Overtime we adopt mannerisms and behaviors, and they then become the way we live our lives. We become desensitized to the tasks of our daily routine and eventually, without our knowing, they become a part of who we are. It is not necessarily a bad thing, it is just human nature. It goes beyond the way we arrange our pillows to sleep or how we get dressed in the same order every morning. But, what are the effects when it comes to how we care for ourselves and our thoughts? 

I went to do a load of laundry the other day and realized something fascinating. I couldn’t smell the laundry detergent anymore, I had become noseblind to it. I have been using the same soap for years and originally bought it because I loved the way it made my clothes smell. As I went to pour the liquid into the load, it didn’t light up my senses as it once did. This made me think about what else I had recently become blind to. 

If there is one thing I have learned, it is that our thoughts are powerful. Our most consistent conversation is with ourselves. No matter the things people say to us, we will perceive it through our own lens. The way we talk to ourselves is the way we translate our lives. Had I become unaware of that conversation?

After the load of laundry was done, I knew it was time for a self analysis. There is a correlation that can’t be ignored. When your thoughts become your being, and you become unaware of it; it is expressed through the physical. What do I mean by this?

There is a term for the correlation of the mind expressing itself through the body. Psychosomatic refers to a physical illness or other condition caused or aggravated by a mental factor such as internal conflict or stress.

Time and time again throughout my life, this has proven to be true. 

I got an ear infection when I wasn’t listening to myself. My throat got scratchy when I wasn’t speaking my truth. My back hurt when I didn’t stand up for what I believed in. I woke up with sore shoulders when I was carrying too much burden. 

When I realized I was the cause of my own pain, I began to heal. 

My examples are just a glimpse of what is possible as a result of persistent thoughts. After making this discovery in my own life, I began my quest to study this topic and really make sure I wasn’t just making this stuff up. 

I began with binge reading anything and everything by Joe Dispenza. Dr. Joe has dedicated his life studies to human transformation through the power of the mind. What I liked most about his teachings is that he proves everything through extensive scientific research. One of my favorite books by him is Evolve Your Brain.

At the end of this post, I will link some other fascinating studies. The International Journal of Psychotherapy states: “The ways in which humans manage their emotions has become one of the most important but least examined concerns in medicine today. Emotions are physiological phenomena. When poorly managed or regulated, they can lead to negative health and psychological consequences.” 

I like to think of maintaining my thoughts and emotions like house work. When you neglect your chores for too long things get dirty, your environment is uninviting and eventually things will begin to break. If you take care of your home daily, it will never get overwhelming. Your mind is the home of your thoughts. Each day requires maintenance but that is the beautiful part. Existence is constant change, and with change comes growth. If your thoughts can create illness then think of what you can create when you use them for good. It always comes down to choosing your battle. 

Each day there is room for growth and healing. That is my goal. I wanted to share some things that have helped me start this journey.

1. Prayer
2. Meditation
3. Journaling
4. Breathing
5. Processing and recognizing thought patterns
6. Time alone 
7. Good environments 
8. Talking to people you trust
9. Accepting where I am at and setting intentions for where I want to be.

When I used to see a list of things like this, I would think they didn’t actually work. I was wrong, they do. This list is my mental housekeeping agenda and helps ensure a good environment for my mind. I’m not a scientist, doctor or meditation expert, but I do know these things have changed my life in a powerful way.  

Fascinating studies of the mind-body connection:

https://openaccesspub.org/ijpr/article/999 

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0277953617306639

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5137920/

Thank you for taking the time to read my words.