Why A-Neu-path?

Thanks for asking that question!

That really is a great question.  During my doctoral studies in pastoral care and counseling I stumbled upon published works by neuroscientist asking questions about God.  As I devoured the research I didn’t come across many, if any theologians engaging in the questions about God and the brain.  Why not? It was as if the scientist hit the tennis ball across the net, but we clergy folks weren’t returning the serve.  My doctoral studies helped me respond to the curiosity about brain activity in religious folk.  Guess what?  The research was powerful and rewarding.  Not only was I able to return the serve; I fell upon a wonderful tool to aid in spiritual, physical, and emotional transformation!

Neuroscientist have discovered that we can change our minds.  Literally!  The brain is plastic.  The brain is not static.  Over time, our thought patterns aka neurons begin to form well worn pathways in our minds.  For example, if we lean towards percieving the world as dangerous, the neurons in our brains begin to prefer to travel the familiar path of interpreting everything as a threat.  Even when circumstances do not readily lead to that conclusion, we enter into red alert. This is how human beings  move on autopilot toward stiffiling beliefs.  The same is true for those who lean towards a “can do” attitude.  Only we can (with  work) create new pathways and change our default settings. Have you heard the term, “you are what you eat?”  Well you are what you think!

Long story and lots of data later, my research helped me conclude that the legendary James Brown was right, “free your mind and your [tale] will follow.” There are very effective methods for creating new routes in the brain.  These new paths cause

• Lowering of pulse
• Decreased anxiety
• Feelings of serenity
• Positive brain activity

As a spiritual director and minister, I celebrate and am honored to sojourn with people through the paths of life.  I welcome the opportunity to travel with you.

Good company in a journey makes the way seem shorter. — Izaak Walton