Three ways to use positive neuroplasticity to transform your mind
03/20/23 • 15 min
You’re probably familiar with the Buddha quote “Whatever one frequently ponders, that becomes the inclination of the mind,” a concept now backed by neuroscience. ‘Neuroplasticity’ refers to the ability of the mind to both form and transform neural pathways. One obvious example could be driving a car; eventually, the neural pathways grow so strong it becomes almost automatic. Similarly, when those neural pathways relate to anger, anxiety or otherwise negative thoughts, they too become hardwired. The good news is, with a bit of intentionality, we can actually rewire our minds to cultivate positivity and strength.
In this episode of Mentally Stronger, I highlight the fact that we are always training our minds and invite you to question whether your current practice is benefiting or hindering you. I explain how positive neuroplasticity training harnesses this and aids us to plant seeds of happiness and prune weeds of suffering in our mind’s garden. Finally, I give two ways to practise this in daily life to move closer towards the best, strongest version of yourself and away from entrenched negativity and doubt.
Melli O’Brien:
Join the waitlist for Headstrong, Melli's 8-week online training course:
You’re probably familiar with the Buddha quote “Whatever one frequently ponders, that becomes the inclination of the mind,” a concept now backed by neuroscience. ‘Neuroplasticity’ refers to the ability of the mind to both form and transform neural pathways. One obvious example could be driving a car; eventually, the neural pathways grow so strong it becomes almost automatic. Similarly, when those neural pathways relate to anger, anxiety or otherwise negative thoughts, they too become hardwired. The good news is, with a bit of intentionality, we can actually rewire our minds to cultivate positivity and strength.
In this episode of Mentally Stronger, I highlight the fact that we are always training our minds and invite you to question whether your current practice is benefiting or hindering you. I explain how positive neuroplasticity training harnesses this and aids us to plant seeds of happiness and prune weeds of suffering in our mind’s garden. Finally, I give two ways to practise this in daily life to move closer towards the best, strongest version of yourself and away from entrenched negativity and doubt.
Melli O’Brien:
Join the waitlist for Headstrong, Melli's 8-week online training course:
Previous Episode
Get Clear on Your Three Fundamentals to Thrive
Whether we’re juggling high-pressure careers, bustling families or the pressures of global uncertainty and constant technological change, stress has become a near-constant in most of our lives, and this can make prioritising self-care a real challenge. Even if we manage to carve out a moment here and there, guilt may creep up, and we start to see the things that bring us pleasure and peace as optional rather than fundamental to our wellbeing. With self-ca+re left on the backburner too often or for too long, we’re at risk of burnout, breakdown or even physical illness.
In this episode of Mentally Stronger, I discuss Dr. Marie Asberg’s concept of the Exhaustion Funnel and some warning signs you can look for to catch when you may be getting a little too close to its edge. I invite you to reflect on the things that nourish and energise you - time with loved ones, physical movement, a favourite hobby, you name it - and identify three fundamental activities or care tasks you can prioritise in daily life that allow you to grow, stay mindful and thrive.
Key links:
Melli O’Brien: https://melliobrien.com.
Join the waitlist for Headstrong, Melli's 8-week online training course - https://melliobrien.com/headstrong-program/
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Healthy anger vs toxic anger
We all experience anger at times, and though we may have been taught that it’s inherently bad or toxic, anger is actually an important, healthy and valuable emotion; it tells us when something we care about is under attack and mobilises the body to take action. It’s our expression of this anger, or lack thereof, that can be problematic. Whether we’re prone to lashing out or bottling up, shifting to a more skillful and mindful expression can greatly benefit our relationships with both others and ourselves, and even our physical health.
In this episode of Mentally Stronger, I break down four styles of anger expression - aggressive, passive-aggressive, suppressive and assertive - and invite you to consider which of these rings true for you. If healthy anger has never been modelled to you, it’s easy to default to an unhelpful style. Once you’ve taken that first step of identifying where you fall, you can start to shift into an expression that allows you to healthily and constructively honour and communicate your needs and boundaries. I share three tips to help you do exactly that.
Key links:
Get the Checklist for Healthy Anger
https://melliobrien.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Checklist-for-Healthy-Anger.pdf
Melli O’Brien:
Join the waitlist for Headstrong, Melli's 8-week online training course:
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