Podcast 239: How to get out of a toxic thinking spiral

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SHOW DESCRIPTION: As I discuss in this podcast the brain has a natural optimism bias-we are what I call “wired for love”. This means that when we are connected to others in deep and meaningful ways, and when we are satisfied with where we are in life and where we are going (even if we have ups and downs, which are normal!), we can function at a healthy level. The brain likes it when we are in a good place!
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PODCAST HIGHLIGHTS:
2:00 Our natural optimism bias & how we are wired for love
2:27 What is the mind, and how is it different to the brain?
3:26 How optimism helps us survive AND thrive
7:00 How negative thinking distorts the brain
12:00 How negative thinking can become a habit and impact your mental and physical health
16:50 How to get rid of a bad thinking habit
17:50 Why we need to embrace the negative
20:21 The best way to control your thinking and manage your mind
21:50 How to make negativity work for you and not against you
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
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-Twitter: @drcarolineleaf: / drcarolineleaf
-KZbin: / drcarolineleaf
If you enjoyed this episode please leave a 5 review on iTunes, Google Play, or wherever you are listening! And don't forget to subscribe and share this podcast with friends and family! I love seeing your posts on social media!

[@kingdomcitizen4788]

Renewing the mind is so powerful! ALL wisdom come from God!

[@caterina_music]

I have never seen such a great mental health doctor before. You are absolutely brilliant

[@wilmalay32]

Last Monday morning driving to work, all of a sudden I felt gloomy, as in "I'm gonna go to my work again feeling lazy, same old thing, bored, felt trapped, etc." all those negative feelings. Then I tried to dismiss it in my head, and it still didn't go away. Suddenly I realized, "Hey, I acknowledge this feelings, then told myself it's okay to feel this way, and I remember the verse in Psalms 118:24, "This is the day that the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it." When I meditated on it my spirit rose up and shifted to excitement, looking forward to a great day again. Her lecture is absolutely truthful and powerful on a scientific basis. Thank you, Dr. Leaf, for sharing your God-given wisdom, you truly are a gift to us nowadays.

[@lrow5416]

I have a toxic neural network from being attacked regularly by insecure negative people, but overall I know I’m an optimistic being. This is so important to become conscious of the negative forces outside and how we let them in or not. Thank you for this!! I’m going to work on changing my mind.

[@nimbusthegoat]

I really needed this, and God has brought me through some stuff and now im ready to renew my mind

[@skinnyhndrx1848]

Shedding a tear to your comment on 4.14.21 two days before my 31st bday.

[@nimbusthegoat]

@@skinnyhndrx1848 happy early birthday 💙

[@michelle8662]

Twuotqieuto

[@jill8777]

This is a clearly explanation of the science behind my mental mess, pain, confusion and stuffing down not dealing with those things separating me from the love Christ had for me. I can’t wait to read you book, absorb it like a sponge and put the steps into practice. Thank you so much!

[@DirtyTRoy-hg6re]

This is the answer I’ve been asking doctors who push pills instead of finding the cause and just treating the symptoms....I wish this was a mandatory class in middle school: What to do/handle emotions! I see people walking around like zombies 🧟‍♀️ lost 💊 How can we help teach this?? I would volunteer to be an a Instructor and teach High schools students 🤯 amazing 😘

[@Brian-rs4ug]

No doubt. You can train yourself to be optimistic. Three things that have helped me in this area. Meditating on the Promises Of God out loud over the last three years has transformed me in more ways than I can put into words. We also need to be very careful as to what we allow to enter our mind on a regular basis. Turn off your TV, social media and open your bible daily. And lastly our environment/the people we spend time with on a regular basis have a huge impact on our lives.

[@kingdomcitizen4788]

Oh yes that is so true amen!

[@jkkroch]

Yes, truly! Faith, hope and love! How else can we truly generate positive & non-circumstantial thoughts? Having been through abuse & traumatic experiences, it can be very hard because flight/ fight response is triggered and it surfaces at times. BUT in the last little while I have become more discerning about what you mentioned in your comment and with help, God is renewing my mind as I saturate myself with HIM. Must keep my mind stayed on Him AND trust Him- who He is, His promises and the hope that awaits!

[@Brian-rs4ug]

Jess Powell Yes. Jess undoubtedly it usually requires a long drawn out process, of changing the way we think. Although it is definitely possible if we are consistent and learn to grow in our relationship with God and renewing our minds as a lifestyle. Many Christians are looking for a Sunday Message or a seminar to instantly transform them. This will not happen. It’s all about how we CHOOSE to develop a lifestyle of growth. Stick with it and never give up. God desires to transform you one day at a time. 😁

[@jb562]

Amen to that!

[@jkkroch]

@@Brian-rs4ug I appreciated your reply and thank you for the encouragement. Needing a whole lot of strength to persevere! I find reading through the psalms therapeutic too- the rawness of emotion and outpouring of honesty. Yet the Lord wants us to seek him with all of our hearts, meets us in our weakness and walks with us, fully embracing all we are. There is none like Him and His unconditional love is what draws me in again and again, further into His Word. In exchange for difficult, debilitating feelings, His word can in time, dwell within us richly through His Spirit.

[@iluminia805]

I never believed in positive self talk or words of affirmations but your science behind it is helping me understand a little better

[@rosalbadelriogarcia9598]

The power of positive thinking. Dr Carolyn's science is do awesome!!!

[@lorisabrown1009]

You were definitely made for such a time as this, where mental havoc is breaking loose everywhere. THANK GOD FOR YOU CAROLINE LEAF ❤❤❤

[@pinkdaisywigsboutique4717]

Thank you for this excellent teaching doctor leaf! I love the scripture that says.. take every thought into captivity and bring it into the obedience of the word of God!

[@lisasunshine7654]

Just listening to her explain this is renewing my mind right now! I love my brain 🧠 ❤️

[@rfiafia]

This is one of the best of your podcasts I've listened to in a long time. I prefer your lectures over a guest interview.

[@TonyaA7]

Yes these are more educational and easier to understand. She explains things more in these

[@ruthhill74]

This is AMAZING! I only recently discovered Dr. Caroline Leaf & I shared some of these principles in my Bible study tonight. Thank you!

[@magicnier211]

Tolstoy has this to say about prayer .. Prayer removes doubt

[@MH-gn8sc]

Currently reading Switch on Your Brain and really enjoying it. I'm so intent on bettering my mental health, I believe this a good first step for me and I have faith that it will help. It's incredibly difficult, but I'm also very cognizant of the little improvements I'm making. Praying my way through it as well. God knows therapy and pills have done absolutely nothing at all to help.

[@Sistergirl787]

GOD bless you with the transformation you seek, dear Mosa! Please ensure that you are prayerful and reading your Bible throughout the entire process. They are imperative for success. The workbook for SoYB is an excellent tool to use alongside your reading. This new book is an excellent sequel on Switch On Your Brain (SoYB) and provides additional supportive information and expounds on some of the concepts.

[@MH-gn8sc]

@@Sistergirl787 Thank you Nydia. I'll definitely get the workbook, I'd never heard of it till now. Will be sure to continue reading the Bible as well ❤️

[@janedough2492]

I was over listening to negative you tube videos. I’ve stopped. I’m also using your app. And I was ruminating doing all the bad stuff in my brain. Now I’m using your app and it really helped. Thank you

[@marianorberg3410]

Dear Dr. Leaf, I love your teachings, they give me lots of hope, I really like your mental exercises, thank you for what you do😊

[@teresamann6977]

We are made to love. Children naturally love and accepts everyone. It is when a child has a traumatization of a abandonment or abuse that instills fear in the child. When that happens it causes a chemical reaction in the body. Thank you for your work I have learned so much.

[@ashablaine]

Thank you Dr. Leaf. I'm love this scientific approach! Thank you for giving us for to be in control of our emotions, mind, and body!!!

[@matthewking8944]

thumbs up i agree with you.

[@matthewking8944]

yeah she is awesome a big thumbs up xoxo m.k

[@mymom9466]

This is so amazing and helpful. Love the two types of trees as an mental anchor. You have such a kind and positive voice which strengthens the healing effect you are teaching us. ❤Thank you

[@mildredpierce4506]

I've never heard of Rick Renner until a couple of weeks ago and on one of his videos, he was speaking with Caroline Leaf whom I had also never heard of. Wow! for both Caroline and Rick.

[@gaynorbishop9749]

Dr Caroline Leaf, just so pleased I was introduced to your work sometime back. Love your presentations, watch many of them and bought your new book too. I learn so much and share with others. Thank you for all you are. ❤

[@nolwaziscreationz2603]

So love is the answer to alot of oproblems... Wow 😳🤯

[@monstarmashups4429]

Love conquers all! ❤️

[@misskoool]

Wow, it sounds kind of complicated. I need to get my mind around how this works. I've struggled with negative thinking - always wanting to fix what feels wrong in my life or how I feel. Yet I feel I actually want to be positive. I trust God. I must find the answer to stop these thinking cycles!

[@tracykruzan5939]

I happened to run across a podcast in which you were featured. I have my grad degree in Com.D. and two other undergrad degrees. I've always had a huge interest in neuroscience especially as it pertains to speech and language disabilities. I hear much more in your messages that cover information I have surmised, but not been formally taught. I'm a subscriber! Thank you!

[@shaktiveda7041]

"Cleaning Up Your Mental Mess" Yes, I ordered this one as well, I am intrigued by this one as well!

[@leefraser969]

Thank you for all the positive talk and may you have a super blessed Christmas and new year

[@kelvinfreeman7267]

Hi Mistress...... I was commenting on this page, when I came across yours and all what you just said in your comment is great and amazing. Mistress I will like us to be friends, This is my Gmail [e-mail] you can text me sorry for comment on Public stuff. please the gmail is only for Mistress lol 😆 kindly text me on this gmail if that is okay with you? I hope to hear from you soon.....God bless you.🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺

[@mahshidr9914]

Thank you dear Dr. Leaf

[@Lesley.h]

I’m constantly under stresses and know that lately the negativity is not leaving me. I’ve got frown lines that don’t go away now and it reminds me of my father who was always angry. I don’t want to feel like this. I’m hoping to find some peace until I am able to leave this awful environment that I am now also contributing to

[@nightnol]

I'm very happy to have been led here.

[@INTJATarot]

Thank you, You give my being validation! nice to see your scientific approach to it. I found you through the interview you did with Lewis. Everything you said on there resonated with my beliefs and my healing journey! Many thanks.

[@zalinabrooks1198]

Ohhhh Thank You! God Bless You 💜🙏🏼💜

[@libbyszoeyadventuresbaker5643]

❤

[@lisanicholls2706]

I will buy your book from the Koorong Book Store in Brisbane Australia. Thank you great video, practical advice, The Truth Does Set You Free.

[@donnacopeland1328]

Thank you. Watching and listening from Ireland☘🙋 ❤

[@vdang2491]

I love her book! I recommend for everyone! Specifically young people !

[@skrywar7598]

I thank God for your existence.

[@DianeVirginie]

I feel so grateful you came into my life ♥️♥️♥️

[@shaktiveda7041]

Hi Dr. Caroline! I am reading your book "Think & Eat Yourself Smart" very clever concepts. Things I knew though very well put together.

[@omaroba1490]

Thank you ❤🎉🎉🎉😊😊soo much this video relaxed me.

[@bruceb.klassen9552]

Love. You. A friend turned me onto your book. Cannot wait to read more. *****

[@vijayavani8003]

She is really valuable for mankind.

[@robbieschubert7024]

I have ordered the book waiting for arrival. I am so excited to read your book!

[@jessicaautio4828]

I would like to have this "Cleaning up your mental mess" as a Finnish translation 🙏I already have your previous books. Thank God for your wisdom, your videos have been a huge blessing to me while I'm recovering traumatic events.

[@JnTmarie]

Finland the happiest place to live. I was dreaming of being there ! Keep believing in yourself. You create your life! I’m sure it can be wonderful 💜

[@pd8176]

Wired for Love❤

[@kevinmesch6607]

Carolina 🌿 Leaf is a Hero in what shei is teaching; or if preferred Heroine- I definitely plan to get her latest 📚 book

[@juliacross2713]

Thank you ❤️

[@sereneflatun]

Thank you

[@lennyfitzgerald4190]

Let's get this believers 24/7!!! We are wired for love! God's people!!! We're gonna join together from all around the lands, in Christ, & walk out the victory in Jesus' defeat!!! This world is gonna know our Lord's Magnificent Love Light, with all if it's brilliance, to shine through us, Brightly, greatly & Loudly on this earth!!!

[@eloisamerillana888]

i absolutely love all of this information, you are helping me change my thought process and i appreciate you for your help. please continue to share you knowledge so you can help others like myself.

[@hewis9138]

I have a question, Dr Leaf. Sometimes, it's not just negative thinking, we could be facing real challenges in life and we are feeling the impact of them in our minds and brains. How is your teaching helpful in this aspect?

[@angelafraleyccdi]

Hi Hewi! Dr. Leaf’s 5-step process helps to be aware of the signals our body and brain give us in the midst of a challenging situation and get a plan to move towards a solution. ❤️

[@TiNahandmade]

Optimism usually raises falls hopes. What do you need it for? Love depends on who is around you. What if there is noone who loves you? Negativety solders you up and makes you stronger. Your worth is only tested in a way you can handle adversities.

[@robertcoulter2072]

Excellent so true.. Jesus please give us the ability to relate this truth about thoughts that even a child could understand.....True Freedom from religion....Love this....

[@petemarx1129]

You are brilliant.Just ordered a book, thank you.

[@lyn-ed5hg]

No woman can get rid of toxic thinking when my person has been physically offended!!

[@dialearningacademy36]

Excellent explanation of what I know but scientifically! I have your book about how you eat so I’m getting the others. I was always amazed by you from the first time I saw you in TBN speaking about your eating 🍽 book 📖

[@beverlyhiggs980]

So, you’re saying that the “negativity bias” that many other neuroscientists say we have is actually a “positivity bias” because noticing the negative is a signal of needing to fix/change something that isn’t right and is threatening or affecting our well- being?

[@sophiaduarte745]

Hello 🖐 I just wanted to mention that yes. For my own life experience it's true. Now that I am grateful and showing love and Kindness life is so much better..GOD is good. 👍

[@kelvinfreeman7267]

@@sophiaduarte745 Hi how are you doing? is it okay we text?

[@sophiaduarte745]

@@kelvinfreeman7267 Hello sure. I hope I can answer a question you might have.

[@kelvinfreeman7267]

@@sophiaduarte745 how about you give me your mail so I can mail you directly

[@SA-px3ln]

If your brain is on trauma thinking and nervous system is high alert on fight flight how do you manage it

[@krishaclose1054]

The Power you have inside of You...

[@hbinfinity]

I'd love to know more about reconceptualizing. I watched this vid a couple times so I could actually participate. I actually wrote down my negative thought and then what's at the root of it. But then this video didn't really go into how to turn it around. Now I'm just sitting here looking at this paper with this really painful stuff on this paper and I felt a stabbing pain without an idea how to go about the next step of reconceptualizing. I can totally accept that things will be more painful before they get better when you're trying to intentionally heal. But that implies that you're going to take a healing step in this video kind of left me hanging in a painful spot. Sorry if that's critical, I'm generally a huge fan of your work and I'm thinking about buying the book. (Pandemic took my job so we're struggling. Don't have $ for books yet.) Anyway, I would really appreciate a video or commentary about the other side of this process.

[@rcz2023]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@monstarmashups4429]

I love the way she is breaking this down. Though my brain hurts trying to follow 😂 Oh yea I’ll be following her podcast on Spotify! ❤️

[@djhemry]

It is a lot to take in.

[@allpointstoone4346]

10:38 I've been mostly stuck in negativity for 30 years...how to change that?...still learning. I bought your book today, it's on order and I'm waiting.

[@mattrankin2587]

Really good and interesting content Dr Leaf - you're fantastic :)

[@cynthiasummers9041]

I am so grateful for your teaching and knowledge. I have wondered as to the cause and root issue of my state of mind. God is so faithful in His promises and I am finding such freedom in everything you share. God bless you Caroline and all of your viewers ! I pray that we all may be one and we are growing in a healthy , godly and creative way that honors and worships the Lord Our God through Christ Jesus

[@mel-wu6qq]

Thanks so much for this wisdom! God bless you x

[@SharpCats371]

Good Advent🕯🕯🕯🐾🐾😻Merry Christmas🕯🕯🎄

[@abigailmbalo9984]

Thank you so much for this practical information 🙏🏽❤️ it all just makes sense

[@kimyattasatchel213]

This is absolutely amazing 👏

[@theohuioiesin6519]

This stuff works! Loved the book❤️

[@CathySharp]

I need this book! WOW

[@36gustavo]

Thank you for the insight 🙏

[@djaicairo4118]

Blessings dr Caroline . I have been watching your podcast since 2017 . I got sick at some time and than stopped watching . I was diagnosed with liver failure after i got in a critical coma with no hope that i would get out alive from it ,actually was only a week . But the Lord and His grace he revived through prayer of the saint . Im dealing yet with some complicatian . Do you think that it can Heal completely by nagativity and brain management .Please can you react ? Blessings.

[@rachael8796]

You are brilliant, thank you.

[@tomjones6296]

A great book seller....

[@siemelonoranksenamun]

You radiate.

[@firstname5105]

I can't stop thinking negatively....

[@angelafraleyccdi]

Optimism bias! Love it! ❤️

[@kelvinfreeman7267]

Hi Mistress...... I was commenting on this page, when I came across yours and all what you just said in your comment is great and amazing. Mistress I will like us to be friends, This is my Gmail [e-mail] you can text me sorry for comment on Public stuff. please the gmail is only for Mistress lol 😆 kindly text me on this gmail if that is okay with you? I hope to hear from you soon.....God bless you.🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺

[@ColinByrne-aiazmir]

I'm a big fan Caroline.

[@frannie7583]

Thank you God bless u 😀

[@krishaclose1054]

Awesome 👌 It works 👍 😎 😀 👌 👏 🙌 👍

[@stevenscott5836]

Ur the best Doc!!!💞

[@Sourmoons]

This is the best !

[@matthewking8944]

great job dr leaf

[@AnaSilva-yh4dn]

Is the book available in Spanish?Thank you for all the great information you provided for all of us 🙏☺️♥️🌹

[@messas3406]

I just suddenly understand why Jesus said , ‘’Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

[@matthews95_]

for those who read this book, is it highly technical/discusses the details of the neuroscience? or is it more emotional and relatable?

[@johnc.8298]

I didn't know Celine Dion studied to be a neurologist.

[@michelletokarz7763]

How do you address the current thinking that we are wired for a "negativity bias"?

[@livingoutofthebox4597]

Hi is this how you get Tinitus when your too negative ??? Please help

[@denisescott6250]

Thank you for all you do💕 Merry Christmas🎄

[@mikaelamathews9790]

I wish I could have a one on one conversation with Caroline!

[@matthewking8944]

don't we all lol best wishes. xoxo

[@Charity-vm4bt]

Mikaela, She spoke at a conference a few years ago. Her talk was almost like a really long ad to sell her books. She seems to put everything in her books rather than engaging in personal conversation. Maybe because it was a public setting. She seems to always be in high energy "lecture mode." Not sure that methods of transformation are ever explained. The books I read seem to boil down to long descriptions similar to this talk. The method to transform one's brains seems to be to "think happy thoughts." There are various interviews with her on You Tube that might help. Basically, she talks a mile a minute, is hard to follow, seems repetitive. She acknowledges our Christian God. But not sure if she pauses to pray when giving her public lectures. Alternative healing methods to this are Be In Health website, based on the work of Henry Wright. Also, The You Tube channel Minds in Unison has many practical helps.

[@Charity-vm4bt]

@@matthewking8944 she spoke at a conference a few years ago for many hours and encouraged people to buy her books. Many people did, hoping to find for cures or methods to apply. The books seemed to be repeats of the lectures. Alternatives are people like Andrew Wommack and Curry Blake who teach on renewing the mind. They do not get into the science. They teach direct methods of examining negative thought that are easier to follow.

[@mikaelamathews9790]

@@Charity-vm4bt I do have one of her books ... thank you

[@yukongrace102]

Check out Mark DeJesus KZbin channel, specifically the playlist on OCD even if you haven't been diagnosed with it. He explains it better since he's been through it.

[@karenduey9675]

Excellent

[@nahkalahdeyoung6889]

How do ypu know there waves of love? Im just confused. How do we know we can actually call it waves from (love) an not just waves of energy of life.

[@מלי-ש4ג]

Beautiful .

[@pooransingh9493]

Looking for good, or for the good

[@catherinemilan1229]

More of Gods Living True Word will change your thinking and transform your life

[@corky1548]

So true

[@daracroft5045]

Do you have an episode on CBT?

[@janedough2492]

Is the book cleaning up the mental mess on video or tape? I’d like to listen while I’m driving. Is it available as an audio book?

[@marymartinez5759]

I have a husband that is negative and watches alot of negative things. He is very well versed in the Word. But yet every situation he sees his in the negative. Half empty him/ half full me. .I have battled with this...I have prayer. I have tried different methods of communicating. But he thinks I am telling him what to do. Gets angry. HELP HELP.

[@jeancousins1252]

Hi Caroline. I cannot pre- order the book..I have tried a couple times. Is it because I live in Canada ?