MIND-BODY NEXUS

How to counter your wavering thoughts
BY Archana Law

Oscar Wilde once said: “But strange that I was not told that the brain can hold in a tiny ivory cell God’s heaven or hell.” In this light, we invite you to have a single thought – because irres­pective of whether it is related to anger, sadness, inspiration, joy or excitement, it’s possible that a single thought may change your body.

All thoughts – e.g. ‘I can’t,’ ‘I can,’ ‘I’m not good enough’ or ‘I love you’ – have the same measurable effect as our bodies undergo a host of dynamic changes.

Triggered by our most recent thoughts, the pancreas and adrenal glands get busy secreting a few hormones afresh, and different areas of the brain surge with increased electrical current and release a wash of neurochemicals.

The spleen and thymus send out mass signals to the immune system to make a few modifications, and several gastric juices start flowing.

Meanwhile, the liver begins processing enzymes that weren’t present moments ago, the heart rate fluctuates, the lungs alter their stroke volume, and the flow of blood to the capillaries in our hands and feet changes.

All because of a single thought…

It is easy to understand that the brain can manage and regulate many diverse functions throughout the rest of the body. The interesting part is that the seemingly unconscious thoughts running through our mind repeatedly create a cascade of chemical reactions, which result not only in what we feel but also how we feel.

Research indicates that the long-term effects of our habitual thinking might be the cause of our body moving into a state of imbalance – or what we call ‘disease.’

Since we’re on the subject of attention, become aware and listen to the hum of the refrigerator, the sound of a passing car, a dog barking in the distance and even the resonance of your heartbeat.

By simply shifting attention, you caused a power surge and voltage flux of electricity in millions of brain cells inside your head, in new combinations and sequences.

As human beings, we have the natural ability to focus our awareness on anything. How and where we place our attention – and for how long – defines us at the neurological level.

For example, remembering a bitter memory from the past magically and poignantly brings it to life. Attending to future anxieties and worries that don’t really exist until they are conjured up by the mind makes them real to us.

Neuroscience has finally understood that we can mould and shape our neurological framework through the repeated attention we give to any one thing.

Everything that contributes to who we are – our thoughts, dreams, memories, hopes, feelings, fears, skills, habits, pain and joy – is etched in the living latticework of our 100 billion brain cells.

How our nerve cells are specifically arranged or neurologically wired – based on what we learn, remember, experience, envision and think about ourselves – defines us as individuals.

So ask yourself what you spend most of your time doing – mentally rehearsing, thinking about and finally, demonstrating. Irrespective of whether you consciously or unconsciously fabricate your thoughts and actions, you’re always affirming and reaffirming your neurological self as ‘you.’

Practising mindfulness makes it easier to spot negative or unhelpful thoughts and return our focus to the tasks at hand.

German spiritual thinker Eckhart Tolle teaches that much of the suffering we experience is unnecessary and caused by our thinking, making us anxious over what the future holds or regretful about the past.

He advises us to watch our thinking nonjudgmentally. If the mind wanders off, gently bring it back to the present experience. This will increase the ability to control our thinking and switch attention to where it is needed the most.

Once upon a time, a fairy with a magic wand was distributing rewards among mortals. To one man she presented jewels; to another honour; a third received influence; and to others, she gave fame, peace and power as requested. Finally, she came to a man who wanted none of what the others had asked for.

‘It’s not things I seek. It is the power to do the things I want to,’ said the man.

‘Ah wise mortal! You have avoided the way of the foolish fellows,’ exclaimed the fairy, who lowered her magic wand…

And the gates to health, wealth and happiness swung open.

With the gift of a few things, we can meet and face new situations. To avoid facing a wall when the supply is exhausted, we can tap into a system that is basic – and yet, scientific and rewarding.

Lord Buddha says that to enjoy good health, bring true happiness to one’s family and peace to all, one must first discipline and control the mind. If we can control the mind, the way to enlightenment, and all wisdom and virtue, will naturally come to us.