We have the power to make fundamental changes within ourselves, as our neural pathways are shaped by our habits and experiences, but the true challenge lies in persevering through the discomfort of disrupting old patterns to create new ones, while trusting both the mind and heart to guide us in the process of transformation.
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We are always capable of making fundamental changes within ourselves, whether sudden or gradual.
The mechanics of change lie in the brain. Simply put, our neural pathways form and solidify based on the activities we engage in most frequently. Just as a belief is a thought we repeatedly think, habits of being and doing become ingrained in our very bodies.
This insight helps explain the challenges we often face when choosing new directions in life. We may recognize limiting or ineffective ideas, and our awareness opens up new possibilities — quite literally. The greater challenge, however, is following through. Perhaps we must “fake it until we make it.” Once we decide, we must persevere, especially in the early stages when results are mixed or unseen, in order to allow our higher vision to evolve from a rough path into something more substantial. We’re aiming for a paved highway, complete with sidewalks, traffic lights, on- and off-ramps, and even a bus lane.
Yet, those old pathways are resilient, resistant, and stubborn. They are safe and familiar. They’ve had energy flowing through them for so long that they don’t easily let go. Our ego takes pride in its accomplishments. “Who do you think you are to disrupt this balance?” It’s natural to fear change. It’s normal to have doubts, or even feel anger or judgment toward this process — to want to avoid or fight against it.
This complexity is the beauty of our nature and the reality we inhabit. Psychology and neuroscience can illuminate the physical process, translating theoretical complexities into tangible insights. But we mustn’t overlook the core strengths within us that exist outside the physical matrix.
Even well-established neural pathways, axons, and myelin are responsive to new thoughts, imaginings, meditations, and intentions. Our internal chemistry is also profoundly influenced by what we eat and the environment we live in. Much of our wiring, however, was developed during childhood. We absorbed behaviors from parents, friends, family, and other influences. We took classes, learned languages, played sports, climbed trees, read books, told stories, and listened to stories. Everything we experienced shaped us, and the elements that stuck have a lasting impact.
Until they don’t.
Awareness is essential. Vibration is elemental. We live in an electric universe, and the consciousness behind it is brimming with potential — constantly building, shaping, recycling, and anticipating. Perpetual excitement abounds, and we can tap into it at any time. It takes courage to step outside our practiced framework, trust in openness, and surrender to the process with authenticity and love.
The brain in our heads is an incredible encoding-decoding machine, but the brain in our hearts may be even more important. When you feel “heartbroken,” where does it hurt? Or when you’re missing someone, in love, embarrassed, excited, nervous, or afraid? Right in the center of your chest.
What if these two brains could be synchronized? Think of the possibilities. What if we allowed ourselves to listen more often to our innermost self — that patient, quiet voice of truth? Could it be easier to influence those persistent dendrites and neurons than we think?
Something to ponder.
Love your life.