The experiment conducted by Russian physiologist Ivan Pavlov involved feeding his dogs and measuring saliva. Pavlov would ring a bell and the dogs did not respond or release saliva, but after ringing the bell at feeding time, his dogs began to salivate at the mere sound of a bell. This is an example of classical conditioning, when a neutral stimulus is paired with a conditioned response. There are many examples of Pavlovian conditioning in our everyday lives.
How many look at their cell phone when a ring chime sounds in a public place? A celebrity endorsement can lead to positive feelings with a product not even used by that celebrity. Being bullied at school often leads to fear of going to school. Physical pain associated with getting a shot can solicit fear of immunizations. Anything political can stimulate anger toward an innocent person who represents the party that opposes yours. Does the sound of a doorbell make your mouth salivate for candy? (tee hee)
These are all examples of a conditioned response. Many are working to transform themselves to become neutral in the way they respond to the challenges of life. If changing a conditioned response is successful, it’s referred to as extinction. Perhaps a whisper on the energy of conditioning can help us all with a little extinction:
When seeking answers to the question of living life in alignment with core vibrations, conditioning is a subject that provides insight, inspiration, and valuable strategies. Most uncharacteristic reactions can be traced to classical conditioning that calls into action a response mechanism. Default positions in behavior are familiar, thereby offering comfort even when misaligned with core values and virtues.
A learning process that leads to an association between a neutral stimulus and a reactive stimulus becomes part of an overall mechanism. Funneled through the energy channels into the tissue, emotions are a response to what the body is sensing. The reaction can be one of joy, love, and a positive feeling associated with past experiences. Detrimental feelings and behaviors are also the product of environmental stimuli.
When repeating patterns that oppose the true sense of self come into your awareness, it means a pattern has been established based on experiences that contain paired stimulants. Self-awareness is the first step toward extinction of unhealthy thoughts, reactions, behaviors, and compulsive actions. To eliminate anything that represents misalignment, conditions must change to support spiritual leverage.
Look at your environment to determine anything that needs to be changed. Self-discipline will lead to freedom from unhealthy patterns. Self-love provides the strength and confidence needed to make positive changes. Pairing neutral stimuli with joyful feelings will enhance the new beginning on the illuminated path. Freedom is what your soul seeks. Love is what your soul remembers. Peace is your soul’s longing. Letting go is what leads to enlightenment.
Bring joy, ease suffering and create beauty, then dance like you mean it!
Blessings, Russell
“Do not become a mere recorder of facts, but try and penetrate the mystery of their origin.”
Ivan Petrovich Pavlov
