The Numbing Power of Constant Exposure

Reawakening awe and wonder through a fresh perspective

Have you ever said a word so many times that it lost its meaning? It's like the word gets thrown into a blender and you end up with a smoothie of sounds. I recently found out that this is such a normal occurrence that it has a name "semantic satiation;” literally “your language is full.” You can’t take any more, and so the word becomes a a random collection of sounds.

Satiation is such a common phenomenon that you probably don’t even realize it’s happening half the time. Have you ever found yourself lost in thought, driving to work, only to arrive without any recollection of the journey? Or have you ever come home from a trip and noticed a weird smell in your house, only to realize that you’re only smelling it because you’ve been gone long enough that it’s now a new smell again? These instances, while seemingly unrelated, share a common thread: the numbing power of constant exposure.

Repetition and routine can numb our senses, leading us to miss out on the hidden wonders and beauty that is right in front of us. But, when we encounter something novel, our brains are wired to pay attention and engage more deeply.

So here’s my theory, that by looking at life from a fresh perspective, we can rekindle our sense of wonder and awe and awaken our minds to the abundance of God. Engaging in new experiences, looking at life through a different lens, embracing new skills stimulates our brain's reward system, fostering creativity, curiosity, as well as personal and spiritual growth. So, let me encourage you with a few ways that novel experiences can awaken your mind:

1. Neuroplasticity: When you dare to venture into uncharted territory, your brain is awakened and its very structure undergoes a transformation. Neuroplasticity, a remarkable feature of the mind, comes into play, allowing your thoughts to be renewed and your neural pathways to be rewired. Through prayers, moments of deep meditation, and Bible study, you have the opportunity to fortify those neural connections linked to spiritual encounters, resulting in a profound communion with God and a heightened comprehension of your faith. The power of neuroplasticity may even bring forth a newfound abundance of hope and joy, as you learn to nurture positive emotions, embrace gratitude, and foster resilience through the intentional pursuit of embracing fresh experiences.

2. Cognitive flexibility: Welcoming unfamiliar adventures calls us to adapt to uncharted terrains, test our problem-solving skills, and embrace fresh skills. This beautiful journey cultivates cognitive flexibility, an invaluable trait enabling us to seamlessly transition between diverse tasks, perspectives, and strategies. As we foster cognitive flexibility, we unlock the gateway to heightened creativity, sharpened discernment, and astute decision-making. Furthermore, this newfound adaptability allows us to remain receptive to the divine movements of God in our lives, freeing us from the limitations of our own fixed notions and granting us the grace to embrace His transformative guidance.

3. Fearlessness: Exposure therapy is the idea that you expose yourself to something that you fear or find uncomfortable in a safe and controlled way. By doing this over time, just like the constant exposure of a smell can numb your senses, so the constant exposure to something that you fear can make it less fearful. By trying something new that scares you, like public speaking, or traveling to a foreign land, you can become immune to the fear that used to control you and instead embrace hope, trust and peace.

It's never too late to reawaken your joy for life. Embrace the unfamiliar, seek out new adventures, both physical and mental, challenge the boundaries of your comfort zone, and ask God to show himself to you in new ways. Reach out to a new neighbor and get to know them, learn how you can serve your community, help out with kids or seniors. You can also explore a new hobby, travel to unfamiliar places, or just try some new kind of cuisines. Each novel experience enriches your life and your brain in unexpected ways.

So, let's break free from the shackles of routine, embrace the next new thing, and embark on a journey of spiritual and emotional discovery. Learn to savor the beauty that surrounds us, finding joy in the simplest of moments. Step out in faith and face your fears. Embrace the unknown, relish it, and let your mind forever remain captivated by the wonders of this amazing world.