Brain science blows my mind! I don’t say this because I’m a doctor and human biology is my passion. But recent advances in this field, have totally changed our concept of what’s possible for our brain. This amazes me.
Back when I was in medical school (long, long ago), we thought the brain was basically static after a certain age. The neurons and brain pathways you had as a child were unchangeable in adulthood. But then scientists discovered that our brain actually has neuroplasticity. In other words, given certain circumstances, the brain is able to build new pathways, heal from injuries and adapt.
This is wonderful news for those minds damaged by physical or emotional trauma. There’s hope for the renewing of your mind. But this news is not truly new. The Apostle Paul wrote about this concept nearly 2000 years ago.
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is-his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Romans 12:2 NIV
But, how do we go about the renewing of our mind? While shackled in prison, Paul gives us the answer in his letter to people of the Philippian church.
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me-put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
Philippians 4:8-9
In other words, to renew our mind we must reframe our thinking. An example of this from modern brain science is how we process our emotions. When we’re anxious, our heart rate increases, our stomach churns and our mouth feels dry. However, our body has these same symptoms when we’re excited. If we reframe our emotions from anxiety to excitement, we turn a negative experience into a positive one.
Say you’re meeting with your boss for your annual work appraisal. You dread the meeting and feel overwhelmed with anxiety. But what if you reframed those emotions from anxiety to excitement. Think about all the talent you bring to the company. Perhaps this is a prime opportunity to ask for that raise. See what reframing your emotions can do for your overall mental health!
The way we think matters
The way a person thinks is the key to everything that follows-good or bad, success or failure. A person’s thinking-the way he thinks-is the foundation structure upon which life is built. Thinking guides decisions. Thinking-how a person thinks-determines every choice.
Andy Andrews-author and speaker
As we move into the Thanksgiving holiday, use this as a opportunity to reframe your thinking. What things make you grateful? Focus on your blessings instead of your burdens and let them generate a renewing of your mind. The Bible proclaims it and brain science confirms it. The way we think really does matter.
For more on the topic of brain science and keeping the brain healthy see The Brain Health Project.
