Away Quote by Christopher deCharms
“We all know that as we form thoughts, they form deep channels in our minds and in our brains. Chronic pain is an example. If you burn yourself, you pull your hand away. But if you're still in pain in six months' or six years' time, it's because these circuits are producing pain that's no longer helping you.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Talk on Neural Plasticity, 2005
Thought patterns shape brain pathways; chronic pain persists when those pathways become maladaptive.
In simple terms: Thoughts create brain circuits; pain can become self‑reinforcing.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and rewire harmful mental patterns.
Themes
neuroscience
pain
plasticity
Mood
reflective
analytical
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- chronic pain management
- rehabilitation
- stress reduction
Key Concepts
Neural pathways
habit formation
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you identify maladaptive thought loops?
- What practices help reshape neural circuits?
A Different Perspective
Pain may also have physiological triggers beyond thought.
![“People envision [looking inside the brain] as being very difficult. You had to take a spaceship, shrink it down, inject it into the bloodstream.” quote by Christopher deCharms](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/b9d/christopher-decharms-64848_brain_people-envision-looking-inside-the-brain_1983594.jpg)
![“I don't like being away from home. That's one reason why I don't work as much as I used to [when I started my career], because so many things are on the road. I just don't want to be away from my husband, my dogs and my home. I don't sing that much any more because that also takes you on the road.” quote by Jane Powell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/07c/jane-powell-36243_away-from-home_i-don-t-like-being-away-from-home-that-s_278.jpg)
