Taking in The Good
Taking in The Good
Taking in The Good
The Problem
Over millions of years of evolution, it was more important for our ancestors to react to
threats than to opportunities. Here’s why: if you live in the wild under dangerous
conditions and miss out on a “carrot,” you could go get another one later – but if you
fail to avoid a “stick,” then WHAP, no more carrots forever. That’s why scientists say
the brain has a “negativity bias.” In effect, it’s like Velcro for negative experiences, but
Teflon for positive ones. The unfair and unfortunate result is that negative experiences
get captured in emotional memory instead of positive ones, gradually darkening your
outlook, mood, and sense of self.
2. Savor the positive experience for 10-20-30 seconds. Try to let it fill your body, and be
as intense as possible.
3. Intend and sense that the positive experience is soaking into you, like water into a
sponge, becoming a part of you.
Self-Directed Neuroplasticity
Try to “take in the good” (TIG) several times a day. Any single time won’t make much
difference. But over time, you will be weaving new resources into the fabric of your
brain and your self. That’s because neurons that fire together, wire together. How you use
your mind sculpts your brain. It’s like building a muscle: if you get a bunch of neurons
firing together for positive experiences, that will build new neural structures. The more
you take in the good, the more your brain will change for the better.
Resources
There is much more on this method in my new book, Hardwiring Happiness: The New
Brain Science of Contentment, Calm, and Confidence.