Posts tagged ‘Emotion’

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June 13, 2012

What Floor Does Your Mood Elevator Take You To?

Have you ever wondered why, at times, you wake up in the morning in a positive, upbeat mood and other days, you arise feeling lethargic and negative? Do you ever experience a wild roller coaster ride of oscillating positive and negative moods? This article demystifies why you experience many different mood states.

Practical neuroscience provides clarity on how your brain responds to continuous changes from conscious and unconscious thoughts, your physical environment and interactions with people. If you live in the “real world,” you likely experience a wider range of mood states than someone who lives a life of solitude and meditation. This is because your “mood elevator” operating system is influenced by constant, rapid-fire sensory inputs, changing demands, distractions and “craziness” from other people. The internet, movies, TV and other social media also have a profound effect on your moods. Therefore, everyone experiences his or her own mood states as well as the expressed mood states of others.

Every conscious and subconscious thought, memory and sensory input is capable of creating a “feeling” or distinct emotion. That’s why dreams, songs, images, certain people, different subjects, situations, places, particular words, memorable dates, tastes and scents activate and cause diverse emotional states. The smell of freshly baked cookies might bring forth a comforting or depressing feeling, depending on what happened during a memorable and emotionally charged event.  The mood state phenomenon is a big component of human neurodiversity, which makes each of us unique.

The following “mood elevator” shows different levels or “floors,” where you may be living, depending on what’s going on in your “inside and outside world” at a given moment.

  • Penthouse – The “penthouse” is the highest level of your brain and is called your neocortex (upper brain).
    • Mood State: Being the best you can be and bringing out the best in others
    • Characteristics: Clear thinking, motivated, focused, forgiving, serene, creative

 

  • Above Ground Floors – These levels correspond to the positive side of your emotional center, called your limbic or mammalian emotional system (middle brain).
    • Mood State: Positive and feeling good, positive impact on others and your environment
    • Characteristics: Self esteem, respectful, safe and trusting, kind and caring, happy, cooperative

 

  • Basement Floors –  These levels correspond to the lower level and negative side of your “middle brain”
    • Mood State: Negative and feeling bad, creating negative environments
    • Characteristics: Anxious, confused, resentful, judgmental, defensive, depressed, aggressive

 

  • Sub Basement. Your sub-basement is the lowest level of your brain and it deals with survival issues (“reptilian” brain).
    • Mood State: Animal you
    • Characteristics: Survival and self preservation

 

In conclusion, the human brain has three levels in which to learn, think, process and express itself. They are the neocortex (“penthouse”), limbic system (above and below ground emotional centers) and the reptilian brain (sub-basement). Moods can and do change with shifts in how and what you think about.  If thoughts create moods, you can change your mood state by changing your thinking. Replace negative thoughts with their positive counterparts.  Change your thinking, change your world.

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May 22, 2012

Why It’s So Hard to Change

English: New Year's Day postcard mailed in 190...

Have you ever wondered why it’s so difficult to change your thinking and the behaviors that no longer serve you? How many times have you made “New Year’s resolutions” and weeks later experienced frustration, guilt and a sense of failure?

Everyone’s life consists of a blend of positive and negative programming that defines quality-of-life. You are a product of childhood encoding, education, relationships, social programming and your tapestry of life experiences. Your brain takes in and processes sensory information; it continuously interprets, filters and associates emotions and value with what you are experiencing. Your memory is your internal GPS to make sense of and navigate life.

Values, experiences, likes and dislikes, opinions, knowledge, passions and emotional trigger points make everyone different and unique. This is called neurodiversity. The vast and infinite array of neurodiversity is a challenge to understand and manage on an individual level. The challenge increases exponentially when people live, interact and work with one another.

There are three fundamental reasons why it may be difficult for you to make lasting changes in your life:

  • You may not believe it’s possible
  • You may be strengthening the very thinking and behaviors you want to change
  • You may not know how to change your internal programming

You can trust in the power of your brain to make sustainable changes in your life. Neuroplasticity is a property of your brain, allowing it to continuously grow and learn. Your brain is dynamic, not static. One hundred billion neurons are the building blocks for memory. You have infinite capacity to change and be more flexible, adaptable and resourceful.

Most people seem to focus on what they want to change rather than the outcomes they truly desire. Dwelling on what you don’t want actually strengthens the neural networks that create your outer experiences. Saying, “I am sick and tired of being broke and living from hand-to-mouth,” actually reinforces and continues the endless cycle of living in a world of scarcity rather than experiencing abundance and prosperity. Replacing what you don’t want with what you do want is a practical neuroscience way to make sustainable change possible.

Your brainpower and memory were built both consciously and unconsciously. Conscious choices may include education, associates, hobbies, interests and careers. Negative, unconscious elements may have come from childhood experiences and social brainwashing that created emotional wounds, faulty thinking, bogus information and incorrect opinions. Doesn’t it make sense that if life experiences created your current reality, you can rebuild new and more powerful programs that reward you with a better and more fulfilling life?

In conclusion, the good news is you can keep what you like in your life and change what you don’t want. Focusing on what you like and want is the key to success.  You are equipped with the most amazing mass of protoplasm in the world; your miraculous brain. It’s an inside game, and only you can play it.

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February 29, 2012

An Inside View of How and Why People are Different

Have you ever wondered why people are so diverse in their emotional reactions, interpretations and opinions about everyday situations? Why is it that some people have a positive mental attitude, while others are gloomy and believe they have little personal control over their lives? Why do people experience and think about the same subjects or situations in totally different ways?  Each party thinks they are right and, at worst, the other person/group is wrong.  Judgment is the genesis of discord, conflict and sometimes war.

I am hopeful that expanding awareness and respect for neurodiversity will help people become kinder, more understanding and more tolerant of the differences of others. My intent is to help people create better lives for themselves and others, through the power of their brains.

Each person’s unique brain wiring contributes to our neurodiversity.  Our brains have created our representational system for life, from childhood experiences to where we are today. The following are important facets or aspects of neurodiversity.

  • Sensory and Cognitive Strengths – On the most foundational level, your favored sensory pathways to take in information (six combinations of Visual, Kinesthetic  and Auditory sequences) and process it cognitively (Sequential, Global and Integrated) should be leveraged for career and life success. When you are using your strengths, you are more productive, having more fun and happier.

 

  • Your Gifts – Everyone has natural talents and gifts, even when they may not be obvious. Howard Gardner, Harvard Psychologist, says we possess combinations of 9 intelligences: Visual/Spatial (Picture Smart), Bodily/Kinesthetic (Body Smart), Musical/Rhythmic (Music Smart), Logical/Mathematical (Number Smart), Linguistic (Word Smart),  Intrapersonal (Self Smart), Interpersonal (People Smart), Naturalist (Nature Smart) and Existential (Spiritual Smart). Our gifts shape our interests and help define what we are good at doing. Using our gifts contributes to inner joy and satisfaction.

 

  • Interests and passions – Your interests and enthusiasms about life (e.g. career and life goals, music, art, cooking, health, sports, learning, nature, and hobbies) should be explored with zeal, as long as they satisfy you and cause no harm or injury to others. Your interests and passions are shaped by your natural gifts, early childhood and life experiences.

 

  • Knowledge – Most subjects taught in the educational system provide useful knowledge to navigate life. The internet contains true and helpful information along with false and misleading information. It is best to trust teachings from reliable sources. Constructive and integrous knowledge are building blocks for a purposeful and fulfilling life.

 

  • What we experienced as children – Young children are particularly susceptible to believing and retaining, as memories, what they experience, hear and see. Our early programming (birth through age 7) has a profound impact on our values, behaviors and how we interpret and respond to life.  If life is not going well, it may be productive to think about and sort out what was useful and what may have been harmful and untrue from your childhood, or even adulthood experiences. These include negative programming like, “you are stupid,” “you can’t trust…,” “you can’t escape the reality of…” Any belief that limits your peace-of-mind and ability to grow and change your life for the better is eligible for scrutiny and change.

 

  • Social programming – Even the adult brain can be highly naïve, consciously/unconsciously taking in and believing what it reads, sees and hears.  Beware that social programming runs rampant on the internet, television, radio, in the print media, workplace and literally everywhere people interact with one another. The brain cannot discern truth from falsehood, particularly when it is bombarded with repetition from people you may respect. Mass hysteria and the “Henny Penny effect” can easily occur, even with intelligent and educated people. Just look about you and identify where social programming negatively and positively affects quality-of-life.  Social programming can build opinions we hold true and defend with vigor, forming the basis to attack others.

 

  • Values – Values drive behaviors. They come from life experiences and what we hold to be “true.” We can control our behaviors and the resulting outcomes by constantly up-shifting our values to higher levels. When we experience conflict, fear and pain, it is an ideal time to examine our values and beliefs.  Questions to ask include: “How can I look at this situation differently?” “What do I really want as an outcome?” “What behaviors will give me the outcomes I want?”

 

  • Emotional “hot buttons”- We all have many emotional hot buttons that initiate a wide range of feelings from highly negative to highly positive. Certain songs may trigger feelings of sadness or happiness, making us want to sing aloud, dance or cry. A person’s “look” or body language may set off a range of interpretations, such as acceptance, approval, rejection and judgment. Words and tone-of-voice can stimulate our emotions in positive or negative directions. Photos and imagery affect our mood state. A “tailgater” may set off “road rage” or may signal an increased need to stay calm. The thought of public speaking may generate a panic attack or provide a feeling of positive excitement.  Emotional “hot buttons” are the brain’s way to create feelings for strong memory imprints. Trying to put your brain in “neutral gear,” when your negative emotional “hot buttons” are pushed to the limits, will help you regain composure to think clearly. There is some truth to “counting slowly to ten” when you are emotional.

 

  • Beliefs, Opinions and Prejudices – Nearly everyone thinks their perception is right, when experiencing a situation, processing it through their “brain programming” mechanism and placing it into memory. This process is continuous and subtle. There is potential for trouble, when we defend our positions, beliefs, opinions and prejudices, thinking that we are “100% correct” and other people are “wrong.” The litmus test for questioning your position is when you experience conflict with others or when barriers and obstacles seem to block you from achieving important goals and desired outcomes. Maybe this is a good time to listen to the points-of-view of others and question the validity and usefulness of your own beliefs.  Ask yourself, “Do my beliefs and opinions serve me and others in positive or negative ways?” You may be surprised at how quickly you can get back into the flow of life, when you release your tight grip on outdated and faulty thinking and take the time to understand other people’s points-of-view.

 

In summary, I believe that neurodiversity is an unrecognized strength of the human race that can be used constructively to improve quality-of-life. Our neurodiversity gives us what we want in life, but it also gives us what we don’t want. Faulty programming causes faulty decisions and misinterpretations of situations. The good news is that we can reprogram our brains to override what we don’t want, gaining more of what we truly desire. If you want different and better outcomes, change your thinking.

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August 2, 2011

Regaining Your Personal Power Through Neuroscience and Love

A firm hand on the tiller

Image by Ruth Flickr via Flickr

Are you feeling lost and powerless? Perhaps you’re wondering how you got to where you are and what you need to do to get to a better place. Many people are experiencing confusion, fear and uncertainty during these troubled times. Regaining your personal power is your navigation system to a better life. Personal power is a combination of brainpower, “heart power” and a sprinkling of “ego power.”

What is Personal Power?

Personal power is when you experience what you want regardless of what’s going on around you. People with personal power consciously and deliberately use practical neuroscience to manifest the most important things they need for fulfillment and growth. The highest level of personal power is when you add “heart power,” or love, to brainpower.

Personal power is also being self-aware of your mental, emotional and physical nature and continuously improving each on a daily basis. Through continuous learning and positive actions, your state of mind and body improves; likewise, your knowledge and “tool box” of manifestation methods grows as well. This process strengthens and increases your personal power.

Great leaders use personal power and the power of like minds to create positive and sustainable change. They know we live in an infinite and abundant universe capable of creating what we want through thoughts, words and actions. Great leaders are resolute and confident when changing things for highest good. In the words of Winston Churchill, “never, ever give up.”

Brainpower

The underlying neuroscience concept for using brainpower to manifest change is to define and get very clear on what you want, rather than what you don’t. Your brain attracts and creates experiences it imagines and thinks about.

Make your goals real by writing them down, imagining wonderful outcomes and thinking about the positive feelings associated with what you want. It’s essential to develop and keep a positive mental attitude and it helps to make and work a plan.

Heart Power

True personal power does no harm to anyone. Love knows that everyone is doing the best they can. Judgment enters the picture because we are all capable of doing better and improving. This statement may help you understand why people attack themselves and others. Everything is relative like “hot and cold,” “good and bad;” it all depends on your perspective, based on your life experience.

Love places you in “neutral gear,” where you quietly and calmly observe and evaluate what’s going on. The goal is understanding the dynamics and potential outcomes. Avoid getting caught up in an emotional state that blocks clear thinking. You can take action if you wish; just do no harm to anyone. Attacks and judgment fuel volatile situations like injecting oxygen into a blast furnace. Forgiveness, love and non-judgment heal.

Ego Power

Ego power is about “me, me, wonderful me.” At extreme levels, narcissistic egotistical behavior dominates without regard for others. It’s highly unlikely that anyone reading this article falls into this category because these extremists have no interest in brainpower and love power. Using a combination of neuroscience, brainpower and love, automatically puts the ego in check. So, a sprinkling of ego makes your journey interesting and fun. Your ego is a part of you and deserves respect and love.

Summary

True personal power is in trusting that your brain, heart and the natural order of the universe are working in your favor. A gentle and firm hand on the “tiller” will keep you on-course while you remain alert to changing conditions, opportunities and risks.

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February 23, 2011

How to Make Smarter Decisions When It Counts

decide

Image by twicepix via Flickr

Have you wondered why some of your relationship, career and life decisions did not turn out as well as expected? Did you know that your physical, mental and emotional state combine forces with how your brain is wired to affect the outcomes and quality of your decisions?

We make thousands of “mini-decisions” continuously during our waking hours. Most of them are unconscious and automatic, like dressing, eating, driving, communicating and performing work activities. Our daily “auto-pilot” decisions come from trial-and-error life experiences that form our memory and behavior programs. We usually don’t think about these seemingly small decisions as long as they provide reasonably good outcomes.

Decisions involving career planning, long-term relationships, investments, children and parents, business strategies, buying a home and solving major life challenges, however, require a diligent and thoughtful approach. These areas have long-term impact on your life and the lives of other people. Three levels of decision-making are shown to explain the reasoning behind the popular warning not to “make long-term decisions based on short-term criteria.”

Do you recognize your decision-making style in the three levels shown below?

Level I: Letting others make your decisions for you

This is the least reliable method, unless you are physically or mentally unable to make your own decisions. Letting other people make your decisions robs you of freedom-of-choice, dignity, self-esteem, and growth potential. If you are cognitively fit, you can make your own good decisions with input from advisors you trust.

Level II: Making decisions based on your emotional state

This is a dangerous approach to decision-making. Yet, many people make important decisions based on their emotional state during the decision making process. An example of making a potentially bad decision is meeting someone you are attracted to and taking the first flight to Las Vegas to get married before getting to know one another. Another example is walking away from an attractive and lucrative business opportunity because you are in an upset or anxious state. The bottom-line is to avoid making decisions when in an emotional state because charged emotions short-circuit your more reliable and dependable cognitive thinking abilities.

Level III: Using cognitive strengths

The highest level of making decisions is using cognitive strengths. These include yours and those of your trusted advisors. Following these steps will help you make smarter long-term decisions.

Step 1: Collect current information

You may not have sufficient knowledge to make a good decision on an important matter. This is the time to gather current information from reliable sources and seek advice from your knowledgeable, trusted   advisors.

Step 2: Define the desired outcomes

It’s important to know what outcomes you want from the decision. Be as specific as possible including things you can measure and experience. As an example, home purchase outcomes may include $25,000 down payment, $1,500.00 monthly mortgage payment, $200/month average utility bills, 20 minute commute to work, top-ranked school district, low maintenance, safe and secure neighborhood and a home where you can experience fun and peace-of-mind.

Step 3: Cognitively process information and desired outcomes

You are ready to process your knowledge including current research on the topic, advice from trusted advisors and your desired outcomes from the decision. Merely look at the decision options and ask yourself:

o   What looks best?

o   What sounds best?

o   What feels best?

o   What seems to be the most logical, practical and realistic?

o   What has the most potential, options and possibilities?

The five questions naturally engage your brain to evaluate what you know about the situation and the outcomes you want to experience. Being able to answer all five questions, strongly and affirmatively, increases the probability of a reliable and dependable “whole-brained decision.” Consider asking your trusted advisors for their feedback to the five questions. This will strengthen your knowledge and confidence before moving forward with important life decisions.

In conclusion, making good decisions is easier using your and your trusted advisors’ knowledge and brain strengths. The biggest obstacle to making great decisions is to trust your emotions because they short-circuit your cognitive abilities. Neuroscience decision making works equally well in your personal life and in corporate environments.

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January 27, 2011

Your State of Mind Barometer

The Brain Limbic System

Image via Wikipedia

Do you have days when you are happy, energized and operating at peak performance? Are there other times when you feel stressed out, fearful and drained? What causes these swings? Most importantly, what can you do when you’re feeling out-of-sync? An easy to use neuroscience tool helps you monitor your daily state of mind. Powerful and safe neuroscience methods are your “elevator” to reach your higher brain state and potential.

Neuroscience Principles

1. You have three interconnected brains:

2. Your reptilian brain needs attention first

This is your oldest evolutionary brain, located at the base of the brain stem. It controls your breathing, heartbeat and basic sensory motor functions like balance and muscles. You may know this part of your brain as your “fight or flight” instinct. The reptilian brain communicates and responds to real and perceived safety, survival and physical pain issues. It’s impossible to function at high levels when you are in a “reptilian state.”

3. Your limbic system is your mood elevator to peak performance

This is your next oldest brain. It’s sometimes called the “mammalian brain” and is the seat of emotions. Your limbic system communicates how you feel, records positively and negatively charged memories and controls how your body reacts to emotional situations. It needs to communicate with the neocortex to process information. Your brain creates endorphins (you experience feelings, sensations and emotions) when you interact with external situations and think about certain things. The intensity will vary depending on the memory and value you place on them. Negative emotions like fear, anger, attack and danger can block you from thinking clearly and performing at your highest level. Positive thoughts and emotions (e.g. love, curiosity, feeling safe, good self-esteem and excitement about doing something fun or important) act as the “mood elevator” to your neocortex.

4. Your neocortex is the driver seat for performance excellence

This is your most recently evolved brain. It’s located over the limbic system and is your advanced “thinking brain.” The neocortex represents two-thirds of your brain mass. It has the most neuron cells, the building blocks for memory, intelligence, problem solving, decision making and performance excellence.

State of Mind Barometer

Use the State of Mind barometer as a quick daily check. Circle the statements that most clearly describe you in the present moment.

Lower Brain States

  • Tired and stressed
  • Abrupt and rude
  • Insensitive to others
  • Thinking and using “wounding words”
  • Judgmental and condemning
  • Thinking and acting negatively
  • Depressed and lethargic
  • Upset, anxious and fearful
  • Worried, stuck and frozen
  • Avoiding challenging situations
  • Grim, heavy and feeling “gravity”

Higher Brain States

  • Energized and alert
  • Polite and gracious
  • Sensitive to other people’s lives
  • Thinking and using “healing words”
  • Understanding and forgiving
  • Thinking and acting positively
  • Energized and proactive
  • Calm, thoughtful and deliberate
  • Moving forward in a positive direction
  • Facing challenges with faith and courage
  • Light hearted with a sense of humor

Higher brain states indicate you are probably experiencing towering levels of self-actualization. You undoubtedly feel fulfilled and are an inspiration and magnet to others. If you have one or more “lower brain” statements circled, and want to move to a higher state, consider using the following neuroscience methods to reach and function from your neocortex.

Methods to Shift from Lower to Higher Brain States

1. Body needs come first

This includes sleep, rest, play, food, fluids, proper diet, exercise, elimination, treatment of physical pain and disease.

2. Take a break from what you are doing

Fatigue can set in even when we are doing things we enjoy. Build in frequent breaks when working, thinking, solving problems and making decisions. Do something different and enjoyable.

3. Oxygenate

Deep breathing, walking, stretching, sports and drinking ice water increase oxygen to your brain and make you feel much better.

4. Think positive thoughts

For every negative thought, think a positive thought (e.g. replace “I am stressed and angry” with “I am alert and forgiving.”) The brain can’t tell the difference between what’s happening “out there” or “in here.” “Fake it until you make it” means thinking what you want to experience until you experience it. This really works!

5. Music soothes the savage beast

Playing works from Mozart, Vivaldi, Beethoven, Brahms and similar composers activates positive “upper brain” (neocortex) pathway states. Think about the times when music had a beneficial effect on your state of mind. Music is a quick escape route from lower brain states.

6. Pay attention to what you look at, listen to and do.

Make your movie, TV, radio, reading materials and hobby selections align with the brain state you want to live in. If you want more peace of mind and calmness then avoid movies and materials that contain violence, terror, wounding words and war.

7. Pay attention to people and organizations you associate with

Make choices that align with the values and behaviors you want to experience.

In conclusion, you can experience a better, less stressful and more abundant life. Your higher brain is the engine for performance excellence and living the life of your dreams. A simple diagnostic check each day helps you determine if you are in a lower or higher brain state. These powerful and safe neuroscience methods are your “elevator” to reach your higher brain state and greatest potential.

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January 19, 2011

Words That Wound and Heal

Official presidential portrait of Barack Obama...

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On Wednesday, January 13, 2011, President Obama addressed a memorial service for those killed and injured during a mass shooting in Arizona. The President urged Americans to “make sure that we are talking with each other in a way that heals, not a way that wounds.” This statement is a wake-up call to think deeper about the manner in which we communicate with one another. You may be surprised to learn who the first injured person is from “wounding words”. What is your strategy when you are on the receiving end of unkind, harsh and unpleasant words? Practical neuroscience provides strategies on how to communicate with “healing words” and what to do when in a “wounding word” environment. Imagine what daily life would be like if you and the people with whom you associate communicated in kinder and more respectful ways.

Examples

Wounding Words:

  • I hate you
  • You’re stupid
  • You’re wrong
  • You’re worthless

The list is deliberately short. How do you feel when you see these and related words in print, say them aloud or hear someone else speak them? Do these words and the thoughts behind them have any enduring value? Do they build good will, self worth and esteem? Are they good and decent foundational language for healthy long-term relationships?

Healing Words:

  • I love you
  • I appreciate you
  • Thank you
  • Please
  • You’re welcome
  • I forgive you
  • Forgive me
  • I am sorry
  • I can see you’re in pain
  • May I express my feelings and thoughts?
  • Help me understand your point of view
  • How can we coexist peacefully with different points of view?
  • These are the things I value about you
  • May I help you?

The litmus test for “healing words” is how they make you (and others) react, respond and feel. Is the experience positive, uplifting and respectful? Do they help you feel safe, valued and cared about? Are you in a better place?

Neuroscience Principles of Words

1. Words are symbols that create meaning

Words are symbols of ideas that communicate information and help us navigate life. The environment and circumstances in which we learned language strongly affects meaning and the way we respond when we see and hear specific words. Various people may react differently to the same word because it carries different meaning for each of them.

2. Words create emotions and feelings

Your brain creates feelings and emotional responses to thoughts, words, and experiential situations. These reactions range from barely discernable to extremely strong, depending on the   conditions when your memories were built. Interestingly, people tend to “feel words” after thinking about them, saying/hearing them or seeing them visually.

3. Words impact the orator and the audience

How often do we think about the impact of our thoughts and words on our own well being or the well being of others? The person thinking or saying words that wound or heal will be the first to experience the effect. The words we speak aloud or communicate visually affect us as well as our audience. Therefore, intentions and selection of words have positive or negative impact on all parties.

Strategies

There are neuroscience strategies for transmitting and receiving communications to help assure positive outcomes and protect oneself against “wounding words.”

For “transmitters” of words:

What are your desired outcomes?

Think about the purpose of your communication and the outcomes you want. Do all parties benefit or is the situation one sided? Does the purpose involve providing useful information, teaching, sharing points of view, giving instructions, making a decision or solving a problem? Will people be uplifted, feel safe and experience an improvement in quality of life?

How will you deliver your message?

Will you use healing or wounding words? Think about the state of mind, receptivity and culture of your audience. What is your mental, emotional and physical condition to craft and deliver the words by auditory and visual means? It’s best to be in top form, because your physical, mental and emotional state is projected into the audience experience.

Use your head and heart

Use your head to think about your desired outcomes and how you will deliver your message. Imagine speaking through your heart, using it as the transmitter to deliver kind, caring and polite messages. When communicating from your heart, you may be surprised by the reaction from your audience as well as by what you experience.

For “receivers” of words:

“Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never harm me”

This well known expression contains great wisdom. How can words really harm us? It’s our emotional response and interpretation that give us a wounding or healing experience. When in a “wounding word” situation, say this quote aloud and think about the principles behind it. Refrain from retaliating with an attack because you will hurt yourself and others. Try thinking “healing thoughts” and using “healing words” to neutralize the situation.

Trust tone of voice and body language more than the words

Pay attention to people’s tone of voice and body language. They convey a person’s state of mind and possible intentions. An angry tone, profanity, facial and body tension will tend to wound regardless of the words. A calm and caring voice, using the person’s name, respectful manners and comfortable eye contact will create a healing environment, assuming the words are congruent.

In conclusion, using “healing words” is a choice leading to positive outcomes for all parties. When in a hostile environment, fraught with wounding words, defuse the situation with “healing thoughts and words.” Consider role modeling and teaching the principles and practices of “healing words” to people you trust, who are interested in making positive changes in the world.

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January 6, 2011

The Secret to Succeeding with “The Secret”

Visionboard manifesting abundance the secret t...

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The foundational principles of The Secret and The Law of Attraction are compelling and powerful, yet many are unable to activate these powerful principles in their lives. Why is this?  The answer may lie in understanding the relationship between philosophical software and biological hardware.

In an IT analogy, The Secret and The Law of Attraction (the philosophy) represent very complex software, and neuroscience is the hardware that this software runs on. Neuroscience is how your brain was wired from birth and it is literally the hardware with which you run philosophical programs, such as The Secret.

If you are having a hard time achieving success with The Secret, you may need to understand the current wiring of your own hardware and learn how to use it to run a more complex program such as this. Safe and practical neuroscience practices to manifest the life you desire are available to anyone interested in making positive life changes. When you know how to leverage your brainpower, you can take control of life rather than passively experiencing it.

Isn’t it amazing that the human brain is the only known living organism capable of analyzing itself, solving problems, making decisions and accomplishing nearly anything imaginable? The really good news is that you can build a better life regardless of your age and situation. Your 100 billion neurons are the building blocks for creating the neural pathways that attract what you get in life. The sensory information you take in from people you associate with, your work environment, music, TV and activities you engage in all contribute to creating your life experiences. Think about what you’re exposed to, what you think about and your life choices. What goes in is projected out onto the screen of life.

The following neuroscience principles and practices for manifesting are in alignment with The Secret and preceding works and schools of thought by authors Napoleon Hill, William Atkinson and Wallace Wattles.

1.      Your brain creates your reality and how you experience, react and respond to the world. If you don’t like what you are experiencing, change your thinking. If you like what you are getting, keep doing the same things. Just don’t expect new outcomes from old thinking.

2.      “Whatever the mind can conceive and believe the mind can achieve.” Napoleon Hill (Think and Grow Rich)

3.      Your ego often perceives danger from the outer environment. Overacting, judging and emotionalizing situations limits use of your higher brain and removes you from the “driver’s seat.” This approach doesn’t lead to a peaceful and stress free life. Visualize putting your emotions into a “neutral gear” and merely observing them rather than letting them take hold. Negative emotions are monumental impediments to manifesting your dreams because they strengthen the perceived experience and cloud your ability to think clearly and respond intelligently. This process works equally well when you associate positive emotions with desired positive outcomes.

4.      Stored memories are neural networks of past experiences, values and learning. This “software” acts as a giant copy machine continuing to attract and project experiences from programmed information. This means that we tend to be unconsciously guided by past experiences, rather than being in the present moment. This condition limits our ability to process information in the now because we are taking positions and making judgments based on past experiences. This severely restricts our power to create new outcomes and better experiences.

5.      While you can’t erase prior memory, you can use your brain’s “operating system” to create new neural pathways that become your navigation system for what you truly want to experience in life. The process is the same as how you built your past memories. The difference, this time, is that you are consciously building new pathways rather than being at the mercy of what other people have told you, false assumptions, bad choices, errors in thinking and faulty learning.

6.      Think about what you truly want to experience in life. Visualize and picture it in your mind’s-eye and capture it with pictures, images, art, symbols and words. Associate with people and situations that role model and support what you want. Attaching strong emotions to your goals and aspirations make the neural pathways stronger and more powerful.

7.      Be boldly audacious in visualizing, thinking about, and acting out what you want. “Fake it until you make it.” Your brain doesn’t know the difference between shooting for the barn steeple or the stars. It also doesn’t know the difference between inner or outer world experiences. Since outer experiences originate from the “inner world,” doesn’t it make sense to create your world from where true creation occurs?

8.      Building and strengthening neural pathways is a lifelong process. It’s never too late to begin. You are the captain of your life. Your brain is your navigation system. Your body is the ship.

In conclusion, experiencing life from your ego is a limiting experience because you are using your animal instincts and emotions rather than your full brain potential. When emotions set in, realize they are brain reactions to programmed thoughts. The feelings are not real; they just seem to be because you experience bodily sensations. Simple awareness of these facts tends to evaporate feelings, permitting you to move into the present moment with clear thinking.

Know, use and trust your brain to create and experience the life of your dreams. There is no secret, mystery or required special rite. Practical neuroscience is the key to manifesting what you want and avoiding what you don’t want. This gift is available to any and everyone interested in making positive life changes. The power of your brain is a powerful force that is 100% under your direct control. Joining like minds amplifies the power. Use it wisely and for good purposes.

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August 31, 2010

College Survival Guide: Overcoming Academic Stress

Recreated :File:Neuron-no labels2.png in Inksc...

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Almost all students report “stress” associated with going to college the first time or returning for continued education at a later stage of life. If you relate to one or more of the following key reasons for stress, you can transform learning into a less stressful and more successful experience.

  • Fear of failing
  • Juggling multiple responsibilities (time management issues)
  • Entering unknown territory (new subjects, environment, people)

There are comforting science based facts that may put your mind at ease. Your brain is naturally curious and hard wired to be a “lean, mean learning machine.” Sensory and cognitive thinking equipment and software is in place to take in information, retain knowledge and build skills. Your brain acknowledges successful learning experiences by manufacturing “feelings” of victory and achievement. This reward system further locks in knowledge retention and maintains a cycle of continuous learning.

You can reduce academic stress by visualizing, writing and sharing (with others) the beneficial outcomes you want to experience. Repetitive positive thoughts, images and affirmations create new and deep neuron pathways. When you think positively about positive outcomes, you are more likely to experience positive emotions and feelings. They perform as an internal GPS navigation system, guiding decisive and intelligent actions that create your desired outcomes. These new pathways displace imaginary stress filled thoughts. Negative thoughts, feelings and emotions can fool you into thinking a threat is real when it isn’t.

Trust your brain’s natural curiosity and awesome power to learn quickly and with ease. You can discover your sensory and cognitive thinking strengths at www.brainpathways.net. Brain PathWays is a statistically validated neuroscience system for academic success and eliminating stress.

P.S. These methods can be applied to all areas of your life.

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August 23, 2010

The One and Only Cause of Stress

Stress

Image by Dave-F via Flickr

The economy, career uncertainty, money worries, relationship conflicts and health issues are cited as causes of stress. We believe there is only one cause or source of stress. By identifying the true culprit, it is easier to proactively manage the effects of stress. Left unattended, stress coldly and unmercifully takes its devastating toll on our health and well being.

The true cause of stress lies within your brain. It’s about what you think and how you react to information. It’s an inside game. The stress factor comes from your feelings and emotional reactions to your thoughts.

Do you remember all the times you were fearful about something happening and it never materialized? Here is a familiar story that illustrates this point:

ONE day Henny Penny was picking up corn in the corn yard when–whack!–something hit her upon the head. ‘Goodness gracious me!’ said Henny Penny; ‘the sky’s a-going to fall; I must go and tell the king.’

So she went along and she went along and she went along till she met Cocky Locky. ‘Where are you going, Henny Penny?’ says Cocky Locky. ‘Oh! I’m going to tell the king the sky’s a-falling,’ says Henny Penny. ‘May I come with you?’ says Cocky Locky. ‘Certainly,’ says Henny Penny. So Henny Penny and Cocky Locky went to tell the king the sky was falling.

And so the story goes on in this manner with Cocky Locky, Duckey Daddles, Goosey Poosey,  Turkey Lurkey and Foxy Woxy. They all experienced Henny Penny’s stress.

You are constantly bombarded with information from the media, friends, family, doctors, employers, children, parents, bankers and so forth. This is unavoidable. Some information may have elements of truth. Much of it may be the “Henny Penny” story. You can make the decision now to approach all life challenges with a cooler head and clearer thinking without letting emotional responses stress you out and take control.

Emotions and feelings are the brain’s automatic reaction to thought. Your brain doesn’t know whether something is true or manufactured. It also can’t distinguish truth from falsehood, although it thinks it can. Feelings, like love, peace and happiness have a positive and uplifting effect. The negative ones like fear, panic and helplessness may temporarily limit your ability to think and act clearly. Being aware that feeling and emotions are manufactured by your thoughts is the first giant step to stripping them of their power to rule your life.

We want to leave you with the thought that most things you worry about never materialize. Worrying serves no good purpose. Instead of worrying, calmly collect information about things you think are important. Avoid having Henny Penny as one of your trusted advisors. Be aware that stress is feelings and emotions  manufactured by your thoughts.

Knowing your brain strengths will help you gather, analyze and utilize reliable information to avoid or proactively deal with real problems. The Brain PathWays system provides the tools to live a better life with less stress.

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