“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.

 

First time to type the first day of the new year!

The beginning of a new year is a time of reflection.  Many greet the new year with a renewed determination to continue personal growth; focusing on life learning, living healthy, strengthening relationships, and growing closer to God. OR others face the new year with regret, fearfulness and lost hope.

For the Amarillo community, the end of 2010 was fraught with many unexpected tragedies and loss. In addition to these public tragedies, many face the personal loss of jobs or marriages, addictions, illness, or battered relationships – the list is endless. How can we ensure that we begin the new year with hope and a resolve to grow?

We can’t stand still. In life, we must move forward in growth or go backward in decline. Is the direction a choice? Can we choose to go forward weighed down with sorrow?

We can’t control what happens to us, but we can control how we respond. We can choose to grow through loss, to be transformed, to become resilient and take what we learn to positively impact those around us. OR we can allow the loss to define us. We can loose our identity in the midst of our grief and decline into hopelessness.

Loss is a part of life, loss is inevitable, but it does not define us. Taking time to feel and grieve is necessary for a healthy recovery, but this should be the starting point.

I have asked a lot of questions in this blog entry and hope to have the opportunity to process the answers in future posts as I renew my efforts to develop this web site.

The intention of this site is to encourage and equip readers to live life fully by expanding awareness and perspective of our insecurities and strengths. Feel free to share any thoughts or comments. My hope is that this site can bring together a community that will empower others and ourselves to live life intentionally.

Romans 15:13 best articulates the basis for my focus as I seek to grow in 2011:

May the God of your hope so fill you with all joy and peace in believing (through the experience of your faith) that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound and be overflowing (bubbling over) with hope. (AMP)

Peace