How Are Our Thoughts Like Seeds ... ???

As our thoughts move through our consciousness and through the tiny neurons in our brain, the structure and intent of those thoughts can change the way we feel.  The way we “feel” can change our perception of our experiences as well as our perception of the world.  In other words, our repetitive thoughts can “take root” neurologically creating subconscious patterns.  

This is like practicing a golf swing or learning a new language.  We practice our golf swing in order to play better.  We rehearse a new language by listening, and then speaking or repeating phrases or whole sentences.  Over time, we create neurological pathways that become stronger and more responsive.  Then, seemingly all at once, we have a better golf game or we are speaking a new language.  This process is known as “neuroplasticity” and is the reason we can improve our golf game and learn a new language regardless of our age!

When we plant a garden, we usually choose our seeds with care.  We know whether we want tiny tomatoes or large ones.  Do we want cucumbers or zucchini?  Do we prefer mild peppers or seriously hot ones?  Then we usually make an effort to sow our seeds in fertile moist soil with enough Sunshine to grow.  If we do our planning, and pay attention to our garden, we will have a good crop of vegetables, and herbs, and even flowers.  This same practice applies to our thoughts!

We now know that our thoughts affect the way our brain is wired.  In general, this depends on our intent, how often we repeat specific thoughts, and the emotional charge we put on our thoughts.  Neurological research shows “neurons that fire together, wire together”.  With our repetitive thoughts, the neurological connections grow stronger.  This is a good thing as long as we are staying centered, coherent, and focused on what is good in our lives.  However, if we slip off the trail of clear and coherent perception, we may find ourselves dragging our feet through a swamp of negative emotions.  Yikes !!!

For instance, as we “grow older”, we may find ourselves making judgements about current experiences based on our “past experiences” of a similar person or event.  I know several people who do this often. I have watched them become more and more cynical!  This is potentially a tragic situation, because it leads to viewing the world through the lens of their past negative experiences.  

This is a sure pathway to cynicism.  I have also noticed that people who become “cynical” tend to be “hard-hearted” and quick to pass judgment.  The unfortunate result may be that over time, these people become more cynical, primarily due to their repetitive “negative” thinking.  It is way too easy with all the “craziness” in the world, to feel that we are on a downward path.  Plus the overwhelming amount of “negative news” from so many sources contributes to this slippery slope.

At the same time, most of us know many people who are doing their best every day to make the world better for everyone.  I am very blessed to know 100s of people making an effort every day.  For the most part, they are not in the news!  Everywhere I go, people are polite, and often very thoughtful and respectful.  We live in very challenging times that can feel overwhelming and chaotic.  But, the people I know care deeply about the welfare and wellbeing of others.

If we spend too much time watching or listening to the “news of latest disasters”, we may begin to believe in that version of reality.  It is not true!  So many people on this planet care deeply about others.  They volunteer, making consistent contributions of time and energy and money.  This is what makes the World work.  It doesn’t matter whether we consider ourselves to be Christian or Jewish or follow the beliefs of Islam.  We may belong to the Native American culture or we may share deep beliefs in the Wonder and Beauty of Creation.  Regardless of how crazy the world seems to be, we all have something to offer.  All of us are gifted in many ways.

If you catch yourself going down a dark and difficult path, remember all the goodness and beauty in Creation.  Shift your focus and “rewire” your neurons.  You will begin to feel better.  Your perception will begin to shift and you will see the world with greater clarity and compassion.  You will begin to see all the good in others and within yourself!  You will be planting “seeds of compassion and understanding” in your life.