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The
Mind - Brain Process: Patterns And Chemicals
The brain and mind
like patterns. Patterns expedite and streamline processes. Because
of this, the neural pathways a brain builds can become dedicated.
The more a thought pattern occurs, the more a particular neural net
gets used. When a neural net is habitually used, it becomes a path
of least resistance. Another way to describe it is to say it is like
that of a rut in a road. It gets worn in and becomes the way. When
someone says "I can’t help it, its just the way I am" this is
what they really mean. This is also why it can be very hard to
change ones thought patterns. This is not to say that the brain is
hardwired, it is plastic. Neural pathways are built according to
mental activity. As one begins to exercise a change in their
thinking, the brain will respond in how it organises its neural
activity.
But neural nets are
only one half of the mind / brain process. There is a very important
aspect to thought patterns that is not so obvious. Mental patterns
are also addictive. They are addictive because with each thought,
the body experiences a neuro-chemical reaction. In turn, this
neuro-chemical reaction causes sensations in the body. Often these
sensations are so subtle, and our minds are not sharp enough that we
discern them, but they are constantly occurring whether we realise
it or not.
Now it might be
argued that in the instance that we can discern them and they are
not pleasant, for example in the case of worry, that we cannot be
addicted to such a thought / feeling. But this is besides the point
for the simple reason that even though the sensation might not be a
pleasant sensation, being derived from a habitual thought pattern,
the body has become accustomed to the chemical effect it causes and
when the body becomes accustomed to something, it craves it whether
it is good for it or not.
Understanding these
mind / brain aspects of our thinking is important in understanding
the process of purifying the mind and must be approached in a
patient way, accepting that the process will be gradual but steady if
one's commitment is sincere.
May All
Beings Know: True Love, True Peace, True Happiness
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