As I continue my path of personal development and healing, I often reflect on the idea that our thoughts alone can shape reality, a concept many describe as the ability to manifest desires, or in Christian terms, reaping what you sow.
In my view, this is an overly simplistic and unattainable notion. If we could think our way out of anxiety, suppress intrusive thoughts, or reframe every difficult experience, then living without stress or emotional pain would be easy. But the reality is far more complex.
From a neuroscience standpoint, while thoughts do play a role in shaping our lives, it’s through habit formation and cultivating a growth mindset that real change happens—not by appealing to the universe or expecting desires to materialise. The brain is designed to prioritise survival, constantly scanning for potential threats as it did in our evolutionary past. This makes negative thinking and anxiety natural responses to stressors. Healing comes through convincing our nervous system of safety, a process that involves much more than just positive thinking. Trauma, for instance, is stored not only in our memories but in the very cells of our bodies, and it requires intentional practices to retrain our systems over time.
So what is a growth mindset? It’s the belief that our abilities and intelligence can be developed through effort, learning, and persistence. It isn't about blindly thinking positive thoughts or ignoring hardship, but embracing challenges, seeing failures as opportunities for growth, and staying resilient through difficulties. A growth mindset encourages us to take active steps to improve, instead of passively waiting for change. It’s this process, not the act of thinking positively, that shapes our lives.
As for releasing stored trauma, there are practical, evidence-based methods to help the body and mind recover. Mindful breathing techniques, progressive muscle relaxation, and grounding exercises can help calm the nervous system and release tension. Psychotherapy, particularly somatic therapies, is another way to work through trauma by addressing the psychological and physiological aspects. Regular exercise, creative expression, and maintaining strong social connections play a key role in the healing process.
Living a fufilling life involves forming healthy habits, living in the present, maintaining good sleep and nutrition, and fostering resilience. While we all need basic material stability—food, shelter, meaningful connections—wealth doesn’t equate to happiness. I’ve never had a surplus of money or possessions, and yet I find contentment in having enough to meet my needs. Living comfortably doesn’t require vast amounts of wealth, just enough to feel secure and at peace.
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