Thinking About What We Think About

A few years ago I purchased Dr. Caroling Leaf’s book, “Switch On Your Brain Every Day.” Now, I read one of her 365 Brainy Tips every morning. She supports what she writes with a Bible verse, some science, and a dose of practical application.  

For instance, today she quoted 1 Peter 1:13, “So fasten your belts—the belts of your minds! Keep yourselves under control…” followed by the brainy tip, “Controlling your thoughts is a lifestyle, not a task.” Her practical application, “Remember, thoughts are real structures inside our brain, structures that grow and become stronger the more you think about something.” 

How researchers or scientists calculate how many thoughts any one person has on any given day is beyond me. Yet, somehow they have calculated that the average human being can have up to 50,000 thoughts in a twenty-four hour period. 

Becoming conscious of what occupies our mind is significant. Our thoughts are not just ethereal. Instead, as we think, Leaf explains that we activate genetic expression and make proteins, which hold our thoughts. Then, whatever we choose to focus on is what shapes our attitudes and behaviors. 

Someone once said, “I don’t believe in the power of positive thinking, but I do believe in the power of thinking.” I do too.  

Considering our thinking and how it formulates our attitudes and actions can seem like a lot of work. But it’s not.

 Learning anything new takes a conscious effort. But, once we get into the habit of tuning into the nuances of our thinking and how they are attached to our attitudes, and actions, we can see our patterns. Seeing our patterns makes reading ourselves much easier. 

Also, those trustworthy people we allow into our lives shed light onto our actions and attitudes which can be helpful, encouraging as well as life-changing.  

Why Bother?

Why bother thinking about what we think about? Our brains are working all the time. Noticing what they are working on the most will show up in the way we live our lives. 

P.S.  I wrote the story of my journey to forgiveness for those who need clarity when it comes to understanding forgiveness. You can find A Heart’s Journey To Forgiveness at Redemption Press and Amazon.