Choose Again Philosophy & The Six Steps to Freedom

The "Six Steps to Freedom" is at the heart of the Choose Again programs.
The Six Step process is the distillation of many years of research into universal spiritual teachings, psychology, and life experience into a simple, pragmatic, and hugely effective process.
The Six Steps can be used to return to a state of peace in literally any upset, and when practiced regularly, can change your life.
Check out the video for an introduction, and email us for your printable copy.
"The Six Steps have become part of my everyday life. In many situations I go through the Six Steps and feel this peace." - Lena

Explore our Philosophy and Origins

MISSION
Our mission is to help others and ourselves to remove the barriers to love we have erected and to then experience peace and joy in life, regardless of our stories, symptoms or diagnoses.
Whether at our center in Costa Rica, our home-base in Vancouver, or at our many International Workshops and Events, we create a safe environment in which participants and staff can help each other to come into alignment with their highest potential. Universal, spiritual teachings  and practices serve to help each participant cultivate a vibrant awareness of the true nature of their own minds, their innate worthiness.

CORE PHILOSOPHY
We study writings by Rumi, Poonja, Nisargadatta, Gerald Jampolsky,  Marianne Williamson, Ramana Maharshi, Meister Eckhart, Eckhart Tolle and others. All teach the same message: who I think I am is a construct of my own mind and I have the power to change my mind at any time.
Above all we teach 100% accountability. We teach and demonstrate that we are the author of our entire experience, our experience is the result of our choices and our choices are based on our beliefs; we can always choose again. There is no one to blame, not our parents, not the government, not our genes and not ourselves. There simply is no blame.
The most powerful aspect of the work is that we hold a vision of our clients as whole and complete, we never lose sight of the truth within them regardless of what they believe to be true.

PRINCIPLES
This is the primary theory behind our work: at a very early age we make up beliefs about ourselves. The self we think we are is a set of beliefs ranging from positive to limiting. The limiting beliefs drive depression, chronic stress, anxiety, unhappy relationships, etc. All these ‘symptoms’ are evidence for what we think is true.  Even though these beliefs about ourselves are the driving force behind all of our decisions, we are not usually aware of what they are, or how they play out in our lives.
At Choose Again we help clients to become aware of the core beliefs that are running their lives, and then teach to question their validity. For example: “is it true that you are not good enough?” “Is it true that you do not deserve love.” When a client starts to see that their beliefs about themselves are not the absolute truth, they begin to experience steadily increasing  joy and a new sense of freedom. They begin to accept the empowering idea that they can experience anything they’d like to in the world, and that their mind is free to perceive events from a positive, constructive and joyful perspective.
​There is always more room for joy in everyone’s life – no matter how ‘successful’ it appears on the surface. Choose Again has helped thousands to tap into that joy.
The philosophy is quite simple; however, it does require practice and diligence on the part of the client to experience long term results.
One of the biggest influences of the Six Steps to Freedom is Jerry Jamplolsky's work on Attitudinal Healing. His book, "Love is Letting Go of Fear", is a recommended read for anyone considering a visit to one of our programs. Here are the 12 Principles of Attitudinal Healing that founded Jerry's wonderful programs:
  1. The essence of our being is love.
  2. Health is inner peace. Healing is letting go of fear.
  3. Giving and receiving are the same.
  4. We can let go of the past and of the future.
  5. Now is the only time there is and each instant is for giving.
  6. We can learn to love ourselves and others by forgiving rather than judging.
  7. We can become love finders rather than fault finders.
  8. We can choose and direct ourselves to be peaceful inside regardless of what is happening outside.
  9. We are students and teachers to each other.
  10. We can focus on the whole of life rather than the fragments.
  11. Since love is eternal, death need not be viewed as fearful.
  12. We can always perceive ourselves and others as either extending love or giving a call for help.

OUR METHODOLOGY
​Our clients can expect to make profound changes as a result of their dedication and commitment, and our skill and knowledge.
By the end of the program you will have:
  • Identified recurring patterns
  • Identified and begun releasing limiting beliefs which attract negative life experiences
  • Acquired tools for deep, full and fearless communication
  • Mastered processes to quickly resolve any conflict
  • Learned the purpose and value of healthy relationships and how to maintain such relationships
  • Discovered a true passion and purpose and be on a path to incorporate that purpose into their personal and professional life
  • Developed a spiritual practice of meditation, reflection and contemplation
  • Developed a lifestyle conducive to being a happy, productive member of society.
Each of our clients benefits from a program that is crafted to tend to the whole person. We employ a wide range of modalities to heal body as well as mind.
​Core components of our programs:
  • Circles (group processing sessions)
  • Private counseling sessions
  • Meditation
  • Therapeutic Breathwork
  • EFT
  • Study of universal spiritual teachings
  • Yoga Nidra
  • Hatha Yoga
  • Hotsprings therapy (at the Residential Program in Costa Rica)
  • Art and writing therapy
  • Healthy, whole foods
  • Daily fresh air and exercise

OUR HISTORY
The Choose Again Society was founded in 1998 by a group of caring counselors, including Program Director Diederik Wolsak.
After a lifetime of self-abuse Diederik realized that there had to be a better way. He began applying universally recognized spiritual teachings and principles to his life and uncovered the inner peace that had been available to him all the while.
From the age of 20 Diederik (that was in 1962, it took another 44 years to become reality, yes, he is a little slow) had a vision of creating a place where people could gather to reflect on themselves and their lives and experience an atmosphere of unconditional acceptance, a place where the Self could be reborn in safety and in peace. That vision never wavered and in 2005 the dream took form when a number of past clients came forward with funding to support the realization of the centre. Three months later the center in Costa Rica became a reality.
With a team of dedicated and talented staff and volunteers serving a small number of clients at any given time, roughly a one –to – one ratio, the center runs year round.
In Vancouver, the home base for Choose Again, this effective methodology thrives with several weekly circles, one-on-one sessions and workshops throughout the year.
As Choose Again continues to grow, Diederik and other staff travel occasionally to offer Attitudinal Healing workshops and events internationally. 
The program has become a great success.

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