What Do Weeds and Conflict Have in Common?

This episode explores how weeds and conflict follow similarpatterns: what gets ignored can spread, tangle, and become much harder to handle later.

Dr. Chris Wilson explains common conflict triggers, thebiology of escalation, and a simple APT framework for responding with more awareness and less reactivity.

She discusses the origins of conflict triggers, how to spot the early signs, and how to connect the trigger to an old wound or unmet need.

She shares the APT framework for handling triggers:Awareness of physical warning signs, Pause before reacting, and Trace the emotion back to its root cause.

The episode closes with a suggestion to use a lens of lovefor dealing with conflict more skillfully, and practical reflection questions.

It’s All About Chemistry link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ENCBUTenUOg&t=3s

In this episode, Dr. Chris Wilson explores the profound effects our thoughts have on brain chemistry and overall health.

Discover practical strategies to shift from toxic thinking to a more positive mental state and learn how these mental shifts can influence physical health and relationships.

7 Ways to Begin Improving Your Brain Chemistry

1. Practice mindfulness, mindful redirecting, and prayer.

2. Exercise regularly – endorphins, dopamine, serotonin

3. Get good sleep – research shows sleep deprivation has a negative impact on brain chemistry

4. Eat well – 90% Serotonin is produced in the gut. Feed that gut microbiome with plant-based real food.

5. Practice gratitude – Easy to do. Instant dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin

6. Say something kind to yourself (and others!) –Releases dopamine, supports serotonin and oxytocin and lowering stress hormones like cortisol.

7. Reward yourself for a job well done - This releases dopamine and supports motivation to continue or take on other challenges

Resources:

How thinking affects your brain chemistry, Vilhauer, Jennice, PhD., April 10, 2023 https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/living-forward/202304/how-your-thinking-affects-your-brain-chemistry

What Happy People Know, Baker, Dan (2003)

Aggravating mood disorders: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9020513/ -

Source: Mark Hyman, MDhttps://share.google/JhFDsPx7vCAgDCuui

Dr. Chris Wilson explores the science behind negativity spirals, how our brains are wired to focus on the negative, and practical strategies to break free from thesedestructive thought patterns.

Learn how awareness, triggers, and simple daily practices can transform your thought life.

Link toprevious YouTube video – Stuck in Toxic Thinking? https://youtu.be/h_uo8NK2j9s?si=7ovWoUuaYdv347KD

Resources:

Allen, J. (2020). Get Out of Your Head. Colorado Springs: Waterbrook.

Jerome, L. W. (2022, December 23). How to Recognize Negative Thought Cycles and Stop Obsessing. Retrieved from Psychology Today: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-stories-we-tell/202212/how-to-recognize-negative-thought-loops-and-stop-obsessing