If you didn’t then please explain repeating patterns in your current life…patterns and habits that you don’t really like. It’s your brain which is manifesting a pattern because it has been programmed to do so. For example…
Why is it that so many people have a problem with too many sweets? It isn’t just because it tastes good, though that is undeniable, but also because it’s a reward. Long ago it was the reward for being a good girl or boy. It was a treat from grandma when you visited. It was the wedding cake which signified the celebration that was shared. So many things. Of course, you have many positive connotations UNTIL it becomes a habit that causes you to gain unhealthy weight.
So, what happens is that you see the sweet and you make the good association and you want it. You blame your willpower because you can’t stop yourself. The real story is that you are programmed to react that way.
Neurons that fire together wire together.
This is a way to explain the research of Donald Hebb, a Canadian neuroscientist who explained that when our brains learn something new, neurons are activated and connect with other neurons, forming a neural network. Hence a new habit is wired in.
BUT it is also possible to program new neuronal connections and change that habit that is not wanted.
And this is all possible because our brains are not static…thank heavens. Because of neuroplasticity, neurons and neural networks in the brain can change their connections and behavior when there is new information.
For example, learning a new language. This is usually a task that requires focused attention and some effort. But when the fluidity starts that is because of the neurons that are firing together to create the sentence and the great satisfaction that results.
And conversely, you can deprogram an old habit or predilection and replace with a new one. You can learn to resist the urge to eat too many sweets by deprogramming the neurons that are firing together. The main thing that is needed is the motivation…and that really opens possibilities, doesn’t it?
When I work with a hypnosis client who is motivated to lose weight, it not only comes off but stays off…unlike most diets. Why? Deprogramming.
Did you know that stress can also be a habit? We need some stress to make us aware of danger but the modern world and the amount of communication we are exposed to puts most of us into overload. And you already know how it can lead to disease and other physical complications.
But realize that you can do something about the stress habit. By communicating with the subconscious and retraining it to seek relaxation and calm you can rewire those neurons so it becomes your own automatic relaxation response.
So, remember this, many stress responses are conditioned but they can be reprogrammed into a new conditioned hypnotic state that allows you control. Imagine your life like that.