LENT 2017: It Only Takes A Moment

Scientists at the Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences reveal that our decisions are made seconds before we become aware of them. By monitoring the micro patterns of activity in the frontopolar cortex, the researchers could predict which hand the participant would choose to use to push a button in front of them 7 SECONDS before the participant was aware of the decision. “Your decisions are strongly prepared by brain activity. By the time consciousness kicks in, most of the work has already been done,” said a Max Planck Institute neuroscientist. Microseconds. It’s exhausting, but we need to be mindful of the fact that the quilt of our lives are stitched together by choices we make in split seconds. When that alarm goes off, what is our first thought? After we turn it off, what is the next thought? Are we filled with excitement and joy that we have been raised up for another new and bright day? Or are we already dreading the day ahead which was just a fresh new gift we received. Do we immediately think about jumping out of bed to thank God for the fact that we have a bed to rise from, we have blankets to cover us, we have a home in which to enjoy these blessings, that we are able to get ourselves up out of the bed? Or do we think, “Ugh, here we go again. What fresh hell awaits me...” There is always that split second we have to set the tone for the day. Engagement in anger is another scenario which offers a very clear microsecond. When we become offended, when we detect a slight or a criticism, whether intended or just coming from the mouth of a careless person, there is a nanosecond where the flush of adrenaline tries to fuel us to pick up the bait of offense and run with it. What we don’t realize, however, is the bait sits inside a bear trap which is more than happy to clamp down on our hand and not let go. General roaring and wailing and gnashing of teeth ensues. We can choose to connect with the flame offense offers, or we can quickly, at the outset, simply say, “Bless her heart, she don't know better” and move on, intentionally NOT engage so that we don't have to DISengage. #Lent is always about bettering ourselves, about recognizing destructive or useless patterns, about making more positive choices in our lives, and it seems it’s just as hard and just as easy as as a matter of a decision made in a split second. So let’s watch our brain patters more closely (and let’s be just as quick to forgive ourselves should we falter). #Lent2017