Giving Up the Dead

It's been several years since I've said, "That just kills me." Also included in the pile of discarded phrases, "That makes me sick," or "I'm so old."

In the past, I would utter these sorts of statements on a regular basis, without giving any thought to the internal changes that were set in motion by these free-flowing phrases. Negative thoughts and emotions change your heart rhythms - they become jagged and send signals to the brain, which activates a cascade of 1400 chemical changes. All this in order to deal with the stress and get you ready for flight or fight.

In this case, the stress is caused by your choice of language. Imagine that! The language you use can become a self-fulfilling prophecy. It keeps you stuck and prevents you from reaching your full potential. There is an increase in stress when you use phrases that are non-supportive to your health and well-being. By training yourself to change your self-talk and choose more health-enhancing language you change your heart rhythms - to ones that are smooth.

Heart Rate Variability - the way in which the heart speeds up and slows down - was initially developed in the 60's to predict infant mortality. It is now used as a general predictor of health.

You can have control over your heart rate variability by becoming aware of your thoughts, emotions and language, learning why this is important and what to do about it and getting lots of practice with your target behaviours.

Smooth heart rhythms are good for you - emotionally, mentally and physically. So give up the dead and embrace the language that enhances your life - giving you more of what you want from life.

4 Replies to “Giving Up the Dead”

  1. I think this piece hits on something that is so central to all aspects of life – language reflects our beliefs which define how we experience the world – and of course it makes sense then that the rhythm of our hearts is deeply entwined in this reality – thanks for furthering our understanding of the inseparability of mind/beliefs & body

  2. I have never really thought about the use of negative statements causing health problems. Very interesting! Some of the phrases just pop out without much thought. Good post!

  3. Judy,
    Thanks for stopping by – too bad, I couldn’t pour you a cup of coffee! 🙂

    I’m glad I’ve given you something to think about. It’s all about becoming aware of what we say and deciding whether it really serves us.

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