Mind Over Matter
An author’s point of view on the power of belief.
How many times in our lives have we been stopped on our tracks by seemingly unsurmountable circumstances? Or faced with doubts on challenging situations and on the brink of giving up? In this paper, I will try to cite examples that could somehow make us think twice about thinking twice.
It’s All In Your Head
My two brothers tried to enter the military services at a young age because they really wanted to serve the country like my father did before them. Aside from the honor and pride of serving, I believe enlisting also provides them with a stable source of income that would allow them to help our family back then. But their route wasn’t a walk in the park where you just go to training, work hard enough to graduate, and get the badge.
Based on their stories, they literally shed tears and bled at some points during the training camp even until days before their commencement exercise. Not to mention the dreaded “hell week” (nuff said). Not that they were not expecting it because they were warned by our patriarch, but I think it was the total change in environment and extreme challenge in the boot camp that shook them both. My brothers told me that there were several times during the military training where they thought they would not make it, or on the verge of quitting.
When I asked them and even our friends who also enlisted, about what made them continue, they had several reasons like shame and family pride. But I noticed that there was a common theme with their stories, it was their strong will and belief that if someone can do it, why can’t they? They did not let fear or pain seep into their minds, because they knew if they give in, then they already lost half of the battle.
There are also other examples that suggests our brains can be powerful to the extent where current realities can be shifted. I’ve read articles in the past about the “placebo effect” where a patient’s condition improves because the patient believed that he or she was administered with the proper medicine even though they were not. Some reports even suggests that certain health conditions like depression or even Parkinson’s can be cured, or its symptoms can be minimized through certain brain activities.
Scientists think it may have something to do with the chemicals that are flooding our brains when we are faced with certain situations. For example, endorphins are said to have the capability to relieve pain while dopamine can help boost one’s creativity. These are just some of the many instances and facts alluding to the might of our minds and the infinite possibilities that comes with understanding its power.
Hope, Will and Action
I could go on and on about always being positive and believing that anything is possible. And that a strong will can overcome any adversity that will come our way. But the truth is, our fortitude will only be tested when we are already in that difficult moment. When we are too exhausted to continue, and the odds are against us. Will we find a way to fight through it or wilt to the pressure and give up?
I’d say when that time comes, don’t just hold on to hope and wait for something to change or someone to do it for you. We should start by believing we can, and then follow through with executions. We can think of all the possibilities and options that we can pursue, but make sure to try. The mind can be potent, but it still needs our actions to make things happen.
References:
● Myrth (2020). How to Boost These 5 Good Brain Chemicals For Better Well-Being. Retrieved February 6, 2022, from https://www.getmyrth.com/myrthblog/how-to-boost-good-brain-chemicals.
● Santos, R. (2017). 468 Youth formally enter Air force training. Retrieved February 6, 2022, from https://www.update.ph/2017/08/468-youth-formally-enter-air-force-training/20123
● Alternative Compassion Services (n.d.). Boosting our Happy Hormones. Retrieved February 6, 2022, from https://acscompassion.com/boosting-our-happy-hormones/
