Mindshifting is recognizing and shifting from the mindsets that hold us back to the mindsets that push us forward. I write about mindsets, Mindshifting, learning, and education, with the hope that these posts give readers more power over their own lives and helps them give others, like their students, more power as well.
The Three-Part Self-Commander for Resilience and Resourcefulness
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In the previous newsletter, we talked about unlocking one’s potential by shifting from limbic to sage brain. How does one do that? At the heart of this approach is the concept of the "self-commander" – a three-part process for intercepting our brain's default reactions and intentionally shifting our mindset to a more resourceful state. The first step in this transformative journey is self-awareness. By becoming attuned to the workings of our own minds, we can recognize when our limbic system, or "lizard brain," is in control, triggering fight-or-flight responses, habitual behaviors, and knee-jerk reactions. This self-awareness is the key to intercepting these automatic impulses and creating the opportunity for a more conscious, resourceful response. The second component of the self-commander is mindfulness. When we find ourselves in a state of heightened emotion or stress, taking a moment to pause and engage in a mindfulness practice can be a game-changer. Whether it's focusing on our breath, tuning in to our senses, or simply shifting our attention to the present moment, data from sources such as the NIH and the American Psychological Association show that mindfulness has the power to calm the limbic system and open the door to our prefrontal cortex's resourceful capabilities. The final piece of the self-commander is constructive self-dialogue. By replacing the limiting scripts and stories we tell ourselves with more empowering narratives, we can actively reshape our thought patterns and behaviors. Phrases like "Perhaps I can" or "What would make this more fun?" can help us shift from a mindset of fear and anxiety to one of curiosity, play, and exploration. These three elements – self-awareness, mindfulness, and constructive self-dialogue – unlock the power of the "self-commander," enabling us to intercept our limbic reactions and intentionally access our prefrontal cortex's five sage powers: empathy, exploration, innovation, navigation, and focused action. By understanding the cognitive science behind our decision-making and learning to harness the full potential of our minds, we can overcome limiting beliefs, navigate challenges with greater ease, and cultivate a more resilient and resourceful approach to life. |
Mindshifting Educators
Mindshifting is recognizing and shifting from the mindsets that hold us back to the mindsets that push us forward. I write about mindsets, Mindshifting, learning, and education, with the hope that these posts give readers more power over their own lives and helps them give others, like their students, more power as well.
We often think our biggest challenges are external—but what if the real roadblocks are in our own thinking? In my conversation with Marc Haine, I unpack some of the most common (and sneaky) mindset traps that derail progress, and I share tools I’ve used with leaders to help them move forward with clarity and purpose. This episode is full of insights you can use right away.
I love when I see really smart people explaining their work. Last night 15 educators showed and explained lesson plans on how to teach others the techniques to become resourceful, how to take control of your mind and not let circumstances dictate how you feel, think, and actl The sequence of lessons are: 1. Navigating Sensory overload with MindShifting, for 6th to adult 2. What if, a way to get unstuck, for K-5 3. Professional Development: Implementing a Choice Board for Empowering Students...
Yesterday I had surgery on my leg behind my knee to remove tissue around a Melanoma and the nearest lymph node. I’ll get the results back in about a month. The surgeon says he removed a lot of tissue, so he put me in a leg brace to keep the knee immobile, crutches to move around on, and said no weight on the leg for two weeks and no exercise for a month. He said that otherwise the stitches might burst. He also said I’d be in a lot of pain and gave me a prescription Oxycodone/Acetaminophen....