The Foundations of Identity

Within the intricate electromagnetic patterning of neurons and synapses that compose our brains lies the foundation of who you are, at least who you THINK you are. Your identity, the complex amalgamations of thoughts, beliefs, and behaviors you call “yourself,” is not a static entity etched in stone. It is a dynamic construct, constantly shaped and reshaped by the interplay of your biological processes, memories, experiences, and, more importantly, expectations.

The Role of Memory in Shaping Who We Are

Dialed down to the core, our formed identity is a product of neural patterns formed in our brains and stored deep within our chemical and emotional bodies. These patterns, created and strengthened through repetition, form the basis of our habits, reactions, and most deeply held beliefs. Neuroscience has shown us that every thought we think, every action we take, and every choice we make leaves a trace in our neural and biological architecture. As we repeat specific thoughts or behaviors, the corresponding neural pathways and neurobiological expressions are reinforced, ultimately becoming our default modes of being. Our Self.

Memory, a cornerstone of our identity, plays a pivotal role in its formation. Our brains possess an extraordinary ability to store and recall information about experiences and emotions. These memories, whether conscious, subconscious, or unconscious, shape our reality, worldview, decision-making processes, and, most importantly, our sense of self. The narratives we construct about our identity, our family or cultural history, and our place in the world are all built upon this foundation of accumulated memories and the significance they hold.

The Power of Neuroplasticity: Transforming Identity

One of the most intriguing aspects of our neurobiology is its plasticity – its remarkable ability to change and adapt throughout our lives. Neuroplasticity is the key to personal growth and transformation. We possess the extraordinary ability to transcend and rewrite any and every imprint of choice we have ever made. Our identities, despite being shaped by past experiences and habitual patterns, are not fixed. We can change, overcome, and evolve into something different from what we have been. There is no aspect of the self that a new thought cannot reimagine.

Faith and Guidance: Catalysts for Change

Here, the power of faith and guidance comes into play. When we open ourselves to something larger than our current understanding – whether it’s a spiritual belief, a philosophical ideal, or a compelling vision of our potential – we introduce new elements into our cognitive and experiential landscape. These new ideas and perspectives act as catalysts, inspiring us to make different choices and take new actions, which in turn reshapes our brain and biology.

Rewiring the Brain: Creating New Neural Pathways

As we engage in novel experiences and adopt new ways of thinking, we begin to create new neural pathways that fire new chemical patterns in response. Each time we choose a different reaction to a familiar situation, engage in a new activity, or entertain a new thought, we are literally rewiring our brains. Over time, these new patterns can become stronger than the old ones, through the self-reinforcement of the electrical fields that shape our neuronal communication, fundamentally altering our default modes of being.

Embracing Resistance: The Challenge of Change

This transformation process takes work. Expect there to be a lot of resistance, emotionally and biologically. Our established patterns, neuronal or otherwise, reinforced over years or decades, can be stubborn, and there is an evolutionary purpose for this. Moving into the new and unknown is costly on many levels. For one, it could mean your life. An unfamiliar environment is dangerous, and evolution has spent a long time ensuring that the genetic expression of our species is fully equipped to survive. Even if that comes at the cost of your growth and development.

Secondly, the awareness necessary to take in new information is anything but energy efficient. It’s expensive, on the caloric level, to process data. That’s why our biology has become so efficient at storing information and operating from it over time. In the eyes of our body’s survival, a harmful habit that’s familiar is better than a healing habit that’s unfamiliar. Acknowledging these challenges can make you feel understood and supported in your journey of transformation.

Your Brain’s Decision-Making Process

You can imagine the brain talking to itself as it works things out:

“Okay, new input. What’ve we got here? Let’s see…

1. Is this familiar? Do I have a file on this already? Yes, great! Let’s use that. No… ugh, more work.
2. Danger check! Anything out of the ordinary or threatening? Better safe than sorry. Survival first, wonder and curiosity second.
3. Energy check – how tired are we? New stuff is exhausting. Do we need to learn this?
4. Decision time. Play it safe or explore? Comfort zones are tempting, but growth is important…
5. Alright, paying attention now. What’s vital here? Filter out the noise and focus on what really matters.
6. Note to self: remember this for later. But only if it’s actually useful. Storage space isn’t infinite.
7. How does this fit with what we already know? Either we update old files or create a new one.
8. Was this worth the effort? Did we learn something valuable? Remember how this felt for next time. Processing isn’t cheap.

Great! Done. Next…”

Expanding Awareness Beyond the Self

This automatic brain functioning is why opening ourselves up to a higher awareness is so important. Change often requires consistent effort, patience, and, many times, a leap of faith; it only makes sense. It is very difficult to break out of old ways of being, and even if we do, we need more context as to what will make a lasting impact. To move beyond ourselves, we have to move beyond ourselves, meaning discovering more than just the mind, which the body stores and recreates. We must tap into another channel of awareness and open ourselves up to the information it has to provide us. The Divine Remembering explores this in more depth, and the potential rewards are immense. Resilience, courage, and an empowering community are essential when embracing this aspect of the journey. By consciously expanding our experiences and perspectives, we can reshape our identities profoundly, leading to a cascade of mental and physical benefits.

The Ripple Effect: Personal Transformation

Even more, this process of personal transformation has implications that extend far beyond the individual. As we change our patterns of thought and behavior, we inevitably influence those around us. Our shifted perspectives and new ways of being in the world can inspire others and create a ripple effect of positive change beyond the level of conscious awareness, impacting the electrical fields that fundamentally pattern our awareness and interact with the environment around us.

Active Creation of Our Future Selves

Understanding the biological basis of our identities and the potential for change empowers us to take an active role in our development. It reminds us that we are not merely passive products of our past experiences but active creators of our future selves. Also, it helps us create a distinction in the levels of self that make up our total awareness, offering insights and clarity into where the distortion of our actual being is. Whether guided by faith, inspired by a grand vision, or driven by curiosity, we can understand, create, and rewrite our stories.

Practical Applications for Personal Transformation

1. Visualization Techniques:
   • Practice: Visualize your ideal self and life. Spend a few minutes each day imagining the person you want to become and the steps you need to take to get there.
   • Benefit: Engages your brain’s plasticity by creating new neural pathways that support your desired identity and goals.
2. New Experiences:
   • Practice: Challenge yourself to try something new every week, whether learning a new skill, exploring a new place, or meeting new people.
   • Benefit: Stimulates brain plasticity, broadens your perspective and builds resilience by adapting to novel situations.
3. Positive Affirmations:
   • Practice: Repeat positive affirmations daily, such as “I am capable of change,” “I am growing every day,” or “I embrace new opportunities.”
   • Benefit: Reinforces positive self-beliefs and rewires your brain to focus on empowering thoughts.
4. Reflective Writing:
   • Practice: Spend time writing about your thoughts, emotions, and experiences. Reflect on your growth and areas you wish to improve.
   • Benefit: Provides clarity, enhances self-awareness, and helps integrate new insights into your identity.
5. Seek Supportive Community:
   • Practice: Connect with a supportive group like The Divine Remembering that shares your interests and goals. Participate in discussions, share experiences, and learn from others.
   • Benefit: Encourages accountability, offers diverse perspectives, and strengthens your commitment to personal growth.

By incorporating these practices into your daily life, you can actively engage in personal transformation, leveraging the power of neuroplasticity to create lasting change. Remember, self-discovery and growth are continuous, and each step brings you closer to your true potential. The blog Brain-Heart Coherence: Scientific and Spiritual Insights covers more of this.

About the Author: Hart Steen

Resources:

Here are some valuable resources to deepen your understanding and engagement with the concepts discussed in this blog. Note: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

• “Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself” by Dr. Joe Dispenza
• “Thinking, Fast and Slow” by Daniel Kahneman
• TED Talk: Norman Doidge: The Brain That Changes Itself

We encourage you to leave comments, ask questions, or share your own experiences on this topic. Your insights can help others on their journeys.