No control of my life/Feeling Directionless

[Markness]

I sometimes fear my brain’s neural pathways can’t make new connections and that’s why I am stuck in a rut despite my best efforts.

 

[tree]

Self-directed neuroplasticity​

Neuroplasticity is the brain’s ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural pathways throughout life and in response to experiences. While the brain usually does this itself in response to injury or disease, when humans focus their attention enough, they can slowly rewire these pathways themselves.

The habit loops are broken by reshaping thinking using mindfulness. Mindfulness refers to focusing attention in a sustained, deliberate way, of looking at the present from a non-judgmental perspective. The goal of mindfulness is to become aware of thoughts, as simply thoughts. Not all unwelcomed or unhelpful thoughts need to be acted on. Once an individual understands that these thoughts are not beneficial for them, they can start to redirect their actions – or the reactions to the thought.

The redirection of thoughts and actions will start to change neural pathways as habits begin to be replaced, and new parts of the brain are used. The brain literally starts to rewire itself with a simple change of mindset.

https://www.research.colostate.edu/healthyagingcenter/2022/05/31/how-to-rewire-your-brain/