Once again the applied neuropsychologist gifts us with a great article with some really interesting and amazing results. Best of all it's written for people who really want the information rather than in journal- speak. Really appreciate the effort.
What on ADHD were you looking for, out of curiosity? There are so many misconceptions out there regarding ADHD. It isn't a maladaptive brain state, yet it is a state that did not evolve for our modern environment - the mismatch is greater even than that for a neurotypical brain. (I have been working on a few essays in this important area and wanted to make sure I address the right points.)
Brilliant! I found myself nodding constantly as I read the methods you described for creating new neural pathways.
I’ve been a huge advocate for CBT since discovering the benefits after a loss of a family member in my 20’s and journaling, along with meditation are simply part of my everyday life now. I’m fortunate enough to live close to many areas of natural beauty too - it makes a huge difference!
Thank you for shedding light on all of these things to help break the cycles of negative thoughts - I’m sure you’ve helped many people 🫶🏻
This is such an important clarification, especially in a world where viral “neuroscience” claims get recycled without real evidence. The breakdown of how chronic stress and repetitive negative thinking truly affect the brain is both sobering and empowering. It’s helpful to see the difference between venting and falling into persistent rumination, and I appreciate the practical strategies backed by actual brain imaging studies.
I really appreciate that Jim has read, digested and presented this material for us, not only to learn from, but actually enjoy. It's incredibly interesting! Thank you, Jim!
Time in nature, early morning light outside, mindful breathing and a short meditation followed by gratitude journaling is part of my daily toolkit that I always look forward to. This simple win influences the rest of my day.
I have recently moved back in with my mother following a separation, she is so damn negative snd is constantly complaining! I can’t call her out on it because she gets upset and turns it on me. How can I not her behaviour influence me knowing what I now know from ypur awesome article?
I read (and have a copy of) Trevor Blake's book, Three Simple Steps. It's mostly pretty good - he makes a lot of positive points based in his own experience. However, lots of people cite things they think they remember, but that are not real. (cf. Kahneman and Tversky)
This sorts out what really happens when we adopt, and reside in, a negativity bias or automatic negative response pattern. We have to kill the ANTS!
Great stuff, Jim - sending to to a few others! THANKS!
I'd love to chat with you sometime about the work of Shirzad Chamine in his book positive intelligence. It's my honor to be a steward of that work and share it with my clients. Your article today is a fabulous companion.
Once again the applied neuropsychologist gifts us with a great article with some really interesting and amazing results. Best of all it's written for people who really want the information rather than in journal- speak. Really appreciate the effort.
P.S. anything coming on ADHD?
What on ADHD were you looking for, out of curiosity? There are so many misconceptions out there regarding ADHD. It isn't a maladaptive brain state, yet it is a state that did not evolve for our modern environment - the mismatch is greater even than that for a neurotypical brain. (I have been working on a few essays in this important area and wanted to make sure I address the right points.)
Loved this article! I didn’t need a study to tell me this ~ years on the trail already did.
But it’s fascinating to see the science catching up to something many of us have felt intuitively.
Nature changes the conversation happening inside our minds.
Brilliant! I found myself nodding constantly as I read the methods you described for creating new neural pathways.
I’ve been a huge advocate for CBT since discovering the benefits after a loss of a family member in my 20’s and journaling, along with meditation are simply part of my everyday life now. I’m fortunate enough to live close to many areas of natural beauty too - it makes a huge difference!
Thank you for shedding light on all of these things to help break the cycles of negative thoughts - I’m sure you’ve helped many people 🫶🏻
This was so interesting to see this all come together
Quelle surprise? Fake news lol.. Self fulfilling prophecy & Positive mindset ALLWays the mindset to train on💜
This is such an important clarification, especially in a world where viral “neuroscience” claims get recycled without real evidence. The breakdown of how chronic stress and repetitive negative thinking truly affect the brain is both sobering and empowering. It’s helpful to see the difference between venting and falling into persistent rumination, and I appreciate the practical strategies backed by actual brain imaging studies.
Loved this piece!
I really appreciate that Jim has read, digested and presented this material for us, not only to learn from, but actually enjoy. It's incredibly interesting! Thank you, Jim!
Time in nature, early morning light outside, mindful breathing and a short meditation followed by gratitude journaling is part of my daily toolkit that I always look forward to. This simple win influences the rest of my day.
Anxiety is evidence of a brain spectacular at learning.
Insights need two things:
1) A subconscious mind seeded with knowledge and experience.
2) A prefrontal cortex adept at latching onto an insight and running with it.
Now take the above and replace a few key words…
Anxiety needs two things:
1) A subconscious mind seeded with [anxious thoughts] and [negative] experience.
2) A prefrontal cortex adept at latching onto an [anxious thought] and running with it.
It's all the same learning machinery, just seeded with different inputs.
Its time to build our clarity capability so that we stop unhelpful thinking patterns, or at the very least let them move right through us.
Hello 👋
That was an interesting read. :)
Childhood = “ mid-life crisis “🌻
https://substack.com/@thehumancartographer/note/p-190337169?r=7vcs6a
I have recently moved back in with my mother following a separation, she is so damn negative snd is constantly complaining! I can’t call her out on it because she gets upset and turns it on me. How can I not her behaviour influence me knowing what I now know from ypur awesome article?
I read (and have a copy of) Trevor Blake's book, Three Simple Steps. It's mostly pretty good - he makes a lot of positive points based in his own experience. However, lots of people cite things they think they remember, but that are not real. (cf. Kahneman and Tversky)
This sorts out what really happens when we adopt, and reside in, a negativity bias or automatic negative response pattern. We have to kill the ANTS!
Great stuff, Jim - sending to to a few others! THANKS!
(Note gratitude response.)
I'd love to chat with you sometime about the work of Shirzad Chamine in his book positive intelligence. It's my honor to be a steward of that work and share it with my clients. Your article today is a fabulous companion.