From an early age and all through our growing years, most of us are taught the notions of right and wrong, yes and no, black and white. Essentially, we are taught that the world works in a state of dualism or polarity i.e. if one thing is good, the other thing has to be bad. 

Influence of early childhood

Based on an article by Up All Hours, children between the ages of 0-7 are said to be in their programming years. During this time, their brain waves are usually in the alpha and theta brainwave cycles, which are states that can be ascribed to when one is under hypnosis or practising meditation. 

Further, children between the ages of 2-6, spend most of their lives in the theta state, living in the realm of imagination and daydreaming, and cannot yet show signs of critical, rational thinking. This state is also often referred to as the state of ‘super learning,’ wherein children are open to suggestions and likely accept what they are told to be true. Therefore, this is when we take on beliefs about life and ourselves. 

It should be mentioned that these beliefs often remain unconscious throughout our waking lives, but consistently show up in our behaviour, goals, choice of friends, significant others and reactions to different situations.

Rewiring belief systems

So, is it possible to rewire our brain and change our belief systems? Yes, it is, but it takes consistent and deliberate work. 

In most of our articles up to this point, we have heavily highlighted the importance of being aware and conscious in our daily waking lives. Similarly, to change our belief systems too, the most important change one can bring about in their waking life is to become aware of their thoughts, reactions and triggers. 

It should be stated that at first, it might seem frustrating to concentrate on every thought and action. However, once we let ourselves be and forgive ourselves for not knowing any better, we will slowly and steadily become more adept at learning about ourselves.

Following this, as we begin to learn more and more about ourselves, we can start to notice the recurring patterns and belief systems. When successful in identifying these beliefs, we can then start to change them and create a new and better version of ourselves that is happier and more fulfilled. 

Benefits of changing belief systems

Whether we are aware of it or not, our belief systems play a major role in our waking life experience. The way we operate, our thoughts, ideologies, they are all deeply rooted within our psyche. What we manifest in our life and current reality are determined by our belief systems. If we believe we are abundant, we will be abundant. If we believe we are not good enough, life will lead us down situations where we will continually feel not good enough. 

For example, if one has been ingrained with the belief system of perfection, they will not be able to let things go and just be present in the moment since they have been conditioned to accept that everything has to be perfect in order for them to be happy. Little and non-consequential imperfections will make them sad, bitter or angry, and they will then either lash out at their loved ones or internally criticise themselves. 

A mentally, psychologically and spiritually sound person realises that everything in life cannot be perfect and that it is inevitable for us to make mistakes. However, to move forward in life, we have to forgive ourselves and others, to learn from these mistakes and grow. 

Another reason why understanding our belief systems becomes important is because to be whole and self-sufficient individuals, we have to be able to accept parts of ourselves that we might not necessarily like. When we are imbibed with concepts of polarity at a young age, the negative aspects of the unfavoured outcomes are heavily criticised, both internally and externally, and they then become stored in our minds and bodies as repressed emotions. And when these repressed emotions are not given an outlet, they manifest themselves in a series of psychological and physical ailments. So, it becomes crucial to understand ourselves so that we can actively become the co-creators of our reality for the best possible outcome. 

The key to changing our life is changing our beliefs, because what we think about, we become. It is important to note here that this is not just a mental thing. When we think a certain thought, we act accordingly, and how we act, determines our reality. And what is life, if not a multitude of these realities all stitched together?

This article is the copyright work of the author and this blog.