The Words in Our Head: Rewiring the Brain Through Fun and Connection

Have you ever caught yourself repeating the same negative thoughts in your head? Maybe it’s that little voice saying, “I’m not good enough,” or “I’ll never get this right.” It’s like background music you didn’t choose but stuck on repeat. Here’s the thing: those words aren’t harmless—they shape how you experience the world.

Over the past four years, I’ve traveled across the country and beyond, from affluent communities to places without running water or enough food. In every environment, one thing stands out: the words people say to themselves—consciously or unconsciously—directly affect their confidence, resilience, and ability to thrive. And it’s not just the kids and educators I work with when hired by a school district; it’s their families and entire communities. Behavioral patterns are deeply ingrained across generations, creating cycles that can either uplift or hold people back.

Why Does This Inner Dialogue Matter?

Research in neuroscience and heart science has confirmed that our thoughts and words influence our subconscious mind and, ultimately, our physical and emotional well-being. Experts like Dr. Joe Dispenza and Dr. Matthew Huberman emphasize that every thought we think sends signals to the body, triggering biochemical responses. Negative, repetitive thoughts can activate chronic stress patterns, leading to anxiety, depression, and even physical illness. Conversely, intentional, loving thoughts—those grounded in self-compassion and positive self-talk—have the power to heal and transform.

The key here is repetition. Just as the body can learn a new skill through practice, the brain can rewire itself through consistent mental habits. Modern neuroscience calls this neuroplasticity—the ability of the brain to adapt and change through experience.

The Role of Applied Improvisation

This is where Applied Improvisation becomes a game-changer. Imagine stepping into a space where mistakes aren’t just allowed—they’re celebrated. You play, create, and connect with others every week in a low-stakes, judgment-free environment. Applied improvisation rewires the brain by creating safe opportunities to explore new thought patterns and behaviors. Through exercises designed to spark creativity and collaboration, participants experience firsthand the power of presence and adaptability.

In my work with KidScape Productions, I’ve seen incredible transformations. One student, who had been labeled “disruptive,” discovered his talent for storytelling through improv games. Over time, he began replacing his internal narrative of “I’m a problem” with “I am creative and capable.” His entire demeanor shifted—not because someone told him to think differently, but because he experienced himself differently.

Dr. Dispenza would call this “breaking the habit of being yourself.” The brain learns through repetition and emotion, meaning that experiences rooted in joy, curiosity, and human connection are especially powerful for rewiring subconscious beliefs.

Collective Coherence, Frequency, and Vibrational Energy

When we engage in activities like applied improvisation, something magical happens: the energy and frequency of the group shifts. This isn’t just poetic—it’s scientifically measurable. The HeartMath Institute has shown how collective coherence, or synchronized positive energy within a group, can enhance creativity, emotional regulation, and resilience. Frequency and vibrational energy play key roles here. We are deeply influenced by the vibrations and frequencies around us—whether it’s sound healing, music, or the emotional tone of those we interact with.

This is why holistic education matters. It’s about supporting the whole person—mind, body, and spirit—and recognizing that we’re all interconnected. Our roots, the wisdom of our ancestors, remind us that healing and growth come from community. When educators, families, and children work together in love and light, they create environments where everyone feels seen and heard.

The Science of Fun, Love, and Sound Frequencies

Experts in music hypnotherapy and sound healing have long understood how rhythm and repetition impact brain waves. Regular engagement with sound, play, and improvisation stimulates the brain’s reward centers, encouraging long-term changes in behavior. We aren’t meant to live in isolation or in constant fear of failure. The brain thrives in environments rich in laughter, empathy, and creativity.

Listening to 432Hz-tuned music, combined with binaural beats at 4Hz and soft, soothing music containing positive subliminal messages, can further support neuroplasticity by creating a new baseline positive feedback loop in the brain. According to Laura Thayer, a sound practitioner, this approach can counterbalance negative self-talk that has been absorbed over time, gradually rewiring neural pathways toward optimism, resilience, and self-empowerment.

The 432Hz frequency is believed to be more harmonically aligned with nature and the body, promoting relaxation and emotional balance. Meanwhile, binaural beats set to 4Hz stimulate theta and delta brainwave activity, which are associated with deep relaxation, intuition, and heightened creativity. In this state, the subconscious mind becomes highly receptive to positive, directive subliminal messages, making it easier to replace limiting beliefs with empowering ones.

Over time, consistent engagement with this audio modality can help reduce anxiety, enhance emotional well-being, and improve self-confidence. Additionally, it fosters mental clarity, focus, and creative problem-solving, making it easier to manifest desired life outcomes. By strengthening neural pathways for peace, joy, and personal growth, this practice can transform both inner experiences and outward reality.

Back to Our Roots

At the core of applied improvisation is something profoundly human: the need to express, to belong, and to be understood. When we shift the words in our heads from criticism to encouragement, we change not only ourselves but the world around us. It starts small—one kind word to yourself, one moment of connection with someone else—but the ripple effects are powerful.

Over the years, I’ve witnessed this shift across diverse communities. Whether in a well-funded school or a village lacking basic resources, the essence of healing and growth is the same: people need to feel safe, valued, and capable of joy. Applied improvisation offers a pathway to that experience, grounding us in the present moment and reminding us of our shared humanity.

Moving Forward with Intention

What words do you say to yourself today? Are they words of hope, possibility, and self-compassion? If not, it’s time to change the soundtrack. Through intentional practices like applied improvisation, mindfulness, and heart-based leadership, we can rewire our brains and reshape our reality.

Let’s build healthier brains and bodies through repetition, intention, and love—together.

Ready to Transform Your Team? Let’s Connect!

Whether you’re leading a small business, a mental health facility, a school district, a group home, or even a spontaneous meetup in a random park on the corner—I’m here to help! Let’s bring KidScape Productions or Christiana Frank Consulting directly to you. I’ve spent over two decades doing this work, and trust me, there’s so much to share.

Just give me a shout! Call or text me at 775-313-3900, or send an email to [email protected]. Let’s create magic together!