“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” (Romans 12:2, NIV)

Have you ever considered the deeper truths of this Scripture verse, the portion that states our minds can be renewed, and it is a process that can – and will – transform our lives?  If you’ve ever felt trapped by your thought patterns, or held captive by toxic ideas or past traumas, Dr. Caroline Leaf can help you.  Her newest book, Switch On Your Brain: The Key to Peak Happiness, Thinking, and Health, was published by Baker Books in the fall of 2013.  While this book has been called ‘the owner’s manual to how our brains work’, it is also so much more.  Drawing from decades of scientific research, as well as her own Christian faith and beliefs, Dr. Leaf shares with us in an understandable, scientific language the fundamental functions of the brain. Using these facts as a foundation, she then explains how, with the Holy Spirit and Scripture as our guides, we can transform our minds from toxic to healthy.  In essence, we can ‘detox‘ our brains.

Just a few of the incredible points made in this little book include:

– Science is just beginning to catch up with the Bible, showing us the evidence of verses such as 2 Timothy 1:7.  “For God hath not given us a spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”  (KJV)

– Neuroplasticity, the concept that shows how changes in thinking actually change the structure of the brain and effect behavioral change, can truly help us renew our minds and, consequently, transform our lives.  (Romans 12:2)

– In dozens of cases encountered and documented by Dr. Leaf, people of all ages who applied the steps and perseverance necessary to detox their minds excelled beyond all typical expectations.  For example, car accident victims deemed by neurologists as ‘vegetables’ managed to retrain their brains enough to complete their education and became successful, contributing citizens.

– In the later portions of her book, Dr. Leaf outlines the basis for her 5-Step Switch On Your Brain Learning Process, which is used each day in the 21-Day Brain Detox Plan, also outlined in this book.

If you are like me, the large amount of scientific data contained in the pages of Switch On Your Brain may be a little intimidating.  However, I discovered that by focusing on the portions you are able to understand, and using them as a tool for bringing the focus of your mind closer to God, your life will be transformed.  If you let the Holy Spirit work in you as you read the information contained within this book, Philippians 4:8 will become the ‘new normal’ of your thought life.  “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things.”

“Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Available at your favourite bookseller from BakerBooks, a division of Baker Publishing Group”.