Can you control how you think?

[The`Republic]

I am talking about whether you can really dictate thought pattern. Can you? As difficult as it sounds, I am not sure it is that difficult at all.

[metamorphosis]

You mean can we choose and pick our thoughts? Omit some and allow others? I highly doubt it bro. It would be great though. For example during prayer it is really difficult to achieve khushu because of all the random thoughts that roam our minds.

[grandpakhalif]

I can catch myself when I think evil thoughts but that's about it, I don't think one can control his thoughts especially because in Islam we know the Devil inspires evil.

[AgentOfChaos]

For most part yes.

[The`Republic]

Meta, yeah bro so far I know we understand we can control our reaction (what we do as a result of our thoughts) but my question is can we control how we think, can we tamper with our thought formation---there is a lot of recent scientific evidence that says we can.

Originally it was thought once we pass into adulthood...our brain pattern is set, the neural pathways are already formed, and they can decline or die out but we could not form new ones. This is where the adage "you can't teach an old dog new tricks comes from". But recent scientific evidence disproves that and says we are always capable of forming new neural pathways---this means HOW we think is NOT set. Our brain habits are NOT set, our brain waves are NOT set. Essentially we have the power to "control" how we think by forming new neural pathways, so fresh and unused and uncharted for our use much like that of a baby new into the world that is just forming how he thinks.

The question is how do we take advantage of this possibility in order to actual develop the new neural pathway and how do we make sure we only use it for a positive new thought pattern?

[Shirib]

You can train your brain to think a certain way, but I'm not sure what the question really is

[The`Republic]

Shirib-

How can you train your brain to think a certain way? I agree but I want to know if you just believe this or if you have scientific basis for this

[Tuushi]

Isnt that what they call cognitive behavioral therapy?

Yes we can.

U can teach urself and learn to filter.

[The`Republic]

Guys-

I only asked this question because I KNOW how this can happen; just wanted you guys to question the subject and form ideas.

There is a very easy and simple way to do this---develop new neural pathways fresh for your use. It is in affect a "youth fountain" for the most important part of your entire body system--the brain.

[metamorphosis]

The brain is extremely complex and to say you can train it is likr saying you can condition it to follow certain pattern of thought. How is this possible when thinking is spontaneous? You dont tell yourself what to think. Thoughts come and go and to train your brain means to follow the same pattern of though everyday. Thats absurd because thoughts differ and result as a specific situation calls it.

[Alphanumeric]

You're bringing neuroscience into the mix, so I doubt anyone here can provide solid answers. Well, maybe one user.

As for thinking, I believe being able to form critical thoughts and ideas takes practice. It needs to be learnt. I'm not sure what you mean by 'controlling your thoughts'. Do you mean daydreaming? Or something more philosophical, as to predetermined thoughts? Are our thoughts our own? That'd be an interesting discussion.

Guys-

I only asked this question because I KNOW how this can happen; just wanted you guys to question the subject and form ideas.

There is a very easy and simple way to do this---develop new neural pathways fresh for your use. It is in affect a "youth fountain" for the most important part of your entire body system--the brain.

You're talking about learning here, not thinking. Two different things.

[AgentOfChaos]

Damn, scientists up in this bitch.

[Tuushi]

Damn, scientists up in this bitch.

[grandpakhalif]

Well according to science, the "brain" is the centre of thought and action when in reality it is the heart. The heart is the one who controls our thoughts, desires, feelings and actions. The spirtual heart and its state is what grants us Paradise.

“The day when wealth and children will not benefit anyone except he who will come to Allah with a Qalb-e-Saleem.” (Surah Shu’ara, Aayah 38-39).

[CaliBurco]

Aryee Voltage, give us a marexaan topic man, tani mid la fahmi karo maaha.