How to Install a Module

First we need a basic understanding of how the brain is structured and how plasticity functions within it. The module structure I described earlier operates in the following way. A phenomenon arises, which creates a signal in the brain. This signal travels along a neural pathway until it reaches a center of neurons. That center processes the signal and then sends out additional signals in response.

The pathway that carries the initial signal is affected by how often it is used. Its physical thickness changes through repetition, very much like a muscle. When the pathway is used frequently, it becomes broader and easier for neurons to traverse. When the pathway falls out of use, it contracts. The same is true of the neuron center itself, the module that deals with the signal. Its physical presence changes depending on the amount of traffic it receives.

The first step is to observe the phenomena that are connected to the behavior you wish to change. For example, if you struggle with social anxiety, you will notice certain predictable phenomena. Thoughts about social situations arise, and these thoughts tend to be negative. They create anxiety. They trigger physical responses and unpleasant emotional tones. But if we can interrupt this entire process as soon as we notice it, right at the level of the filter, then the phenomenon never enters the usual pathway. It is diverted. It does not reach the module where the processing takes place.

In a person with social anxiety, the module that receives these thoughts is distorted. When the person walks into a room with many people, a thought appears. I do not want to be seen. I do not want to be here. The thought moves through the filter and enters the module. The module interprets it in its customary damaged manner, producing more negative thoughts, more negative emotions, and physical reactions that reinforce the sense of danger. All of this returns to awareness as new phenomena and is fed back into the same loop again and again. It becomes a cycle of dread that continues until the person withdraws from the situation. Even then, the process does not fully stop. The thoughts and emotions linger for hours.

The first intervention is simple. When you feel the early signs of this process, you picture a red stop sign. You say the word stop, aloud if you are alone, or silently if you are not. And then you shift your attention. You think about something else. You redirect the mind. At first you may need to repeat this several times. You may feel that it is not working. So you repeat it. Stop. The red sign. A new thought. You distract yourself in the physical world or in the mental one. In doing this you are cutting off the oxygen supply to the anxious module. You are blocking the road.

With repetition, a new filtering pattern begins to form. The filter still receives the same social anxiety phenomena, but it no longer sends them to the old module. It sends them to something else. Perhaps to distraction. Perhaps to a calmer pattern of thought. The important point is that this new module does not respond with fear. In time, the old module falls out of use. The new one becomes the default. Eventually it runs on its own without conscious effort.

Once this foundation is stable, you gently expose yourself to mildly uncomfortable situations to ensure that the new filtering and processing patterns hold. Over time, the reactions soften. The old loop fades. And gradually, the social anxiety dissolves.

A simple module I installed long ago involves redirecting criticism aimed at others back toward myself. Much of the criticism we direct outward arises from our own unresolved issues. We tend to dislike in others what we secretly dislike in ourselves. In this way, criticism becomes a doorway, offering clearer access to the aspects of ourselves we hope to change.

The module functions in a straightforward manner. You notice a criticism forming in your awareness. Perhaps you do not catch it at the very beginning. It may appear first as a fleeting thought, or later when you are saying it aloud to someone else. The earlier you notice it, the better, but any point of awareness is enough. When you recognize it, you understand that the criticism points back at you in some way. You may be thinking about how overweight someone is, even though you are not as heavy yourself. Yet you could likely stand to lose a little weight, improve your fitness, develop greater self control, or attend to some small aspect of your own daily care. Whatever the specific form, the criticism of the other person reveals a complaint you carry about yourself.

At that moment, you say it quietly in your mind. I also could lose some weight. I also lack self control at times. And you note that this judgment of another person is, in truth, your own unconscious speaking about you.

With consistent practice, the necessary pathways begin to form. Eventually, criticisms of this kind are filtered automatically and directed to this module.

This is an example of a simple module that can be installed quickly, with very few moving parts.