Neuro-plasticity and 6 Tips to Reduce Resistance to Healing and Change

Neuro-plasticity: Understanding the principle of neuro-plasticity can help us to implement methods that will be more successful and effective in regard to change and healing.

The simplest definition of neuro-plasticity is it is the ability of the brain and nervous system to change itself. Our intention and focus determines which circuits will light up and be encouraged to grow.

Implementing inner technologies like imagery, mindfulness, relaxation and meditation use this natural ability to help you make changes and with practice can create a new experience of life and living. In effect these methods can be used to undo your previous unconscious learning experiences that color your perception and abilities negatively as well as to install new foundations for greater joy and happiness.

Old habits are hard to break and resistance to change is natural

Positive feedback is often not enough to maintain new behavior

Approaches that use principles of neuro-plasticity turbo charge your conscious efforts

1. Make your decisions conscious. If you choose not to “do your program”, acknowledge you are making that choice. Decide when you will return to the contract you have made with yourself. This reduces unproductive guilt enabling you to take responsibility for your decision. This approach avoids adding to the energy blockage that is already present and helps to open a side door for you to step into your power.

2. Question your excuses. Examine the reasons you are giving yourself for not actively participating in the process of healthy change. There is probably an element of truth in your reasons. Be aware that you are still making “a choice.” You are not a passive victim of circumstances. Excuses are often based on somewhat faulty premises, e.g., “I am indispensable”, “I have too much to do”, or “There’s no time for me”, “I don’t deserve to have this time/goal”.

3. Incorporate one change at a time. Too much too soon is ineffective leading to burn out’ or simply failure.

4. Stress management results in increased energy. Allow yourself to enjoy it; set aside time for relaxation, healing & creating a more balanced lifestyle.

5. Work through difficulties by adapting techniques rather than giving up. This builds self-esteem and feelings of personal effectiveness as you attune to your personal needs.

6. If symptoms persist, check for “secondary gain”:

Ask yourself: Do my symptoms serve you in some way? If so, then how?
It can be helpful to imagine you are observing someone else behave as you do€”what would you imagine their reasons for doing so be?
Keep a log: time, place, circumstances when your symptoms/negative behaviors occur.
Symptoms may be a signal that some feelings are being blocked and need attention.

Common secondary gains:
Avoidance of unpleasant situations or unpleasant feelings
A means of getting care, attention, help or support
A way of identifying with an important person in your life
An unconscious way of feeling like you are important/matter/have value

PERSIST!

Focusing on healing and/or working with change holds tremendous power. It may not be easy, but time, patience, and persistence will ultimately bring rewards. If you slip simply get back on track when you can–and in whatever way suits you.