2 October, 2024 – Amy Hoagland
In spring 2023, after 500 inches of snow had fallen upon Snowbasin ski resort, we watched the snow melt in Ogden Valley. One day in late April my husband and I were walking on the newly melted trails throughout our subdivision. As we crested a hill, I looked down the path and started laughing out loud. This is what I saw…
What is It?
What are those black pellets lining the path you ask?
Deer poop.
And why was I laughing?
Because, it was a perfect example of brain pathways.
Our brains make pathways to make things easier to function on autopilot. So the our thoughts are like “deer going down a trail”.
The more repetitive thoughts we have, the more deer we send down the trail, making the pathway more direct, clear, and easy to travel on. Deer choose the same paths to their favorite grazing and watering places. These paths are created in the mountains just like hiking trails appear when thousands of people walk to their favorite peaks and waterfalls.
The more repetitive thoughts we have, the more deer we send down the trail, making the pathway more direct, clear, and easy to travel on.
Why Does it Matter?
Here was an example of the deer walking down the same path over and over again. Look how many times the deer walked down that path? How did they even poop that much? Hahaha
Here’s the thing. Some brain trails are really great for you. Others are not — I call the the negative brain pathways poop trails. What thoughts or habits do you have that are laying down poop trails in your brain— and not bringing you happiness?
What Comes Next?
Did you know you can do something about these poop trails? Brains can actually rewire themselves. Sometimes after an accident and loss of ability, patients must re-learn basic skills like eating and walking. Their brains actually lay down new pathways.
We can also lay down new patterns by choosing new thoughts, creating new positive habits, or manifesting positive affirmations. I invite you to observe yourself. When you feel a negative or positive emotion, notice what thoughts brought you there. If you like your trail, keep it. If you find poop, choose a new trail!
-RESOURCES-
You can learn more about this by joining Dr. Slade’s online community https://coach.denimslade.com/communities/groups/core-healthy-and-happy-community/home
Here you can connect with other people who are dedicated to living Healthy and Happy lives and learn more about how rewire your brain!