Did you know that your brain runs on an operating system, just like a computer? I call it simply, your
Brain Operating System (BOS).
Your BOS functions on just three rules. They may look simple at first, but if you begin to apply them to your life, you’ll see how comprehensive and far-reaching they are. The three rules of your Brain Operating System are:
1. Good news makes a good brain.
2. Wake up and pay attention.
3. If you choose it, it will happen.
I’d like to break down these three rules for you one by one so you can understand how following them gives your brain what it needs to work faster, better, smarter, and more
creatively. In this blog post, I’ll explain “Good news makes a good brain.” Look for details on how the other two rules work in the next two posts.
Good news refers to postive information—both the kind you take in and the kind you produce yourself. Information, like everything else, is energy and consciousness. The information you take in and produce becomes a part of you. The quality of the energy and consciousness of which you are made determines the quality of your life. Luckily, you have control over the information with which you create your world view and use to achieve your goals.
Choosing positive information makes your energy and therefore your brain positive, which then makes your brain more creative and productive. Absorbing positive information and having a positive outlook about yourself and the world opens your mind to more posibilities. It expands your horizons and enhances your ability to move forward in your life toward your goals.
By choosing positive information, you also avoid the effects of negative thinking. Thoughts such as, “I could never do that,” or, “I’m not good enough,” naturally inhibit your ability to act and hides new ideas or solutions to a problem from your view. Furthermore, a diet of news about all of the horrible things that occur in the world and the failures of people trying to accomplish similar goals to yours curb your motivation and ability to act.
On the other hand, examples of people succeeding in what you hope to do can suddenly make it seem possible and spark your imagination. Looking for and sharing good news with each other is one way to encourage yourself and others to achieve what you really want.
The Restriction of Fear
Information that generates fear especially inhibits the creativity and productivity of your brain. Scientific research has indicated that when you are fearful and your body and brain go into “fight or flight” mode, your perspective narrows as your mind focuses in on how to get away from a perceived threat. The main priority of your mind at this time is dealing with the fear-inducing situation rather than achieving a goal or building something for the future.
This defense mechanism is helpful in truly dangerous situations. However, the same mechanisms can be activated by the stresses of our modern lifestyle. Fear of not completing a project successfully, of not getting a job, or of the berating person in the cublicle next to you can consume your mind and limit your perspective, even though they are not life-threatening and are not likely to be solved by the narrow focus and adrenline rush of “fight or flight.” On the contrary, these situations require new ideas and initiative. Wallowing in negative information in the face of these long-term stresses feeds them negative energy and encourages a negative outcome.
Change Bad News to Good News
Choosing positive information does not only involve surrounding yourself with good news. Sometimes it means making the best of a less than positive situation and changing your perspective. In order to do that, you first need to accept the situation as it is. Then you must consciously change your energy from negative to positive.
For example, when I first came to the United States, I arrived at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City. In my suitcase was the cash I needed to live as well as help the one Dahn Yoga center that had opened so far in this country. Not knowing English or the ways of New York, I was approached by a man who distracted me by talking while another man stole my suitcase from behind me. I was devastated for a bit, but then I decided to change my mind. I decided to think of the situation as my giving a donation to the people of New York City and find new ways of moving forward with my goals.
Make a Good News Habit
If you have a habit of surrounding yourself with negative information, ingesting and creating positive information will take practice. The more you do it and notice its effects, postive thinking will be reinforced in your brain as new connections for positive thinking are made and solidified. As you look for good news and encourage yourself in every situation, you’ll make a habit of positive thinking and get used to and come to expect its benefits.
If you feel very negative, however, it may be difficult to see a silver lining or imagine any kind of change. In this case, use meditation and breathing to
neutralize your negative energy and bring it over to the positive.
Don't Keep Good News to Yourself
Positive information is positive energy which generates positive results. When you have an overabundance yourself, you begin to want to share it with others. The more you share it, the more positive information you generate, creating a snowball effect.
Therefore, choosing positive information is an essential ingredient for a more peaceful and joyful world where everyone has abundance.