Section C
An Easier Kind of Change
Part One: An Easier Kind of Change
Making changes for the better isn’t always easy. In fact, it can be quite difficult. Harmful patterns in how we act, think, and intend aren’t always comfortable to face. They can be hard to recognize clearly, and even harder to admit and begin changing.
Because of this, it’s not unusual for people who discover the BNL process of life change and spiritual transformation to struggle—either to get started or to stay with it over time.
If that’s where you find yourself, there is something that can help. There’s a simpler kind of change—something more immediate and accessible than the full four-step process. It allows you to begin making meaningful, positive shifts right away, even before engaging the deeper work.
This “easier kind of change” is described in the writings of Emanuel Swedenborg like this:
When we are considering doing something harmful (i.e., “evil”) and are forming an intention to do it, we say to ourselves, “I am thinking about this, and I’m intending to do it—but because it’s a sin, I’m not going to do it” (True Christianity, paragraph 535).
Note: In the BNL framework, “evil” refers to anything that is harmful, destructive, or out of alignment with God’s purpose, plan, or design in creation. More specifically, it includes anything that sets itself against God or causes harm to your neighbor, as summarized in the Ten Commandments and reflected in the broader Word of God. “Sin,” then, is when that evil becomes personal—when it shows up in your actions, your words, your intentions, or even in the thoughts you choose to dwell on and nurture. It includes anything you do, say, hold onto inwardly, or intend that goes against one or more of these commandments.
What’s remarkable about this simple practice is how immediate its effect can be. Swedenborg goes on to say:
Doing this counteracts the enticement that hell is injecting into us, and prevents it from gaining ground. (True Christianity, paragraph 535)
People who try this are often surprised by how powerful it is. The pull toward something harmful can suddenly lose its grip. In some cases, the shift is so complete that, moments later, the person can’t remember what the temptation even was.
Practiced regularly, this simple step can begin to reshape your experience in several ways:
It helps you recognize that unwanted thoughts and impulses are a normal part of being human.
It trains you to notice harmful thoughts and inclinations early—right as they’re entering your awareness—before they take hold.
It builds momentum, confidence, and readiness for engaging the full BNL process.
In short, this is a gentle, non-threatening way to begin. It allows you to experience real change right away, while also preparing you for deeper transformation over time.
Part Two: Why Change Can Be So Difficult
There are many reasons why making positive changes can feel hard. Here are some of the most common:
You may simply not be used to making intentional changes in your life.
You may feel unready, unable, or unwilling to begin.
The idea of examining harmful habits—or letting them go—may bring sadness or heaviness.
You may feel afraid of making positive changes you’d like to make.
Note: Often, these experiences are connected. A lack of practice can lead to resistance. Resistance can turn into discouragement or sadness. And from there, fear can grow—especially fear of taking that first step of honest self-examination. Other obstacles may include:
A sense that you lack the courage, confidence, or strength to follow through
A wish that change could happen automatically, or that someone else could do it for you
A feeling of indifference: you simply don’t feel like making changes, or don’t care to make them.
Feeling stuck in familiar but harmful patterns
Competing priorities that crowd out the desire for personal or spiritual growth
On top of this, there can be ways of thinking—even religious ideas—that quietly discourage self-examination or minimize the need for ongoing repentance and growth.
Taken together, these factors can leave a person feeling understandably resistant, discouraged, or uninterested in the work of inner change.
But this is exactly where the “easier kind of change” can help. It offers a simple starting point—something you can practice in real time, in the middle of everyday life. And from there, it can gently open the door to deeper transformation.
Good wishes to you as you engage in this spiritual practice.