Why do we think the way we think?
What has informed us? One element of being human is that we are consistently seeking new information. We think that is knowledge. The news, social media, libraries, the education systems all exist because of our desire to know. Curiosity is a good thing.
Well, maybe not for cats.
Do we believe things just because we are told that those things are true? How many things throughout history that have been believed to be true are false? They are so far from being true that in some ways we cannot fathom that people believed them. For centuries, it was believed that women were less intelligent than men. It was believed that certain cultures or races were less intelligent than the race in power at the time. It was believed that the earth was the centre of the universe. These were presented as facts. Yet these presumed facts are as far from the truth as can be.
History shows us that just thinking something is so, does not make it so.
You have heard it said that your thoughts create your actions, your actions create your habits, and your habits create your life. What are those thoughts that are creating your actions? What is the recording that is playing in the background of our mind? Where did those thoughts come from? Are those thoughts true?
It is worthwhile to examine those thoughts which we hold to be true. Joe Dispenza says to mediate is to become familiar with. Are we even familiar with the thoughts that percolate though our mind? As a mother, how often have we said to our children, usually when trying to correct behavior; “Now you sit there, and think about it”. Think about what? Without giving them guidance on how to address an issue or solve a problem, or change their perceived correct response, how can they be expected to think any differently? Is this not true for ourselves?
In the book, A Course in Miracles, it states in one of the 365 lessons “All my thoughts are past thoughts”. Unless we are willing to introduce or imagine a new way of thinking, we are destined to repeat the same thoughts. Fortunately, this book does teach ways of changing our thought patterns.
The mind, the body and the spirit are not separate. They are intertwined by a constant, cascade of intelligent energy. There has been much research on how the state of this synchronized and harmonious activity between the heart, brain, and other physiological systems affect the body. When the heart and brain are in coherence, it can have profound effects on both physical and emotional well-being. When the heart and the brain are in a state of coherence levels of stress hormones, such a cortisol decrease, and the levels of neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine increase. In other words, I feel good. I can think clearly. I am calm. My mind is creative. I can solve problems. My relationship with myself and others improves.
This wholeness of heart, mind and spirit is wellness. This energy informs our cells. It is the energy of life. To heal is to make whole. There is no separation of heart, mind or spirit.
Therefore, the thoughts do influence our heart. And our heart influences our thoughts.
Something to think about.