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Hi Reader, In my meditation class I refer to neuroplasticity - the process by which the brain learns new skills and creates new habits. Our brains strengthen the mental pathways that we apply with consistency. Repetition of a thought or idea fosters learning, aids belief and creates our new norm, our reality. But that doesn't mean that everything we teach ourselves is true or helpful. While we can teach ourselves to be more grateful or capable, or train our brains to focus, or be calm. So can we can fuel our own anxiety, or teach ourselves that we are incapable. I have been telling myself for several years now that I would never be able to complete a certain task. Which is ironic as I happen to believe that there is nothing we cannot achieve, if we put our minds to it. But I now realise that I have fuelled this thought to such an extent, that the self-limiting belief I have imposed on myself is more difficult to overcome than the original task. By allowing myself to entertain the idea of failure, with certainty, I have created a mental pathway of great strength. And I have some work ahead of me to weaken it. In order to achieve that, I must create a stronger, competing mental pathway of self-empowering belief. Which my brain will eventually favour. Sounds simple when you put it like that doesn't it? It could be a formula. In fact, this formula could be applied to creating the new pathway, or achieving the task. But I am not yet ready to start building a competing mental pathway for this particular task. At this time, I still believe I can't do it. That's how powerful and damaging the limiting behaviour has become. Imagine how powerful the opposite would have been... If I had been able to tell myself all this time that I would someday complete the task. Never underestimate the power of your thoughts, words and beliefs, and the impact on yourself and others. Particularly when applied with frequency and intensity. Give self-deprecation and self doubt no quarter. You cannot imagine the damage indulging those behaviours does, or how long it may take you to reverse the beliefs. Focus on the light, always, Natalie Attenborough https://www.focusonthelight.co.uk/ P.S. If you enjoyed this newsletter, please feel free to forward it to someone else who might appreciate it. |
Hi Reader, I had a gruelling day yesterday. And gave too much of myself trying to combat it. The result was by late afternoon I was drained and struggling to pick myself back up. But during a trip to the shop, I struck up a conversation with a stranger that turned me around completely. I often find that to be the case. Just sharing a brief interchange with another human being can erase so much negativity. It reinforces our self worth and creates a sense of acceptance and belonging. And what...
Hi Reader, This week I completed a task long overdue that had presented me with a level of risk. I was aware of the need to complete the task for sometime however have only now been able to achieve it. On completion I was surprised to notice a palpable shift in perspective. I felt significantly lighter. I hadn't realised how much worry I had been carrying over this job. I thought I had accepted the unavoidable delay without consequence to my mental state. It reminded me that when we carry a...
Hi Reader, The Dalai Lama teaches that anger is a weakness, and counsels never to act or make a decision when in an angry state. While passionate feelings may inspire great deeds, no good comes from anger. I am generally an agreeable person. Though we all get angry at times. When angry, my natural response is to try and rationalise the situation. But my reasoning is flawed by the negative emotion, and I always, and I mean always, either make things worse or hurt others or myself. So now, when...