Your Brain is a Process, not a Thing

Your Brain is a Process, not a Thing

In the ancient texts it is said that where attention goes, energy flows.   Your attention - what we in the consciousness field call “mind” – is a spotlight on the nutrient-rich soil of creation and where it goes, that which it shows … grows.   

Your brain has about 100 billion neurons – give or take a few million.   Every experience you have creates new neural connections; these connections also create new emotions, which shape those connections.   As experiences are repeated, these connections get stronger, while others get weaker (a process called synaptic pruning).   Quite literally, this means that what you think and do has a “Bobcat” effect on your brain, landscaping your brain based on your thinking.   This entire process is known as neuroplasticity.    In essence, what we know from neuroscience research is that your brain is not stagnant, but is changing every single day.    Your brain is a process, not a thing.    That means you are busy creating new highways and byways and potentially even interstate connections based on what you do, think, and feel regularly.  

Through the process of synaptic pruning, certain behaviors – like riding a bike or swinging your 3 iron – can become automatic.   However, so can emotional patterns or thinking habits.   If you view the glass as half empty for long enough, guess what?  Your brain will actually start “pruning” those centers for optimism, hope, positivity, etc. 

What you think, you become.  

Virtually any talent or skill can be developed through training.   Musicians who practice start linking neural pathways from the right to the left brain, allowing them rapid fluidity in the ability to create and play music.  Professional ball players can handle that bad hop with ease and grace because their muscle fibers actually fire faster than those unpracticed.  

Whatever you are doing – at any time – you are physically modifying your brain to become better at it.   So, if you are worrying, you are getting better at it.   If you are fighting, you are getting better at it.   If you are cleaning, you are getting better at it.   If you are loving, you are getting better at it.  

This is a foundational property of the brain.  It’s strange, I know.  The hard wiring of the brain is to be … well, not so hard wired.  The Operating System of the brain allows for frequent downloads of new software.  

Becoming self-aware, mindful, “awake,” … to find “moksha” then is critical.   Because by doing so, we can actively rather than passively shape our brains, our thinking, our emotions, our abilities.   And, what an empowering notion!  But, to be not awake or aware, means that we are reshaping our brain with our monkey mind.   Our ‘to-do’ list brain gets bigger muscles and sharper eyes… it gets better at worrying and planning and … feeling anxious, less centered, more depressed.  

The “trick” is not a trick at all.  

First, you must realize that in order to have clarity, the water has to be still.   Slow down.   Pause.   Breathe.   Find your presence in this now.    Develop a sense of warmth and gratitude.   Acknowledge where you are at and be thankful – simply – for the awareness of it.   Start “practicing” mindfulness in all your routines.   Taste the toothpaste again.   Chew your food a little longer.  

You know… stop and smell the roses.  

Namaste,

Ryan

Dr. Ryan Pride is the owner of the Moksha Institute, a firm dedicated to improving the wellbeing of individuals, teams, and organizations through culture transformation and leadership development.   A profit-for-purpose company, the Moksha Institute applies Ancient Teachings for the Modern Time in order to transform striving into thriving.  

For more information, please go to: www.mokshainstitute.com