PBS, CBT and LOA

I was looking for PBS on TV so that I could record the show, "Poldark" when I found Daniel Tiger. Daniel Tiger is a children's animated learning show.  As soon as I listened to the first song that came up and the dialog Daniel the Tiger spoke, I knew that the writers were doing exactly what I've been hoping educators/parents would do.

The message was, "when you feel sad or fearful, think about what makes you happy."  This is brilliant!  From a cognitive-behavioral standpoint, this is changing the way a child thinks and teaching them an invaluable coping method.  If a child uses this type of technique, they will be more motivated to do the things they like to do without unrealistic fear which will change their behavior which will make them feel better and want to do more things that will elevate their mood which will make them want to do more things which will.....well you get the picture.  Brain chemistry will improve in a pattern I describe as  "a viscious cycle of success."

But let's look more closely at this brain chemistry thing.  Not only will Serotonin/Dopamine levels increase, but the child's synapses are being trained.  What I have learned from various authors like
Dr. Joe Dispenza ("You Are the Placebo"), the reason we have such a hard time changing a pattern/habit is because of these pesky synapses.  They get into a groove from repetitive thought to the point where they get "addicted" to it; if we continually think or do something enough, those synapses become like magnets for each other and you automatically go back to familiar ways of thinking/acting.  When you try to break out of these patterns/habits, it feels so "off" and uncomfortable, that we start to rationalize reasons why we should change this habit tomorrow instead of today.  Hence the reason diet companies are raking in the dough while we are eating to much (pizza) dough.  lol  Persevering through the initial days of change can train your synapses to get addicted to positive ways of thinking/acting and you're off on your VCS! (Viscious Cycle of Success)

But let's take this brilliant idea a step further!  As if better mood isn't reward enough, what if the Law of Attraction really works?  What if this children's writer is not only teaching coping skills for mood elevation and a happier life but also teaching LOA?  If what you think creates your life and thinking about what you want/like/hope for attracts just that, could these children be a new generation of the paradigm shift that I wrote about in my first blog entry?  If kids are taught to dwell on positives and learn how to self soothe, there will be less fighting and discord which can translate eventually to a more peaceful adulthood and world.

This brings me to the next blog topic that I've been reading about.  People who follow their "inner voice" and do the things that they love and feel passionate about, and that "feel right," are happier than those that don't.  By ignoring our "inner guidance systems" and doing what others tell us we should do, we may be setting ourselves up for disappointment and dysphoria.  These children are learning to think/listen to their intuition re what they like/want/hope for; a very good start.

Lisa