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Switch On Your Brain: The Key to Peak Happiness, Thinking, and Health
According to researchers, the vast majority--a whopping 75-98 percent--of the illnesses that plague us today are a direct result of our thought life. What we think about truly affects us both physically and emotionally. In fact, fear alone triggers more than 1,400 known physical and chemical responses in our bodies, activating more than thirty different hormones! Today our culture is undergoing an epidemic of toxic thoughts that, left unchecked, create ideal conditions for illnesses.
Supported by current scientific and medical research, Dr. Caroline Leaf gives readers a prescription for better health and wholeness through correct thinking patterns, declaring that we are not victims of our biology. She shares with readers the "switch" in our brains that enables us to live happier, healthier, more enjoyable lives where we achieve our goals, maintain our weight, and even become more intelligent. She shows us how to choose life, get our minds under control, and reap the benefits of a detoxed thought life.
Supported by current scientific and medical research, Dr. Caroline Leaf gives readers a prescription for better health and wholeness through correct thinking patterns, declaring that we are not victims of our biology. She shares with readers the "switch" in our brains that enables us to live happier, healthier, more enjoyable lives where we achieve our goals, maintain our weight, and even become more intelligent. She shows us how to choose life, get our minds under control, and reap the benefits of a detoxed thought life.
Hardcover
Published January 1, 2013
16 people want to read
About the author
Caroline Leaf
60 books713 followersDr. Caroline Leaf is a cognitive neuroscientist with a PhD in Communication Pathology specializing in Neuropsychology. Since the early 1980‘s she has studied and researched the Mind-Brain connection. During her years in clinical practice as a Communication Pathologist she developed tools and processes that help people develop and change their thinking and subsequent behavior. Her scientific Science of Thought techniques have transformed the lives of patients with Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), learning disabilities, emotional traumas and released the potential of thousands of young students and adults.
She has presented her unique Switch On Your Brain with the 5-Step Learning Process® and the Metacognitive-Map™ learning tool to thousands of students worldwide.
She developed the Geodesic Learning™ theory (how we think and process information) that has been conservatively shown to increase thinking, behavioral and academic performance by 35-75%. This revolutionary theory explains the Science of Thought, stating how thoughts form, how we process information and the power of the non-conscious mind and the relationship between the non-conscious and conscious. It explains that everything you do is first a physical thought in the physical brain. You think, and then you do, which cycles back to the original thought, changing it, and the thoughts connected to it, in a dynamic interrelationship. Therefore if your thinking is toxic, then your communication and behavior are toxic, and vice versa.
She has published numerous articles in academic journals and consumer magazines and has been widely interviewed in newspapers, on radio shows, and on television shows about her research and theories.
She has her own weekly TV show called "Switch On Your Brain" airing on TBN.
She frequently lectures to both Christian and secular audiences worldwide, linking scientific principles of the brain to spiritual, intellectual and emotional issues in simple and practical ways. She speaks on diverse topics relating to optimal thinking, and hence, brain performance, including:
1. Thinking and learning
2. Controlling your thought life
3. Managing stress
4. Eradicating toxic thoughts
5. Overcoming mental, emotional, and spiritual strongholds
6. Understanding male and female brain differences
7. Applying wisdom
8. Identifying your unique gifts
DR. CAROLINE LEAF’S DEGREES
University of Cape Town South Africa Degree of Bachelor of Science (Logopaedics) - December 1985
University of Pretoria South Africa Masters in Communication Pathology with distinction/cum laude - June 1990
University of Pretoria South Africa Doctor Philosophiae with specialization in Communication Pathology With distinction/cum laude and academic honors - May 1997
She has presented her unique Switch On Your Brain with the 5-Step Learning Process® and the Metacognitive-Map™ learning tool to thousands of students worldwide.
She developed the Geodesic Learning™ theory (how we think and process information) that has been conservatively shown to increase thinking, behavioral and academic performance by 35-75%. This revolutionary theory explains the Science of Thought, stating how thoughts form, how we process information and the power of the non-conscious mind and the relationship between the non-conscious and conscious. It explains that everything you do is first a physical thought in the physical brain. You think, and then you do, which cycles back to the original thought, changing it, and the thoughts connected to it, in a dynamic interrelationship. Therefore if your thinking is toxic, then your communication and behavior are toxic, and vice versa.
She has published numerous articles in academic journals and consumer magazines and has been widely interviewed in newspapers, on radio shows, and on television shows about her research and theories.
She has her own weekly TV show called "Switch On Your Brain" airing on TBN.
She frequently lectures to both Christian and secular audiences worldwide, linking scientific principles of the brain to spiritual, intellectual and emotional issues in simple and practical ways. She speaks on diverse topics relating to optimal thinking, and hence, brain performance, including:
1. Thinking and learning
2. Controlling your thought life
3. Managing stress
4. Eradicating toxic thoughts
5. Overcoming mental, emotional, and spiritual strongholds
6. Understanding male and female brain differences
7. Applying wisdom
8. Identifying your unique gifts
DR. CAROLINE LEAF’S DEGREES
University of Cape Town South Africa Degree of Bachelor of Science (Logopaedics) - December 1985
University of Pretoria South Africa Masters in Communication Pathology with distinction/cum laude - June 1990
University of Pretoria South Africa Doctor Philosophiae with specialization in Communication Pathology With distinction/cum laude and academic honors - May 1997
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
September 26, 2024
TARGET AUDIENCE
I am intrigued by the human brain with all its intricacies. I am inspired by the reality that we as thinking beings can direct our thinking, wire out toxic patterns, replace them with healthy thoughts, increase our intelligence and live healthy lives thanks to the neuroplasticity of our brain. The author of this book says, “You have an extraordinary ability to determine, achieve, and maintain optimal levels of intelligence, mental health, peace, and happiness, as well as the prevention of disease in your body and mind. You can, through conscious effort, gain control of your thoughts and feelings, and in doing so, you can change the programming and chemistry of your brain.” In her words, “science is finally catching up with the age-old principles of the Bible.” This extraordinary book illustrates the incredible capabilities of the human brain and reveals the glory of God’s creative design.
CONTENT QUALITY
This well-written book provokes a paradigm shift in popular thinking about the human condition. Is it possible to “wire out” toxic thoughts and replace them with positive, biblical-based thinking? Is it possible to switch on your brain, to recall negative memories, and to”rewrite” positive new content (emotions) over them? The author thinks so, and provides ample scientific findings to prove her research. She states that “We are not victims of our biology. We are co-creators of our destiny alongside God. God leads, but we have to choose to let God lead. We have been designed to create thoughts, and from these we live out our lives (Prov. 23:7).” This is a sound biblical approach paired with proven scientific research. This book revolves around the author’s 21-Day Brain Detox Plan. She expounds by saying, “The five steps of the Switch On Your Brain technique in the 21-Day Brain Detox Plan include deliberate, conscious setting of goals, obtaining immediate feedback, and concentrating as much on the process as on the outcome.” I found the content of this book to be not only informative but particularly exhilarating.
MESSAGE CLARITY
Generosity is generally not a word I would use to describe an author’s work. But this book differs in that the author provides such a compelling message, then simplifies her approach in practical terms. The tone of this book resonates generosity. I get the impression that the author is passionate about wholeness and healthy living, and seeks simply to see people set free from wrong patterns of thought. After the author states that “The decisions you make today become part of the thought networks in your brain,” she then gives practical methods to rewire your thought life in a healthy way. Her Switch On Your Brain technique is a highly complex process that she has simplified into five sequences: Gather, Focused Reflection, Write, Revisit, and Active Reach. You will be amazed at the mental and physical possibilities that open to you after reading this book.
CREATIVE STYLE
Though the tone of this book does carry a certain scientific vernacular, the author does a remarkable job of simplifying terms and concepts for those who are not particularly inclined to scientific jargon. Her creative approach resonates through the text with statements like this: “Our brain is changing moment by moment as we are thinking. By our thinking and choosing, we are redesigning the landscape of our brain.” I pause to consider this. Redesigning the landscape of our brain? Is this truly a possibility. A paradigm shift begins to take root in my mind. The author continues: “When you objectively observe your own thinking with the view to capturing rogue thoughts, you in effect direct your attention to stop the negative impact and rewire healthy new circuits into your brain.” The creative possibilities that the author suggests are not only inspiring contemplations but powerful realities as well.
LANGUAGE SELECTION
As mentioned above, there is a lot of scientific vernacular in this book. I personally love this type of language selection. I feel this scientific research educating my brain and permeating my thought life. New possibilities open to me and I realize that I have the power to collapse these probabilities into actualities. This is exciting news! The author says, “Our thoughts, imagination, and choices can change the structure and function of our brains on every level: molecular, genetic, epigenetic, cellular, structural, neurochemical, electromagnetic, and even subatomic.” This, I have learned, is because of the neuroplasticity of our brain. Again the author expounds: “Neurological literature has coined the term “self-directed neuroplasticity” as a general description of the principle that deep thinking changes brain structure and function.” This type of language selection was powerful for me, challenged my thinking process, and opened endless new possibilities for health and wholeness.
OVERALL IMPACT
The afterword in the book was written by Matthew Crouch, president of Trinity Broadcasting Family of Networks. His thoughtful rumination on memory and the ability to rewrite new emotions over them resembles the overall impact that I personally felt after reading this book. He says, “For me, some of the “stuck” memories are events, locations, smells, feelings, visions, and dreams. Some are good; some are not as good.” He elaborates on a number of particular memories, then questions “Why do these events become us, become the very persona of who we are?” Some of his examples: “President Reagan being shot; the Challenger disaster; September 11, 2001; the birth of my boys, Caylan and Cody, their first steps, birthday cake being smashed into faces, etc.” I agree with Matthew that this book is the owner’s manual for how our brain works. I concur with his final statement about this book: “These pages are not information—they are revelation. And Caroline’s revelation will change the way you think.”
10 POINT RATING
I give Switch On Your Brain a 10/10.
I am intrigued by the human brain with all its intricacies. I am inspired by the reality that we as thinking beings can direct our thinking, wire out toxic patterns, replace them with healthy thoughts, increase our intelligence and live healthy lives thanks to the neuroplasticity of our brain. The author of this book says, “You have an extraordinary ability to determine, achieve, and maintain optimal levels of intelligence, mental health, peace, and happiness, as well as the prevention of disease in your body and mind. You can, through conscious effort, gain control of your thoughts and feelings, and in doing so, you can change the programming and chemistry of your brain.” In her words, “science is finally catching up with the age-old principles of the Bible.” This extraordinary book illustrates the incredible capabilities of the human brain and reveals the glory of God’s creative design.
CONTENT QUALITY
This well-written book provokes a paradigm shift in popular thinking about the human condition. Is it possible to “wire out” toxic thoughts and replace them with positive, biblical-based thinking? Is it possible to switch on your brain, to recall negative memories, and to”rewrite” positive new content (emotions) over them? The author thinks so, and provides ample scientific findings to prove her research. She states that “We are not victims of our biology. We are co-creators of our destiny alongside God. God leads, but we have to choose to let God lead. We have been designed to create thoughts, and from these we live out our lives (Prov. 23:7).” This is a sound biblical approach paired with proven scientific research. This book revolves around the author’s 21-Day Brain Detox Plan. She expounds by saying, “The five steps of the Switch On Your Brain technique in the 21-Day Brain Detox Plan include deliberate, conscious setting of goals, obtaining immediate feedback, and concentrating as much on the process as on the outcome.” I found the content of this book to be not only informative but particularly exhilarating.
MESSAGE CLARITY
Generosity is generally not a word I would use to describe an author’s work. But this book differs in that the author provides such a compelling message, then simplifies her approach in practical terms. The tone of this book resonates generosity. I get the impression that the author is passionate about wholeness and healthy living, and seeks simply to see people set free from wrong patterns of thought. After the author states that “The decisions you make today become part of the thought networks in your brain,” she then gives practical methods to rewire your thought life in a healthy way. Her Switch On Your Brain technique is a highly complex process that she has simplified into five sequences: Gather, Focused Reflection, Write, Revisit, and Active Reach. You will be amazed at the mental and physical possibilities that open to you after reading this book.
CREATIVE STYLE
Though the tone of this book does carry a certain scientific vernacular, the author does a remarkable job of simplifying terms and concepts for those who are not particularly inclined to scientific jargon. Her creative approach resonates through the text with statements like this: “Our brain is changing moment by moment as we are thinking. By our thinking and choosing, we are redesigning the landscape of our brain.” I pause to consider this. Redesigning the landscape of our brain? Is this truly a possibility. A paradigm shift begins to take root in my mind. The author continues: “When you objectively observe your own thinking with the view to capturing rogue thoughts, you in effect direct your attention to stop the negative impact and rewire healthy new circuits into your brain.” The creative possibilities that the author suggests are not only inspiring contemplations but powerful realities as well.
LANGUAGE SELECTION
As mentioned above, there is a lot of scientific vernacular in this book. I personally love this type of language selection. I feel this scientific research educating my brain and permeating my thought life. New possibilities open to me and I realize that I have the power to collapse these probabilities into actualities. This is exciting news! The author says, “Our thoughts, imagination, and choices can change the structure and function of our brains on every level: molecular, genetic, epigenetic, cellular, structural, neurochemical, electromagnetic, and even subatomic.” This, I have learned, is because of the neuroplasticity of our brain. Again the author expounds: “Neurological literature has coined the term “self-directed neuroplasticity” as a general description of the principle that deep thinking changes brain structure and function.” This type of language selection was powerful for me, challenged my thinking process, and opened endless new possibilities for health and wholeness.
OVERALL IMPACT
The afterword in the book was written by Matthew Crouch, president of Trinity Broadcasting Family of Networks. His thoughtful rumination on memory and the ability to rewrite new emotions over them resembles the overall impact that I personally felt after reading this book. He says, “For me, some of the “stuck” memories are events, locations, smells, feelings, visions, and dreams. Some are good; some are not as good.” He elaborates on a number of particular memories, then questions “Why do these events become us, become the very persona of who we are?” Some of his examples: “President Reagan being shot; the Challenger disaster; September 11, 2001; the birth of my boys, Caylan and Cody, their first steps, birthday cake being smashed into faces, etc.” I agree with Matthew that this book is the owner’s manual for how our brain works. I concur with his final statement about this book: “These pages are not information—they are revelation. And Caroline’s revelation will change the way you think.”
10 POINT RATING
I give Switch On Your Brain a 10/10.
February 9, 2024
There’s a lot to absorb. Not just a read and move on. There’s work to do for it to be effective. If you like learning about how the brain works to affect your decision making and need healing from trauma, it is worth reading.
February 18, 2024
I love the connections between the Bible and science. It shows the true power of our brain in all areas of life. This book is not a read and instantly your life changes. There are steps that need to be taken and a lot of them to implement change. It lays everything out for you and why those steps are necessary.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews