what I learned about neuroplacticity from my coffee maker!

So, I had this coffee maker. There’s a whole story behind it (iykyk ) but suffice to say, it leaked. Finally after it leaking water on and off for about 3 years, I decided to get a new one.

I did my research, and decided on this lovely little countertop espresso maker. When it arrived I was immediately stressed - following directions and learning something new like this, is not my forte (I always joke that I can fix people’s bodies and lives, but baking, map reading and instruction following are a no go for me! ) anyway, it was all fine and dandy, after I figured out how to use it!

But the intersting thing is that I could feel the tension in my nervous system from when I made my decision to purchase, until atleast two weeks of regular use - sounds silly, but it makes alot of sense if you know about the nervous system.

My amygdala had stored information about my previous experience with a coffee maker - that it’s unpredictable, makes a mess, and is generally stressful at times (I used to come home and find the entire counter soaked with the whole amount of water that was in the storage unit of the espresso maker. Not fun!!), and so *it was expecting the same outcome*

Over the two weeks my nervous system gained new information - that not EVERY espresso maker is going to cause me stress, that not every espresso maker will leak, and not every espresso maker will be unpredictable.

And this morning, I made a beautiful latte (with my winter warmth honey added - SO good!!!!) and enjoyed it all, stress free!

This is a perfect example of the neuroplacticity that can accompany nervous system work, if done properly. Not an incredibly deep or powerful example, but a good one nonetheless.

When we have a “negative” experience with something, multiple parts of ourselves store it and use it for future prediction for safety and comfort. Had a hard conversation that didn’t go well? Stored. Vulnerable moment that ended in embarrassment? Stored. Partner hurt you? Stored? Parent hurt you? Stored. Public speaking that didn’t go the way you want it? stored. All for your future safety and comfort.

Working with your nervous system literally can CHANGE YOUR LIFE because it puts the power in * your*hands instead of your nervous system (our nervous systems are a wonderful thing, but they’re not great at making decisions about what we should and shouldn’t do in life!)(They’re much better at life saving decisions!) you know that old saying “change your mind, change your life”? Well, it’s true.

Maybe theres somewhere that you can make a choice in your life to do something differently than you are, and if we work with your nervous system, will make it a lot easier to do so.

Change can be scary, new things can be scary, old experiences can be scary - lots of things can be scary! But it can also be beautiful- and tasty :)