Your brain is a magnificent tool, capable of processing billions of bits of information in a matter of micro-seconds. By merely asking yourself a question, your brain will instantly go into search mode and filter through virtually all of your life’s data input (experiences) and produce an answer. Caution: this is an extremely sharp, double-edged sword.

Let’s say you want to know the answer to a simple question: 2 x 7 = ? You probably don’t even have to think about it -- or do you? Actually, in a neurological sense, your brain processes much like a computer. There’s visual scanning, character recognition, mathematical calculation, miscellaneous evaluation. If the question is a joke, there is much more to consider. All this happens so fast, you only imagine you didn’t have to think about it.

Now, let’s try something a little trickier. Someone you haven’t seen in a while walks up to you. You recognize the face, but you would like to recall their name. Without a handbook to tell us how the brain works, most of us will pass it off as faulty equipment when we fail to produce the information in an instant. However -- and do try this at home -- if you will ask yourself for the persons name, with faith that you can recall anything within your brain, then allow your brain to do its search, you will get your answer.

Remember, there is a lot of data in there, and this name has probably been archived in a seldom accessed file. It may be slow at first, but the more you have faith in this capability, and the more you rely on it, the quicker it will get at performing for you.

Okay, here’s the other side of the sword. What happens when you request information that doesn’t really compute; there really is no fact or figure for your brain to produce? We do this more often that you think. Here’s an example: "Why did this happen to me?" There is an answer, but it is so complex, and may involve fate, life’s path, acts of God, and who knows what else. So, how does the brain deal with such a question? It does what it does. It goes on a big search and comes up with anything remotely related to the subject. Garbage in, garbage out as they say. An unconsciously worded question will get you answers like "Dumb luck!" or "Because I’m stupid!" Can you see the set-up? The next time you ask such a question, your brain will go for this new default answer, and you will find yourself reinforcing garbage.

Since the brain is so determined to work for us, can you see the value of learning how it processes, so you get maximum benefit? The next time something happens that you would like to avoid happening in the future, instead of asking dead end questions like "Why me?" you may choose to ask something like "What can I do to prevent this from happening again?" With that, the brain can evaluate the circumstances and come up with practical solutions like altering a behavior or schedule, changing physical location or ways of thinking.

All living brains work very well, and like most things, each may have its unique quirks and qualities. Some will be fast, some slow, some will lean towards the humorous, some towards seriousness, in their processing as well as in what they produce. The key here, is to be careful what you ask for. Avoid asking yourself questions that will lock your brain/computer in an endless search. The result is usually inaccurate information that does more harm than good to your self-image. Questions about what you can do to effect a change or create a result are much easier for your brain to process, and will produce more valuable results.

Use your brain, have faith in its ability to serve you, and every chance you get, feed your self-image positive, nurturing impressions.