Repeating the same old patterns
“Why do we fall back into old patterns?” asks Rick Hanson.
Good question! We all do it. Most of us recognize that we’re doing it. And even more of us probably wonder why the heck we can’t get ourselves out of it! How many clichés have we created to describe it? Broken record . . . merry-go-round . . . same old same old . . . hamster wheel . . . vicious cycle . . . stuck in a rut. And it’s this last analogy that Rick uses to describe our old patterns – and how to use it to change them.
Rick tells us that our brains are constantly changing and adapting. Remember the saying, “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks?” Well, turns out . . . you CAN! It’s called “experience-dependent neuroplasticity”. In plain English, that means that what we do over and over again actually changes the physical structure of our brains and how they work. He compares habits to deep channels in the side of a hill. Every time it rains the water runs down, deepening the groove. Just like our habits. The more we do them, the more ingrained they become. But he says that even these deep grooves are not “carved in stone”. They can be redirected. Every time we do something differently it begins to create a new groove. Sometimes it’s easier to go back to the deeper groove but if we stick with the new behavior the new groove will deepen too. Finally, that one becomes the default course of action. (I love this analogy!)
So how do we pull ourselves out of the deep grooves and cut new ones? Rick tells us that our brains tend to be magnets for negativity so we have to really hang on to the good things while they happen. It also means that we need to make a conscious effort to cultivate the positive behaviors that we wish to create. (And remember to practice them too!)
Rick leads us through a simple exercise to begin the process. A couple of deep breaths. He asks us to think about a habit that we’d like to change. It shouldn’t be the most difficult one we’d like to conquer but it also shouldn’t be the easiest. Whatever pops into our heads. He then asks us to define the “new response” we’d like to have instead of defaulting to the old ways. He gives several examples and reminds us that we don’t have to have a complete plan, just an idea of what we’d like to do. To practice this new response, he asks us to think of an actual situation in which the usual habit surfaces. Just watch what happens. Then he tells us to imagine the new us. The new behavior. What does that look like? What does that feel like? Does it feel good? Great! Hang on to it! That’s the good stuff we want grow. He even says that just by pretending to act in the new way is enough to trick our brains into creating that new groove.
Rick encourages us to practice this new pattern as often as we can, whether in reality or in our minds. The more we practice the better we’ll get. I know, I know. Easier said than done. It might be frustrating. Is it easier to just fall back into the old groove? Of course. But are we happier? Probably not. Will it take some effort to create the new groove? Absolutely. But it’s worth it if the new pattern helps us feel better and be the person we want to be. I hope you can imagine the new you with your new responses. Best of luck digging your new grooves!!!
Namaste.
#breakyourpatternschallenge
#insighttimer
#newgrooves
The information provided on this website is intended for educational purposes only and is, in no way, a substitute for professional medical advice. The events, practices, and opinions discussed here are those of the author and should be treated as such. ALWAYS talk with your doctor about conditions, medications, and concerns you have about your health and work together to determine the best course of action for you.
