G.R.I.T.

A few weeks ago, I saw a PBS special that had a huge affect on me. It was on how modern kids no longer have GRIT. Rather, they don't have much perseverance when it comes to facing adversity, ie. Grit.

This has a lot to do with our brains actually, and a dopamine response. Without overcoming challenges,  we don't get the rush of dopamine through our neurotransmitters.

Let's be honest, life is full of adversity. Do we just give up every time it gets a little hard?

What do we tell ourselves when the going gets tough. Do you tell yourself "I can do this!" or "I can't".

I've literally been seeing the word GRIT, in my mind (a little neurosculpting trick), when I feel that I "can't" do something.

Give it a try, just because something is hard, doesn't mean it's "not meant to be". Or that you can't learn and become good at it or even just enjoy the fact that you tried.

Spelling out concepts in our minds engages our left brain and can actually be very calming to our nervous systems, it's a great technique to get through a challenging moment.

Neuroplasticity

"Neuroplasticity" seems to be all the rage.

You may have heard this phrase a lot on Facebook or in varying platforms that have articles on health and the brain.

This is a more science based way to examine the "Mind-Body" connection.

Basically, we have thought patterns that are embedded in our nervous system. But, we can change them.
Some take a week, some may even take years! But, with consistent work we can change. It may not be easy at times.

I have been studying and practicing Meditation since the age of 15, and yet I still have certain thought patterns that come up in certain situations.

Through Meditation though and practice, we can see those thoughts when they come up and offer an alternative for ourselves.

We all have a lot of stress. Even though in western culture, we really live in the land of plenty. I personally believe that we are overstimulated. Our brains are not used to "boredom". Actually boredom is an important state of mind, that we can use to move in to a more creative place in our brain, the pre-frontal cortex.

The PFC, is the more "evolved" part of our brain with capacity for joy, wonder, compassion, and clear vision for our lives.

After all those years of meditating, I realized I was doing it in a way that was actually scary for my body and mind. Well, change is hard, and can be scary.

There are ways we can disengage our fight or fligh (or freeze) response. For those of us with some PTSD or Trauma, that is very important and takes some work.

Questions to ask yourself-
- What makes you feel safe?
- How are your needs met right in this moment? If not, How could they be met?

We sometimes have conflicting thought patterns that create confusion but the thoughts we feed can grow stronger, it's true!

So,
Step 1: How is your body safe?  Possibilities: Family, Food, Shelter, Money, A job, a comfy bed.
Step 2: Become curious about possibilities you may not even see! Yes, the unknown!
If that scares you come back to how you are safe and taken care of right now.
Just like my daughter said to me today, when I explained to her that Santa was based on a Saint that took care of poor Women and Children during the holidays.
"I am well tooken care of". What a great affirmation and Neuropathway that she has.