At times when we struggle with fear, anxiety, anger, or other disturbing emotions and thoughts, we over-identify with these things. Because they have become common in our internal world we feel that they are indeed who we are. Individuals who successfully address their thoughts and emotions view these things rightly as something you manage, speak truth to, or address. For example, if a person has a strong critical voice that condemns them or tells them that the world is unsafe that voice becomes stronger if we allow it to do so. Overtime that person begins to describe themselves how the voice would describe them and really allows that “part” of them to own their identity.
A tip from neuroscience: In the world of neuroscience we say that where firing goes, wiring goes, meaning that if you allow those thoughts to become your truth, if you roll over them again and again, your brain will grow in areas that strengthen the critical voice and it will indeed feel more and more like truth. Just like arm muscles, the brain grows based on how you use it. If you allow fear to run freely, your brain will grow to become more fearful. If you challenge your fears and exercise your brain according to truth, your brain will grow in these areas instead. Obviously, just like a workout program, this process takes time and regular commitment. Individuals do not become body builders overnight and retraining your brain does not happen without consistent effort. Bottom line, neuroscience tells us that our tendencies towards fear, criticism, anxiety, or depression CAN change with consistent intention and work.
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