Your brain is often at odds with itself. Physically, the limbic system craves spontaneity and adventure, while the prefrontal cortex acts as a planner, striving to prevent regret. Spiritually, this internal conflict mirrors your soul’s desire for growth against the brain’s resistance to change.
There is a link to the free workbook, at the end of the post.
Understanding the Brain’s Protective Mechanisms
Your soul seeks expansion and learning in this physical world. However, past experiences might have instilled fear, making your brain equate new opportunities with danger. It doesn’t distinguish between the stress of potential embarrassment and the threat of physical harm—both trigger its protective instincts.
For example, if you’re hesitant about socializing because of a fear of being out of place, your brain interprets this as a risk. Its solution? Convince you to stay home, where it feels you’re safe.
Yet, if you’re ready to step outside your comfort zone, your brain’s defenses might create
tension, fatigue, or anxiety to dissuade you. Understanding this process can help you align your intentions with your brain’s readiness for change.
Listening to Your Body’s Signals
Your body reflects your brain’s response to your thoughts. If you’re contemplating something aligned with your comfort zone, you may feel calm or content. However, if the idea feels risky, your brain might trigger tension, discomfort, or even exhaustion.
These physical reactions are your brain’s way of keeping you in your safe zone.
But safety isn’t always synonymous with growth. Many of these “danger signals” are based on past negative experiences that no longer hold true. Recognizing these signals is the first step toward change.
Moving Beyond Fear
Sometimes, a part of you decides it’s time to release fear and embrace growth. Whether driven by frustration or inspiration, this shift can lead to internal resistance if your brain isn’t convinced. To ease this transition, it’s important to uncover the root of your fears and show your brain that the risks it perceives are no longer valid.
Steps to Work Through Resistance
Pay Attention to Your Reactions: Think about something you want to try, and note your body’s response. Does tension build in your neck? Do you feel weak or anxious?
Write these reactions down.
Trace the Fear’s Origin: Identify past experiences that may have caused these feelings.
For example, if singing karaoke makes you nervous, was there a time you sang publicly
and received criticism? Acknowledging these origins can help you see how far you’ve
grown since then.
Challenge the Fear: List examples of times you stepped out of your comfort zone and
things turned out fine. Start with smaller risks to build confidence before tackling bigger
challenges.
Reinforce Positive Outcomes: Write down how you handled these situations and the
emotions you felt afterward. Highlight moments of success or joy to help reframe your
brain’s perspective.
Practical Exercises for Soul Growth
To support this process, I’ve created a free worksheet available for download in the website shop. It includes exercises like these:
Write down something you want to explore or allow into your life.
Complete the phrase, “I am excited to try...” with your goal.
Note your body’s reaction and any negative thoughts that arise.
This practice helps identify automatic responses and address them constructively. By providing clear, written evidence of your intentions and past successes, you can retrain your brain to see new experiences as opportunities rather than threats.
Embracing Growth
Growth doesn’t require monumental leaps. Small, consistent steps can gradually convince your brain that change is safe and even enjoyable. Over time, this process becomes easier, allowing you to embrace new opportunities with confidence.
Your soul’s journey is one of expansion, and your brain, once aligned, can become its greatest ally. With awareness and practice, you can remove the barriers that have kept you from living fully and joyfully.
Download the free workbook here.
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