The Inflexible mind...

[rosewalbrugh]

Never ever forget and realize as soon as possible, that the brain is NOT a flexible a thing. We are creatures of habit and have to learn to use this to our advantage...

I’m not just referring to those annoying little things we know we do without thinking about it, but particularly those that are so much a part of us that we are possibly not even aware of it. Yes, I am talking about you, your entire character.

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Thoughts???

[SkateItsGreat]

Habits are a very powerful thing. I have trouble breaking out of bad habits, probably like a lot of people on this forum.

[Joely]

That's a very interesting article - especially the reference to the Harvard expert discussing what's basically called "neuroplasticity."

I used to worry that all my habits and beliefs were subconscious and that would make it impossible to break out of them. And yet if you're aware, you start to notice yourself thinking and behaving in a particular way and can change it. This is the method I use, and it's been very effective for me. Once you step back and can see yourself behaving in a particular way, that raises your awareness and you can't carry on doing it without choosing to do it. Eventually, you're able to stop behaving in that particular way. It's what Buddhists refer to as the "pause", the ability to stop and notice rather than just walking through life unconsciously. Obviously, I'm focusing here on ways of thinking rather than habits like smoking and the like. I have a habit of questioning what I'm thinking and believing.

I used these these ideas to recover from anorexia and depression, amongst other things.

[rosewalbrugh]

Hey Joely,
Thanks for your reply.
I've come to agree with you 100%!
In fact, my next article on mindfulness meditation considers the potential it could have to allow us to take that step back and be more conscious...

Is Mindfulness Meditation the key to applying the Secret?

Have you tried meditation yourself? Any recommendations?

Rose

[Joely]

Hi Rose,

I've been doing meditation for years but last year attended a Buddhist Centre and learnt from the experts there. It was great fun. I use mindfulness meditation and the metta bhavna (compassion). I actually use mindfulness as a thinking tool as well to drop negative thinking and bring myself back to where I need to be. If you can find a Buddhist Centre, it's a great experience to try out meditation with them.

J x

[rosewalbrugh]

Thanks Joely,
I'll check it out definitely!
It's been nearly a week since I've tried meditating though... mostly because I've not really had the time, but also because I find that when I become too introspective I start to feel somehow distanced/removed from day to day stuff and sometimes I just crave 'normalcy'! Think I've been overdoing it slightly so I'll take it much slower.
thanks again!