The Brain and GPS

The Global Positioning System is a satellite-based navigation system consisting of 24 satellites; orbiting the earth about 12,000 miles above us; making two complete orbits in less than 24 hrs; traveling at speeds (approx) 7,000 mi/hr. In a word, the Big-Eye-in-the-Sky spots where you are at any given time. Need directions? No problem. Just input your destination into a GPS receiver and a friendly voice will instruct you along the route, providing estimated travel time, mileage, and ample notice to a change in direction. Interestingly, our brain is like a GPS; sending messages that orbits within our gut-feel, our sense of intuition. This, too, helps us navigate our lives. But how we program our brains is paramount to the journey we take to our desired destination. Let’s consider three important components of our personal GPS:

Ursula K. Le Guin: It is good to have an end to journey towards; but it is the journey that matters in the end.

1) Get Your Bearings: Does it seem as though your world is fraying at the seams that were once tightly woven? The nagging threat of layoff? The discouraging job market? The manic work place? The dwindling stock market? The pain of loss? Whatever challenges seem to haunt you today, know your internal bearings are still at work in your favor. Our brains are in constant search to return to a state of well-being, to create a new normal, to make sense from the senseless. The journey you’ve taken during previous life experiences have prepared you for this moment. It has formed your character, strengthened your weakness, and groomed your self-esteem. Now stand on your new bearings and focus. The endurance you exhibit today shall make way for a better tomorrow.

Ann Landers: Know yourself. Don't accept your dog's admiration as conclusive evidence that you are wonderful.

2) Recalculate: When we make a wrong turn, the Iron Lady on the GPS device helpfully tells us we need to “recalculate,” to rethink where we’re going. She doesn’t scold by saying, “You screwed up...again!” Negative words are poison to our self-esteem. So you’ve made a wrong turn, forgive yourself for the mistake and get back on track. Think positive. Say the good things your brain needs to hear. After all it’s working in your best interest—keeping you balanced, living in healthy reality. A mistake today can be a promise of success tomorrow.

Bob Richards: You are what you think. You are what you go for. You are what you do.

3) Find Your True North: Are you where you were meant to be? Have you taken a detour from your destiny? We tend to get distracted because we think the grass is greener on the other side of the septic tank. The hands that engineered your life path have also positioned your True North. Your North Point has been determined according to your destiny, with plans to prosper you, not to harm you; but plans to give you a hope and a future. Like the GPS, True North knows when your pace lags; when you’ve traveled off-course. The steps you take today may seem unsure, foreign; but True North never leads astray. All you need is to trust and take the next step.

Thomas Kinkade: It’s a simple liberating reality the best things in life are mine for the choosing.