Belief

 

Google defines the word “belief” as “an acceptance that a statement is true or that something exists.” Dictionary.com defines the word as confidence in the truth or existence of something not immediately susceptible to rigorous proof.” This means that we accept it without scientific rigors. The Queensland Brain Institute with the University of Queensland describes memory building as the reactivation of a specific group of neurons, formed from persistent changes in the strength of connections between neurons. “Synaptic plasticity describes the persistent changes in the strength of connections – called synapses – between brain cells. These connections can be made stronger or weaker depending on when and how often they have been activated in the past. Active connections tend to get stronger, whereas those that aren’t used get weaker and can eventually disappear entirely. Changing the strength of existing synapses, or even adding new ones or removing old ones, is critical to memory formation. But there is also evidence that another type of plasticity, not directly involving synapses, which could be important for memory formation. In some parts of the adult brain, such as the important memory structure known as the hippocampus, brand new neurons can be created in a process called neurogenesis.”

In an article titled, The Biochemistry of Belief in the Indian Journal of Psychiatry,  T.S. Sathyanarayana Rao, M. R. Asha, K. S. Jagannatha Rao, and P. Vasudevaraju wrote that “Beliefs are like ‘internal commands’ to the brain as to how to represent what is happening, when we congruently believe something to be true.” They go on to say that beliefs are influenced by our emotions as they are formed and reinforced. Sensory information received from the environment undergo a filtering process as they travel across one or more synapses, ultimately reaching the area of higher processing, like the frontal lobes. There, the sensory information enters our conscious awareness. What portion of this sensory information enters is then determined by our beliefs. They go on to say that receptors on the cell membranes are flexible, which can alter in sensitivity and conformation. In other words, even when we feel stuck ‘emotionally’, there is always a biochemical potential for change and possible growth. When we choose to change our thoughts, there are new bursts of neurochemicals, we become open and receptive to other pieces of sensory information hitherto blocked by our beliefs! When we change our thinking, we change our beliefs. When we change our beliefs, we change our behavior.

Now, with all that neuro-chemistry floating around your head, beliefs fall into a variety of categories:

Some work for you; some don’t. A belief that you are a reasonably intelligent and learning entity works for you. A belief contrary to this does not. These must be changed. Some are conscious, and some aren’t. Many people work under an unconscious belief that they don’t deserve happiness, abundance, or security or that these just don’t exist. Unconscious beliefs act as blocks to our well being and success. They must be uncovered. Some are very hard to acknowledge, while some are easy to acknowledge. Once an unconscious belief is uncovered, it must be acknowledged before it can be changed. Changing a long-held, deeply-seated belief is not always easy, but it is always rewarding. Changing how we view the world leads us to behaviors which facilitate happiness, abundance, and security. Life gets better. So, if you are struggling with your goals, life, or anything you might want to change, try looking at the belief behind it.

Therapists, life coaches, or spiritual advisors are always good allies to help with this because beliefs are sticky little buggers which need new perspectives to help clear them up and put them into harmony with what you want in your life. You’re in charge. Be in charge of what you believe.

 

 

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2802367/