Life is full of miracles and you are one of them!

Scientists are learning more about the brain and its incredible potential. New studies in neuroscience say that we really can change our brains, and subsequently, our reality! So, what does it take?

The Obstacles.

Stress is a major obstacle to a joyful life. The world is a wondrous place, but it’s difficult, too. And, because we are exposed to so much negativity and violence, many people remain in a prolonged state of stress.

This triggers a fight or flight response, which is our instinctual reaction to a traumatic event. This mechanism is vital to our survival. But, it’s only meant to be a temporary response to potential danger.

Unfortunately, many of us live in this heightened state all the time. Dr. Joe Dispenza, New York Times bestseller and global lecturer, explains that when we live by these stress hormones, our brain is no longer in balance. As a result, we disconnect from the world and become egocentric, focusing primarily on ourselves and our problems. The present moment loses its power and nothing changes.

Keep the Past in the Past.

Dr. Joe Dispenza also states that by the time we’re about 35 years old, 95% of who we are is a set of memorized beliefs, perceptions, attitudes, and skills that run subconsciously. Our lives function on auto pilot. Essentially, we live the same day over and over.

For instance, every morning for a few moments, we are suspended between sleep and alertness. However, we soon remember who we are. Our aches and pains kick in and dread settles into the pit of our stomach. We start thinking about the unpleasant coworker, the difficult commute, and the long day ahead.

Our thoughts trigger the same emotions as if these events were happening in real-time. We’ve essentially lived our day in advance. Not surprisingly, the day goes exactly as predicted, just like the previous days, months, and years.

Neural Pathways.

In order to change, you have to stop being yourself and break the habits that keep you stuck. We’ve become addicted to our thoughts and resulting emotions. And, these thoughts and emotions become our personality.

Deborah Ancona, a professor of management and organizational studies at MIT explains, “It turns out that we, as human beings, develop neural pathways over years, and years, and years, they become stuck and deeply embedded, moving into deeper portions of the brain.”

Your brain depends on these pathways, so it’s hard to break free from them. And, as an efficient organ, it always choose the path of least resistance. So, it’ll take some focused effort, but it is possible to rewire your brain!

Try This.

Observe Your Thoughts.

Most of our thoughts are repetitive and negative. It’s impossible to stop our thoughts, because that’s what our mind does. However, you can simply watch them with a sense of detachment.

Change your mind.

Look at your thoughts objectively. Ignore the ones that don’t serve you. Incorporate positive affirmations into your day. You will notice that things start shifting in your favor.

Who Do You Want to Be?

Asking yourself open-ended questions. Is there someone that I’d like to model my life after? What is my purpose for being here? In order to change, you have to rise above your current circumstances.

Lifelong Learner.

Personal development books often encourage us to learn a new skill or try something different. And, that’s great advice. But, in order for it to be truly effective, you have to practice what you learn. Repeating something over and over builds thicker, stronger, more hardwired connections between the neurons in your brain.

By about the age of 35 years old, it takes sustained mental and physical effort to learn anything new. So, instead of continuing, most people return to old habits and behaviors. The key to success is not to give up!

Visualization and the Brain.

Once you begin acquiring knowledge, your goals will change. Now your mind starts piecing together new information to accommodate your expanded vision. This engages the frontal lobe of the brain.

Dr. Joe Dispenza explains that the frontal lobe connects individual networks of neurons, giving you a clear picture of what you want. Feelings of gratitude then stimulate the same emotions as if your goals have already been realized.

These thoughts create excitement in the brain and signal new genes and new ways of being. This is why vision boards work; it’s an activity backed by neuroscience.

Meditation.

Mediation is good for our health. It’s been linked to a decrease in depression, insomnia, and pain. A surprising benefit of meditating is that it also increases the gray matter in the frontal cortex: the part of the brain associated with executive decision-making and memory.

According to Harvard neuroscientist, Sara Lazar, it’s been proven that the cortex shrinks as we get older. However, after a study on meditation, it was discovered that 50 year-old meditators had the same amount of gray matter as the 25 year-olds!

Bold Choices.

You are too special, unique, and important to settle for a life that you don’t love. I’ve been able to achieve amazing things, and I am no different from you! It takes hard work, dedication, and a commitment to learning, but it is possible.

It’s time for you to start making bold choices!