On Sundays I am often at one of the assisted living centers in Westchester County with my jazz music group, the About Time Trio presenting our Walk Down Memory Lane program to the elders of our population. Having done this many times by now, I am reminded that as we age, we become more of who we are.
Looking at the residents, it’s clear who is at peace with themselves, and who continues to find life difficult and challenging. The ones that have found satisfaction with their lives are the ones with a smile of contentment on their face. They’re able to relax and enjoy the music and express their appreciation for our performance. They find life easier to manage and enjoy.
The others have a scowl on their face. They struggle with where they are seated, what is coming next. They’re anxious about time and short tempered with those who tend them.
Neuroscience has made some amazing discoveries in recent times. Scientists have found the repetition of our thought patterns create synaptic connections. The more often we think a certain way, the stronger that connection becomes.
The good news is that by consciously changing our thought patterns, we can create new, more positive connections for our habitual thoughts to travel. We can create pathways that open our minds to new possibilities, new creations, to beauty and curiosity rather than the habitual pathways of worry, stress, anxiety and negativity.
There will always be something to worry or be anxious about, and when our minds are trained to focus on these things, that is where our thoughts go. Our feelings quickly follow leaving us feeling anxious and stressed most of the time.
But again, there will always be something to feel positive and satisfied about, if we are able to go down that pathway. When our minds are trained to focus on new possibilities, new creations, gratitude, and curiosity that is where our thoughts go. And our feelings follow leaving us feeling grateful to be alive, in love with other human beings and at peace with ourselves.
If we want more of these positive thoughts and feelings in our daily lives, how can we retrain our brains to follow new pathways?
- Meditate daily
- Keep a Gratitude Journal
- Design your life around your purpose
- Create visions of what you want in life
- Daily exercise to strengthen discipline in life
- Process issues in a journal or with a professional
- Visualizations, affirmations, reading inspired texts
What we focus on is who we become now and until the end of our days. Choose wisely.
Who Am I Becoming
Who am I becoming as I molt my old skin
A transformation is occurring, I feel it from within.
Who am I becoming as my picture of the world
Shifts it shapes and colors and acceptance is unfurled.
I don’t know what will resolve
But the trip is to evolve.
Who am I becoming as I shed my craziness
A strong being finding a clear message to express.
I don’t know what will resolve
But the trip is to evolve.
© 2001 DEIMusic
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