How to Change Our Paradigm

Example: Stop Fearing Our Triggers

Let’s say that we want to stop looking at our world (our paradigm) through a fearful lens that we have built in our Database or thinking mind.

We know that our lens or mental focus controls how we respond to what we think and how we interpret our experiences. We understand that neuroplasticity, or brain “silly putty” or brain change, is real and that every negative or fearful thought we have or say rewires that “silly putty,” increasing our fear—it becomes automatic.

Even with wonderful things happening, our fear-built brains can’t register them properly. We can actually train our brains to be miserable.

This training bathes our brains in stress hormones—treating these negative, fearful thoughts as if there is danger in the outer world, triggering immediate stress and adrenaline hormones. Worry and fear keep our nervous system on red alert, destroying our focus, mood, and physical health. Fear teaches our brain to spot problems, not possibilities.

If we are fearful or stressed enough, our brains will keep negativity at the top of the list. We will replay old trauma, sorrows, grudges, and trigger scenarios on an endless loop.

We can change this brain dynamic by consciously focusing on a positive thought and then speaking it out loud. Decide on a thought that will help us in these moments; memorize it, journal it, trust it. Perhaps “I am safe; God loves me.” Or “I feel that trigger coming, but I reject it because I trust Christ.” This simple response forces blood flow away from our Limbic system, where the “fight or flight” response resides, and sends it to our prefrontal cortex, where moral reasoning and logic can take over. We become less reactive and more rational; it actually calms the brain because dark thoughts always give way to light. We can “rewire” our brains to an enlightened upward path.

When we make a heroic effort to change the way we think about our triggers in recovery, we enhance our learning, memory, and ability to respond to stress in life. Our physical, mental, and emotional health improves.