My mind can be like a wayward child when left to its own devices. It likes to ruminate, feed me unsupportive thoughts and play with negative fantasies about things going wrong or people treating me badly. None of this is helpful.
I wonder if my brain just gets bored and needs a sense of direction.
Our brains are not who we are or sources of perfect inner wisdom. They simply store, process and feed us information. When not kept busy, they can default into replaying our most common or recent thoughts, whether they are true and beneficial or not.
Things like:
- Recycling negative thoughts
- Worrying
- Self judgement
- Focusing on perceived limitations to keep us stuck
- Replaying old sad or upsetting stories
- Focusing on what goes wrong and ignoring what goes well
The more we think about these things, the deeper they get implanted in our minds, potentially even becoming our default way of thinking.
And the quality of our thoughts impacts how we feel and operate in the world.
It doesn’t have to be an endless cycle, though. The science of neuroplasticity tells us that our brains can be reprogrammed. We can train them to focus on lighter, happier and more productive things.
But, how?
Negative thought patterns can feel incredibly powerful and impossible to break when you are in the middle of them.
What I’ve noticed, though, is that our minds support us well when they have an assignment or something to focus on. Without guidance they wander, looking for something to do, and that is when they can get us into troubled thinking.
If this is true, then giving your brain a sense of direction or something positive to focus on may be the way through.
Maybe your brain just needs a job.
When it wants to run its own agenda and pull your mood and energy down, give it something else to do. Help it focus on something more productive, peaceful, loving or fun.
Here are some ideas:
- Replay positive memories
- Meditation or prayer
- Mindful moments
- Hobbies like knitting or crocheting
- Tasks like reading, cleaning or projects
- Cute animal or baby videos
- Puzzles, or other thought-full activities
Once you’ve shifted into a more positive thought pattern and feelings, spend some time with them. Marinate in them. When you do, your brain will pay attention and return to them more often.
With enough practice and the science of neuroplasticity, you can train your brain to focus on what you want more of and let that become your new default.
Sounds pretty good to me.
Are you ready to give it a try?
If you would like the support of a professional and experienced coach through this process, other challenges, improving your relationship with yourself or bringing a dream into reality, you can contact me here.
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