I’d like to set the record straight here folks.

I do not believe that every challenging situation in your life is the result of some habitual form of thinking or feeling.

If you are sick, I do not believe that you have attracted illness into your life, nor is it a way of burning off some kind of bad karma.

I also do not believe that you consciously did anything wrong in this life time (or other lifetimes) to justify illness or suffering, nor do I believe that you are less deserving of goodness in your life somehow.

What I do believe is that sometimes there are outer circumstances at play and at the end of the day we get to choose how we cope with the challenges that we are dealt.

This is where how we think and feel comes into play.

The way in which we interpret or give meaning to an event in our lives can make the difference between harsh suffering or acceptance and learning.

And the way in which we consciously direct our thoughts and feelings can actually liberate us from pain and suffering. Let me explain further.

Let’s say for example that you are suffering from some kind of limbic system brain related illness like chronic fatigue syndrome, chemical sensitivities, anxiety or depression to name a few.

I do not think that in any way, shape or form that you brought this condition on, nor do I believe that you are “getting something” out of being sick or that you want to be sick in any way. I really loathe new age thinking that is steeped in judgment and self blame. Don’t get me started on that one.

Back to the point.

Again, I don’t believe you did anything wrong or that you attracted illness to you. Does a two year old attract cancer somehow? Of course not.

What I do believe is that with limbic system illnesses your brain is caught in a trauma induced circuit that is manifesting as physical illness in your body.

And this is not to imply that you are thinking this up or that it’s in your head, I am talking about brain wiring here folks.

In limbic system illnesses the brain is impaired through some kind of trauma and as a result is sending a cascade of false messages to your body.

The brain does not know that it is doing this.

It’s just doing its thing, just like your heart beats and your lungs allow you to breathe.

This trauma circuitry in reality is a very smart self defense mechanism that has gone awry.

The injured brain mal-adapts to a threatening or potentially dangerous environment and as a result gets stuck in a specific neuronal pattern that perpetuates illness.

So how can we get out of this dead end trauma circuit?

Again, this is where our thinking, feelings and behaviours come into play.

Through our conscious awareness and through repetitious and specific psychological, emotional, somatic and behavioural exercises, we can act back on the brain and alter brain structure and function.

This self directed neuroplastic rewiring allows our brain to normalize function again.

Consequently, the brain no longer sends the body false messages and symptoms of illness can decrease or virtually disappears as a result.

Now, all of this may sound rather easy, but let me assure you that this takes extreme focus, dedication and a lot of practise. However, you can learn how to harness your own innate power to create neuroplastic changes in your brain that optimize your state of physical, mental and emotional health.

The results of self-directed neuroplasticity on personal health are at times nothing short of miraculous for many people.

These changes can take time or in some cases it happens so quickly that it seems like a miracle.

Brain neuroplasticity and its implications and applications represent a new paradigm in health care.

And I for one am excited to be a part of this new paradigm and witness to such extraordinary life transformations in both myself and others.

Annie Hopper is a core belief counsellor in Kelowna.

250-862-1766

www.anniehopper.com