Mindful Change vs Mindless Habit

“You cannot solve a problem with the same mind that created it.”

ALBERT EINSTEIN

Change, a word of inspiration or dread? How is change possible?  The above quote by Einstein implies that a stuck mind creates life problems so a changed mind must proceed a changed life. Habitual thinking patterns are created by rigid brain connections or pathways. Neuroplasticity is the term used when connections change in response to experience. Being mindful, having a mindful awareness is a way of intentionally paying attention to the present moment from a stance that is nonjudgmental and nonreactive i.e. a form of  internal “tuning in” to oneself.  Mindful awareness is a form of experience which seems to promote neural plasticity.  In his book The Mindful Brain, Daniel J. Siegel states studies have shown that neuroplastic changes not only reveal structural alterations, but they are accompanied by changes in brain function, mental experience and body states. This evidence indicates that true life change begins with changes in the brain. In future blogs I will expound more on the application of this mindful awareness that promotes change.

Willpower, resilience, self-compassion, and self-confidence  are all concepts emphasized in recent media venues to equip and encourage the seekers of life change. These concepts are the result of healthy brain function that create positive  adaptive responses to the problems of life. When these capacities are weak or nonexistent, there is a struggle to change a life defined by habitual responses. To be aware of the ineffective habits of response is the first step toward change. The definition of insanity is to do the same things over and over again, expecting a different result. The following poem depicts the process toward a changed mind:

There’s a Hole in My Sidewalk Chapter One

I walk down the street, There is a deep hole in the sidewalk, I fall in. I am lost…I am helpless. It isn’t my fault. It takes forever to find a way out Chapter Two I walk down the same street There is a deep hole in the sidewalk. I pretend I don’t see it. I can’t believe I am in this same place. But, it isn’t my fault. It still takes a long time to get out. Chapter Three I walk down the same street There is a deep hole in the sidewalk. I see it there. I still fall in…It’s a habit…but, My eyes are open. I know where I am. It is my fault. I get out immediately. Chapter Four I walk down the same street There is a deep hole in the sidewalk. I walk around it. Chapter Five I walk down another street. By Portia Nelson

What is your “hole in the sidewalk”?

Apostle Paul had holes in his sidewalk as he says in 

Now if I do (habitually) what is contrary to my desire, …

Romans 7:16 (AMP)

 

He had habits that were contrary to the desire for his life, a commonality among mankind.

The best way to promote awareness of pitfalls in thinking that have sabotaged the desired action for change is to name them by writing them in a journal OR share them with this blog community.  With “eyes open” let’s  begin to correct our vision for change.