PATHS (Part 2)

NEURAL PATHWAYS

There are many types of pathways that neurons form in our brains, but to keep it simple let’s focus on two:   dominant (well-formed) pathways and lesser (new pathways). When new thoughts or activities come into our brain, they start off as lesser pathways.   

For example, consider learning how to walk.  A baby’s brain must focus very hard on how to balance and move their feet at the same time.   But the more they do it, the stronger that pathway in the brain becomes.   Eventually, for most of us, we no longer have to think about walking, because this is now an extremely well-formed, dominant pathway that has become second nature.

This is the same with every thought that passes through our minds.   The thoughts we repeatedly entertain grow stronger and dominant, while those we don’t practice go by the wayside after just a short time (roughly 2 days).  As you can see, these neural pathways can profoundly affect your behavior and habits!

The thoughts we repeatedly entertain grow stronger and dominant, while those we don’t practice go by the wayside after just a short time

In essence, neural pathways are patterns of thinking.   But here’s where the challenge comes in:   we form a lot of negative associations that influence how we think and how we behave.   For example, I have a tendency to connect uncertainty with danger, mostly because of past experience where things have gone off the rails when I didn’t have all the answers.   This leads me into an anxiety cycle of planning, controlling, and avoiding.

But… those same pathways that formed these patterns of thinking can be rerouted!!!

This is astounding to me because it reminds me that God has already planned a “way out” for me when He says, “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind”.  (Romans 12:12) So, here’s the thing.   If you have well-worn paths, which we all do, of anger, anxiety, lust, pride, selfishness, or any other host of sinful attitudes, there is hope!   And Jesus Christ is that hope!

Be transformed by the renewing of your mind

So even though our brains naturally make pathways based on repeated thoughts and experiences, we aren’t bound by these patterns.  The good news is that we can allow God to renew our minds, and because of Jesus, those old patterns of thinking don’t have to rule us.   With Him, there is always hope for renewal, healing, and growth!

Think About It

What are some examples of well-formed pathways in your own life, both positive and negative?

How do these pathways affect your daily behavior?

Romans 12:2 speaks of being transformed by the renewing of your mind. How does this give you hope for your behaviors and thoughts being changed?

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In this blog, I hope you'll join me on my quiet adventures—simple walks and conversations with God, away from the hustle and bustle.

In the meantime, don't forget to check out Liz Trickey's blog, "God of My Depths," and Pearlene Richardson's blog, "Measurable Growth," for more insight into how nature reveals God's character in and to us.