Creating a New Reality

In last week's episode of EZ Conversations, I had a very enlightening discussion with Dr. Tom Cowan (listen here), and he broke down the myths we have regarding our overall understanding of modern medicine, including viruses and our immune system. At the same time, many people have opinions regarding modern medicine and some views Dr. Cowan shares in the episode. However, it allowed me to reflect on our worldviews and beliefs and how they shape our reality. I spent time reflecting on the constant debate between mind and matter and how the two intersect to challenge the understanding of materialism. As many people have continuously critiqued Descartes for his well-known conclusion: "I think therefore I am." Which was the beginning of the enlightenment era. Regardless of the misconception, how often do we sit and remain open to our rigid beliefs and worldviews?

The more I explored this area of thinking, the more I realized that we are all creators of our lives. The more we shift our beliefs and thought processes, the more we can influence our " reality." Using the observer concept, our perceived reality is a function of our perspective. Therefore, if we shift our worldview, what we perceive can change, and so can our reality. As many of us spend time reviewing the past year, celebrating our wins and identifying opportunities for improvement, it is equally crucial to focus on our beliefs, perspectives, and worldviews and reflect on what is serving us. Sometimes, we do not need only to discard old behaviours but also beliefs, thoughts and worldviews that are no longer serving us. Therefore, as we bring this year to a close and embark on another one, I encourage all of us to spend time challenging ourselves and become the creators of our realities that we are meant to do.

Understanding the Connection Between Mind and Matter

At its core, the connection between mind and matter is about how mental processes influence physical outcomes. This relationship is best exemplified in phenomena like the placebo effect, where belief in a treatment can lead to fundamental physiological changes. Neuroscientific research shows that our brain's neural pathways are malleable, a concept known as neuroplasticity, which allows us to rewire our thinking patterns and, in turn, our experiences.

Dr. Joe Dispenza, a researcher and author in neurobiology and quantum physics, emphasizes that changing our thoughts can change our brain's electromagnetic field, influencing the energy around us (Dispenza, 2015). Similarly, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) demonstrates that altering negative thought patterns can improve mental health and create new behavioural outcomes (Beck, 1979).

Practical Tips to Change Your Reality

1. Cultivate Awareness

The first step to bridging mind and matter is becoming aware of your thoughts and beliefs. Journaling or practicing mindfulness meditation can help identify recurring negative patterns that may hold you back.

• How to Practice: Spend 10 minutes each day observing your thoughts without judgment. Note recurring themes, such as self-doubt or fear.

• Resource: “The Power of Now” by Eckhart Tolle provides actionable insights into mindfulness and present-moment awareness.

2. Reframe Your Beliefs

Beliefs are the foundation of our perception of reality. Limiting beliefs, such as “I’m not good enough,” can unconsciously shape your experiences. Replace these with empowering beliefs through affirmations or visualization techniques.

• How to Practice: Write down limiting beliefs and create positive counter-statements. For instance, replace “I’ll never succeed” with “I have the skills and resilience to succeed.”

• Resource: Carol Dweck’s book, “Mindset: The New Psychology of Success,” delves into the power of adopting a growth mindset.

3. Align Emotion with Intention

Emotion fuels intention. Neuroscientists argue that when we attach positive emotions to our intentions, we amplify their impact on our brains and bodies.

• How to Practice: During visualization, focus on how achieving your goal feels. Create a vivid mental image of the outcome accompanied by gratitude, joy, or excitement.

• Resource: Joe Dispenza’s “Becoming Supernatural” provides guided techniques for combining emotion and intention.

4. Take Aligned Action

Thoughts alone don’t manifest change; action bridges the gap between intention and reality. Ensure your actions align with your desired outcome.

• How to Practice: Break your goals into actionable steps and celebrate small wins.

• Resource: James Clear’s “Atomic Habits” offers a framework for building habits that align with your goals.

5. Harness the Power of Gratitude

Gratitude shifts your focus from lack to abundance, creating a positive feedback loop in your brain that reinforces optimism.

• How to Practice: Start a gratitude journal by writing three things you’re grateful for daily.

• Resource: Dr. Robert Emmons's research, “Thanks! How Practicing Gratitude Can Make You Happier,” explores the science behind gratitude.

Scientific Backing for Thought-Driven Change

1. Neuroplasticity: Studies reveal that repetitive thoughts and behaviours create new neural pathways, reshaping how we perceive and interact with the world (Draganski et al., 2004).

2. Epigenetics: Research shows that our environment and mindset can influence gene expression, highlighting the interplay between mind and matter (Lipton, 2005).

3. Psychophysiology: Emotions such as gratitude and love are linked to better heart rate variability and reduced stress (McCraty et al., 1995).

Bridging Mind and Matter in Daily Life

Changing your reality through beliefs and thoughts is not an overnight process but a practice of consistent alignment. Start small, integrating mindfulness, affirmations, and gratitude into your routine. Recognize that the power to reshape your life lies within you, rooted in your ability to harness the connection between mind and matter.

As Rumi eloquently said, “You were born with wings, why prefer to crawl through life?” Embrace the potential of your thoughts to take flight and create a reality aligned with your highest aspirations.

References

• Beck, A. T. (1979). Cognitive Therapy and the Emotional Disorders. Penguin Books.

• Dispenza, J. (2015). You Are the Placebo: Making Your Mind Matter. Hay House.

• Dweck, C. S. (2006). Mindset: The New Psychology of Success. Random House.

• Lipton, B. H. (2005). The Biology of Belief: Unleashing the Power of Consciousness, Matter, & Miracles. Hay House.

• McCraty, R., Atkinson, M., & Tiller, W. A. (1995). The effects of emotions on short-term power spectrum analysis of heart rate variability. American Journal of Cardiology.

• Tolle, E. (1999). The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment. New World Library.

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