Freedom from Negative Thoughts

Have you ever caught yourself in the midst of a negative obtrusive thought? I’m referring to the kind of thinking that feels like it takes hold of you as a prisoner to your deepest worries and resentments?  

Where you:  

• Ruminate over the past or a worst-case future scenario
• Get down on yourself, focusing on limiting beliefs; I’m not good enough, this is as good as it gets 
• Entertain an argument in your head with someone whom you’re angry with, imagining what you’d do or say differently to gain power over them the next time 
• Are disappointed by life, a job, boss, partner, friend, family, or the community

Brain scientists have discovered that there’s an association between these negative neuro patterns and the unconscious memories imprinted by our traumatic (or slightly dramatic) life experiences. When something in your current life triggers an embedded memory, it reactivates all of the old fear-based feelings and beliefs associated with it, which then gives rise to unhealthy destructive behaviors.  

Essentially, it’s like bringing the past back to life in this present moment, while blaming how you feel on current events or making yourself out to be a bad person for the way you think or act (which is so not the case).  

Think of how images are captured onto film. In photography, film reacts to light and ‘transforms’ itself to record an image…. Called a “negative”. Then the image is transferred onto a canvas, called a picture. Our brain, like the film, reacts to emotions and transforms itself back onto our life experiences.  

Neuro-patterns are the resulting impressions, not the cause of the problem. When we don’t act to resolve the root (the narrative we created about life because of how we felt during an event) it can seem as if these negative patterns have control over us.   

Regardless of where, when, how or why you got them, or whether or not your recall experiencing anything that could have created your patterns, the good news is that the brain has an amazing ability to rewire itself. Meaning that these imprints are not hardwired as permanent fixtures. It is possible to create new pathways by design.  

As the great Buckminster Fuller once said, “You never change things by fighting the existing reality. To change something, build a new model that makes the existing model obsolete.” 

What does it take to create new patterns? If you respond in a different way to what triggers you, it can help override the old neural network. I know…. this is waaaaaayyyy easier said than done. But only at first. Often, the hardest part is catching yourself in the initial stage of reactivating old grief before getting carried away by it.  

Transformation involves learning then applying new skills in mindset and actions that generate a new response to old triggers. And learning is much more enjoyable (and effective) when we can have fun with it!  

It should come as no surprise to hear that playful behavior is shown to have positive effects on the brain and on our ability to learn.  

In fact, play functions as an important, if not crucial, a manner for learning. 

Studies reveal a link between symbolic, pretend play and the development of skills.  So you know that saying “fake it till you make it?” Turns out that it’s actually good advice, so long as you don’t deny what it is that you’re feeling in the process.  

What if…. 

Instead of continuing to abuse ourselves with judgmental negative BS (belief systems) we made a game out of catching ourselves in the act of being triggered?   

For example: Do you remember playing that game, hide and go seek? How thrilling it was to find who you were looking for, with a gratifying loud shout, “Gotcha, or tag, you’re it!”  

In truth, there are many more practical ways we can heal. I think that what’s most important is to not get stuck on one thing or isolate yourself with the attitude of “I can do this by myself”. It’s always a good idea to align with a healer, therapy, or some proven process that you most resonate with that can help you gain the freedom you’re seeking.   

BIO:  

For more information on how you can create a positive change with Shawna as your guide, schedule a no-obligation conversation at www.ShawnaPelton.com/discoverycall