Lesson 1: Hope Works

Lesson 2

GOAL

Three Brains, One Mind

To learn to be thankful no matter what

PATHWAYS

READ Did you know you have three brains? Humans have brain cells in their head, on their heart and in their gut. The information collected by our three brains fuses together to help us process the world around us with our whole being.

1. The brain in our head is cognitive intelligence (to know truth). The first brain is the one we normally think about; the one in our head. This brain is in charge of thinking, cognition, and perception. It helps us to make meaning out of the world around us and allows us to communicate. The head brain analyzes information and applies logic.

2. The brain in our heart is emotional intelligence (to feel truth). Our second brain is where our values come from. The heart brain senses the world through feelings. This brain helps us to be at peace. This brain is ruled by the inner life of emotions, memories, images, visions, and dreams. This is also where our imagination lives.

3. The brain in our gut is digestive intelligence (to process truth). Our third brain plays a key role in mental health and emotional well-being. This brain is where we find our core identity; who we are. The gut brain also controls our immune functions. It is where our instinct and “gut feelings” comes from. It is also responsible for producing around 95% of the body’s serotonin, the “happiness hormone.”

Although the head, heart, and gut brains work together, they have very different physical functions and perform different mental and emotional roles. Activating all three brains awakens your intuition and insight, creativity, well-being, and vital energy. Each of these three brains is a powerhouse of computing potential. Orchestrating your three brains will balance your entire nervous system, calm your mind and strengthen your body. Being aware that your three brains are working simultaneously will optimize your intelligence.

ACT - Exercise your three brains Your three brains thrive when your body and mind feel safe. Explore the following practical steps to creating connection between the brains.

1. Take long slow breaths. Breathe in deeply with your belly through your nose, hold your breath for a moment and then slowly breathe out through your mouth. Try to adopt a breathing rhythm. This sends soothing safety signals to your body by activating the calming, relaxing branch of your nervous system. 2. Continue deep breathing with your eyes closed. In your mind’s eye, focus on your head, heart, and gut all communicating and coming in sync with each other. Stress disconnects your brains.

Calming relaxation harmonizes them. 3. Think of things for which you can be thankful. Feeling genuine gratitude and appreciation activates your body’s healing defenses and impacts each of your three brains. Gratitude can rewire your mind. When this happens, every system in your body enters coherence. Everything is in sync and the result is greater well-being, more fulfillment, and increased joy! 4. Learn to apply the Cortices Technique through this link: 4yu.info/?i=98021

VIEW Spoiled Girl Demands a Limousine

COMMENT What are your thoughts when you see this video? Do you think the three brains of the first girl are aligned? Why? Do you think the three brains of the second girl are aligned? Why? Which girl would be the more happy and content in life? Why? Which girl do you resemble in your behavior and attitude?

WRITE List five things for which you are genuinely grateful and feel appreciation. __________________________________________ __________________________________________

ASK MYSELF When I practice gratefulness, do I feel something different happening inside of me in comparison to when I complain, fuss, and criticize?

4yu.info/?i=98022

WILLPOWER

I practice gratitude and deep breathing exercises to maximize my overall health.