The Happy and Prosperous Blog

Last week I mentioned that I was going to the Middle East to teach for a few days. I flew to Beirut as part of my work as a teacher for the London International College of Homeopathy.I had planned to go there last November but security concerns at the time prevented that happening.

The view down Hamra Street
from the balcony of my hotel room
photo credit: Roger Knight

Impressions Before I Arrived

I have to say that I was a little concerned about going to Beirut. Not hugely anxious, but definitely concerned. The reason being that my perception of Beirut was a place associated with violence, risk, political unrest and a potential war zone. So I was concerned for my own security and whether the students would be able to get together in one place for teaching.

I don’t read the news much and I guess my impression had formed from what I had read in newspapers and seen on the TV.

Arrival

My flight arrived at 2245 local time and I had been concerned about whether it was safe to be travelling in the city at that time of night, however I was assured that it was OK. When I arrived I was met by 2 of the students and taken to my hotel. I saw a few soldiers/police around on the streets of the city - they looked bored and everything seemed peaceful and calm.

We drove in past signs for KFC and actually passed Starbucks and Costa Coffee - so plenty of familiar brands to make me feel at home !

The Reality

I had a very enjoyable time in Beirut. I really enjoyed the teaching. All the people I met (with the possible exception of a couple of airport staff) were friendly, pleasant and welcoming. The food was wonderful. I never once felt unsafe or in the slightest danger. I had expected to see bombed out buildings and evidence of violence. There was very little of this.

The students were full of enthusiasm and I have the greatest respect for them in studying homeopathy which doesn’t seem very well established there. They have been studying for over 2 years and they’re doing well.

False Fears

Before I went to Beirut, Lebanon, to me, was a place on the map - a place with a reputation of violence to my mind. Having been there and seen the reality, I know that my impression was false and was based on a distorted (possible historical) perception. I was ignorant of the current facts.

I wondered how many other fears and limiting beliefs in life are also based on a false perception of reality. I suspect I don’t question or challenge the basis of my fears. Could we do that ? Have you had an experience which made you re-evaluate a fear or limiting belief that you had ? Maybe you hold on to a belief about yourself that you picked up in childhood which limits you in some way ? Is it based on a false perception of reality or out-of-date information like my fear was ? Do drop me a line in the comments and let me know.

[If you have enjoyed reading this post, please consider sharing it with others by using the buttons below. Thanks.]

If you're new here and you'd like to keep up-to-date with these articles, you may want to subscribe to my RSS feed or I can send you updates by Email. Thanks for visiting !

Trackback URI | Comments RSS