THE JOURNEY FROM KNOWING TO BEING

A Human's Journey: From Knowing to Being

In the flow of life, a person may wish to change their way of thinking about a particular subject, alter certain habits, behaviors, or traits, or even completely transform themselves. This can be triggered by various reasons—sometimes an illness, sometimes love, sometimes a divine quest, or a recurring cycle. The organ that enables human transformation is the brain. Therefore, understanding the journey from ‘Knowing to Being’ is only possible by understanding the brain and how it functions.

At this point, I would first like to address the concept of neuroplasticity.

Professor Dr. Sinan Canan explains neuroplasticity in his video as follows:

"Neuroplasticity is a concept used to describe the brain’s ability to change. Since the late 1990s and early 2000s, it has been discovered that the brain, particularly in certain areas, has the remarkable capacity to renew itself, change, and form new connections throughout life. Examples like riding a bicycle, driving a car, or walking illustrate neuroplasticity. These activities involve the neural circuits in our brain modifying their connections and structures as they are repeatedly performed. When our brain is active, it physically adapts, modifies its circuits, creates new connections, and eliminates old ones that no longer serve a purpose.

So, how do these connections change?

The brain reshapes itself according to what a person does most frequently, structuring itself accordingly and shaping its connectivity over time.

This places a responsibility on the individual. If we do not actively strive to build our brain’s connectivity in alignment with a goal, purpose, or path, then the external stimuli that bombard us will shape our brain’s connections according to their influence.

The most important fuel for brain adaptability is activity. We become what we repeatedly do. Moreover, it’s not just our actions—our thought patterns, especially those that play on repeat in our minds, also impact the structural connectivity of our brain.

The key factor that enables neural connections to form rapidly and mature strongly is ‘feeling curiosity and an emotional need regarding the subject.’

Emotional motivation forms a crucial foundation for brain plasticity.”

After discussing neuroplasticity, it’s also important to briefly touch on how the brain undergoes transformation.

Joe Dispenza describes the journey from ‘Knowing to Being’ in two ways:

1) Thinking → Doing → Being

"We have three brains that enable us to transition from thinking to doing and from doing to being.

• From Thinking to Doing: The First Brain, known as the thinking brain or the Neocortex, processes information and then urges us to apply what we have learned in life.

• From New Events to New Emotions: The Second Brain, known as the chemical-emotional brain or the Limbic Brain, produces chemicals that help us remember experiences.

• From Thinking and Doing to Being: The Third Brain, the Cerebellum, stores continuous thoughts, attitudes, and behaviors.”

The Three Brains: From Thinking to Doing, From Doing to Being

When we take what we have learned intellectually (neocortex), apply it, personalize it, and embody it, we change our behavior in some way. By doing so, we create a new experience, which in turn generates a new emotion (limbic brain). If we can repeat, imitate, or fully live this action consistently, we transition into a state of being (cerebellum).

2) From Thinking to Being

You can transition from merely thinking to Being without doing anything. If you are mentally rehearsing a new mindset, there will come a moment when the thought you are contemplating transforms into an experience. When this happens, the ultimate product of this inner experience is an emotion or a feeling. Once you feel what it is like to be that person, your body (as the subconscious mind) begins to believe in that reality. Now, your mind and body start working together, and without doing anything, you become that person. As you shift into a new state of being solely through thought, you naturally become inclined to act and think in ways that align more with who you are becoming.

Gandhi described the journey from Knowing to Being as follows:

"Watch your words; they will become your thoughts…

Watch your thoughts; they will become your emotions…

Watch your emotions; they will become your behaviors…

Watch your behaviors; they will become your habits…

Watch your habits; they will become your values…

Watch your values; they will become your character…

Watch your character; it will become your destiny…”

On the journey of progressing toward a better version of ourselves, changing our way of thinking, habits, behaviors, and attitudes may not happen all at once or effortlessly. However, understanding how the process of forming new connections in our brain works and maintaining this awareness allows us to give ourselves the necessary time without self-criticism for “knowing but not yet being able to do.” At the same time, continuing to put in our best effort and investing in ourselves is part of a long journey…

Wishing each of us a beautiful journey ahead.

Gökçe YILMAZ