suggest people find time for the activities you propose, such as meditation and journaling?
I believe that finding time for meditation and journaling is more about prioritizing these practices than actually having the hours in your day. The pace of modern life is hectic and it feels like we’re always racing against the clock, but often it’s a matter of making small adjustments to our daily routine. You don’t have to start with big blocks of time; small steps can make all the difference. For example, setting aside five minutes in the morning to meditate or write down a few thoughts in your journal can be transformative.
Another suggestion is to incorporate these activities into your routine. It could be during breakfast, before bed, or even during your commute to work, taking advantage of these minutes to connect with yourself. The important thing is to understand that these practices don’t need to be perfect or long; the essential thing is consistency. By dedicating a little time to these daily reflections, no matter how small, you begin to develop a deeper relationship with yourself, and this habit ends up becoming a source of balance and clarity to deal with everyday challenges.
You mention “mindful action”; how can this practice transform the way we face daily challenges?
The practice of ‘mindful action’ has transformative power because it brings us into the present moment, helping us to act more intentionally and less automatically. Too often, we go through daily challenges on ‘autopilot’, reacting to situations and making decisions based on old patterns or impulsive emotions. When we bring awareness to our actions, we begin to observe our thoughts, emotions and reactions, and we can choose how to act instead of simply reacting.
This approach changes the way we deal with challenges because it creates a pause between stimulus and response. Instead of getting caught up in stress or negativity, we can assess the situation more clearly and respond in ways that align with our values and goals. This helps us navigate difficult situations with greater balance, patience, and discernment, while also transforming the way we view obstacles from problems to opportunities to grow and learn. ‘Mindful action’ is an invitation to live with greater presence, making choices that truly reflect who we are and what we want for our lives.”
What feedback do you usually get from people who try to apply your suggestions to their routines?
It is very rewarding to hear feedback from people who begin to apply these practices to their routines. Many report that, even with small changes, they already notice a significant difference in the way they relate to themselves and the world around them. One of the things I hear most is how self-reflection and practicing activities such as meditation or journaling help them gain more mental and emotional clarity. They become more aware of their thoughts and emotions, and this brings a sense of freedom and control over their daily choices and reactions.
Some people tell me that when they start looking at their shadows, they face difficult and challenging moments, but that, over time, this translates into self-knowledge and personal growth. Others talk about how their relationships improve, not only with others, but also with themselves, and how they start to face challenges with more balance and tranquility. Overall, the feedback is that these practices bring more lightness and purpose to their daily lives, and that, even in difficult times, they provide a solid foundation for moving forward with more confidence.
How does digital disconnection impact people’s perception of themselves, in your experience?
In my experience, digital disconnection plays a fundamental role in improving our perception of ourselves. We are constantly connected, being bombarded with information and stimuli that often take us away from our own center. This hyper digital connection leads us to constant comparisons, to seek external validation and to lose touch with what really matters: our essence and our values.
When we disconnect from screens, we create space to reconnect internally. This break allows us to listen to our own thoughts, feel our emotions, and reflect on our experiences without the direct influence of social media or news. Many people who take the time to take a break from screens report feeling more mental clarity, peace of mind, and a reconnection with their purpose.
As I always say to myself and those close to me: “There’s nothing like taking a break from your cell phone, being able to open and read a good physical book, even if it’s just for a few minutes.”
Digital disconnection doesn’t mean ignoring the world, but rather creating moments of silence and introspection, which are essential to understanding ourselves better. It’s like taking a break to listen to yourself, to redefine priorities and cultivate a deeper relationship with yourself, away from the distractions and expectations that online life brings.
What are your future plans as an author and researcher in this field of spirituality and self-reflection?
As an author and researcher, my goal is to continue deepening this field of spirituality and self-reflection, expanding the dialogue on how we can integrate the duality of light and shadow into our lives, among other important topics that can bring help and learning. I feel that ‘Free yourself from beliefs that imprison you!’ is just the beginning of a much broader journey. I want to explore topics such as self-transformation, emotional balance and connection with the essence, always bringing a practical and accessible approach that really makes a difference in people’s daily lives.
I am planning new projects, such as giving lectures and courses that will help put the concepts covered in the book into practice. I am also thinking about developing materials that will delve deeper into specific aspects of the journey of self-knowledge, such as the integration of shadows or the role of spirituality in mental health. And, of course, I have plans for future books, where I want to share even more experiences, studies and reflections, always with the purpose of inspiring people to live in a more conscious, balanced and authentic way. My commitment is to continue learning and sharing this knowledge in a way that contributes to personal and collective evolution.
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