Change Your Mind

by Gail Allen

Remember that old Sister Hazel song? “Hey, hey did you ever think that there might be another way? To just feel better, to just feel better about today? If you’ve had enough of all your trying Just give up the state of mind you’re in. If you’re tired of fighting battles within yourself...Change your mind.”

Yeah, right. Easier said than done, right?​

Well, yeah, maybe. If we use traditional Western therapies for sure. But here’s the thing. Science is noticing what the ancients have taught us for thousands of years! If we target the Midbrain and Limbic System, neuroplasticity isn’t just possible, it happens whether we want it to or not! What is this magic I speak of??? Well, I’m glad you asked!

This is the part of the brain we target when we meditate, do yoga, Reiki, or hypnosis. When we tell our neocortex (front brain) to literally shut up (this is where speech originates), then our midbrain is like, “Hey! Here’s what’s going on with your hindbrain. It’s stuck because we had this traumatic event happen and it kicks you into survival mode. Are we safe here? Yeah? Oh well, here’s some feel-good chemicals, congratulations!” Seriously. It’s that simple and that complex.

​Our brains and bodies are so amazing. Unlike what conventional wisdom told us over the past century, we not only *can* generate new brain cells and neural pathways, we do on a regular basis! The trick is to do it with intentionality. Otherwise, we just keep repeating the patterns that may not be so helpful or beneficial, trying to get those yummy neurotransmitters. This is why self-harm, pain, and addictions are all related. Our bodies *want* us to feel good and in alignment. Even eating spicy food is a sneaky way to get there. There’s a reason why we love Mexican food and spicy wings in this country, especially.

So maybe there’s something to all this “hippie new agey stuff...the question is...are you bold enough to give it a try? Do you have the audacity to think you might be reading this for a reason right now? This very moment, this now, we’re sharing your path, and we’re so glad you’re here!