The Gift in You: Discovering New Life Through Gifts Hidden in Your Mind

by Caroline Leaf

No matter what you may have been told, the tests that you may have taken, or what you may believe about yourself - you have a unique gift inside of you that can change the world.
So, what does God say about your gift?
And how does neuroscience prove that you are uniquely equipped to fulfill your purpose?
In this ground-breaking book, Dr. Caroline Leaf illustrates the revolutionary link between brain science and God's purpose for each one of us.
This practical and easy-to-understand book will help you discover your special gift, overcome what may be standing in the way of living in your gift, and identify your truth-value.

Genres: Christian, Self Help, Nonfiction, Psychology, Spirituality, Christianity, Christian Non Fiction

256 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2010

About the author

Dr. Caroline Leaf is a cognitive neuroscientist with a PhD in Communication Pathology specializing in Neuropsychology. Since the early 1980‘s she has studied and researched the Mind-Brain connection. During her years in clinical practice as a Communication Pathologist she developed tools and processes that help people develop and change their thinking and subsequent behavior. Her scientific Science of Thought techniques have transformed the lives of patients with Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), learning disabilities, emotional traumas and released the potential of thousands of young students and adults.

She has presented her unique Switch On Your Brain with the 5-Step Learning Process® and the Metacognitive-Map™ learning tool to thousands of students worldwide.

She developed the Geodesic Learning™ theory (how we think and process information) that has been conservatively shown to increase thinking, behavioral and academic performance by 35-75%. This revolutionary theory explains the Science of Thought, stating how thoughts form, how we process information and the power of the non-conscious mind and the relationship between the non-conscious and conscious. It explains that everything you do is first a physical thought in the physical brain. You think, and then you do, which cycles back to the original thought, changing it, and the thoughts connected to it, in a dynamic interrelationship. Therefore if your thinking is toxic, then your communication and behavior are toxic, and vice versa.

She has published numerous articles in academic journals and consumer magazines and has been widely interviewed in newspapers, on radio shows, and on television shows about her research and theories.

She has her own weekly TV show called "Switch On Your Brain" airing on TBN.

She frequently lectures to both Christian and secular audiences worldwide, linking scientific principles of the brain to spiritual, intellectual and emotional issues in simple and practical ways. She speaks on diverse topics relating to optimal thinking, and hence, brain performance, including:

1. Thinking and learning

2. Controlling your thought life

3. Managing stress

4. Eradicating toxic thoughts

5. Overcoming mental, emotional, and spiritual strongholds

6. Understanding male and female brain differences

7. Applying wisdom

8. Identifying your unique gifts

DR. CAROLINE LEAF’S DEGREES

University of Cape Town South Africa Degree of Bachelor of Science (Logopaedics) - December 1985

University of Pretoria South Africa Masters in Communication Pathology with distinction/cum laude - June 1990

University of Pretoria South Africa Doctor Philosophiae with specialization in Communication Pathology With distinction/cum laude and academic honors - May 1997

Reviews

[Eva · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a teacher and a parent this book has been a tremendous tool in helping me teach my kids. Once you understand some of the views in this book about how unique we all are, it helps you understand people better. A MUST read

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my gosh....this book is amazingly brilliant. I know all about how our DNA is not our destiny based on Epigenetics. Dr. Leaf takes this further and explains how we can change our cellular patterns that affect memory and learning and it all starts with our THOUGHTS once again....the power of our thoughts help to destroy or create our results in life.....lots to absorb and think about and start applying. And she teaches this all from a Biblical perspective....GOD IS AWESOME how He so masterfully created our body, our brains, our minds and our spirits!

[Joan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. She explains that we have 7 pillars in the brain which help us think, learn, feel, relate, discover, etc. Everyone uses these pillars in a different order and spends "time" in them at a different rate. Every teacher needs to read this book. There is not one way of teaching, but many. Each has been given a gift. We can have toxic thoughts or build new brain cells. Which do you choose?

[Rabbomar · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you can only read one book this year, read this one. Dr. Leaf does a wonderful job of explaining learning styles. The human brain is far too complex to fit in categories such as visual or auditory thinking. Dr. Leaf tells us we use all of our brain when we think deeply. Talent is your unique way that your brain processes information. After this book I fell in love with my brain.

[Monica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I learned that there is current research to support the benefits of operating in your strengths, tailoring your learning experiences to the way your brain works and is structured and of course that the brain is one of God's best miracles.

[Martha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Science is finally catching up to God's Word. Dr. Leaf explains the brain that is completely compatible with how God instructs us to think and what to dwell on. he talks about the destructiveness of negative thoughts.

[Nancy Tuck · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a must-read for all!

[Ellien · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you want to understand how you process information so you thrive, this is a must read. Dr. Leaf is amazing! Easy read.

[Janique · Rating 4 out of 5]

'Science is catching up with God's Word'. At last! A Scientist clearly marking out the parallels between biblical scripture and science. This is a great read to remind us that our thoughts shape our destiny a truth now backed by years of scientific research on the brain. It takes well known ideas beyond psychology and scientifically proves that positive thinking equals positive results. Not only biblically based, the book also stands out among a crowd of Personal Development books that wrap the same concepts in a 'how to get rich' package. Dr. Leaf is a refreshing voice reasoning that God, through Jesus Christ, is the ultimate source of true happiness & success in partnership with our level of responsibility for our own thoughts and actions. I would highly recommend not only the book but the curriculum which includes the book, a four disc DVD package and a workbook for reflection and application.

[Christopher Pitt · Rating 1 out of 5]

"The Gift in You" is an example of unashamed pseudoscience at its worst. It's a bastardised blend of pop-psychology and irrelevant scriptures. Imagine if you took Tony Robbins, performed a lobotomy and put a Bible in his hand. This would be the result. The neuroscience is so poor that it's insulting, and at one point, Dr Leaf even directly contradicts her own work. Like most self-help books, it provides a bubble of empowerment and motivation which quickly pops when reality settles in again. Although I must say that I use the term 'self-help' loosely. With such confused science at it's core, it should really be filed in the 'fiction' section rather than the self-help section of any bookstore.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really great information on how the brain works. Interesting to see through the questionnaire how my brain processes information and learns. I would have liked a little more executional information on how to rewire toxic thoughts - specific case studies showing people who have successfully done this. What I also like a lot is how she shows how Scripture actually reflects how the brain functions. Proverbs and many other verses (Romans 12:2 especially) reflect how we think and how we can heal our unhealthy thinking. Smart and relevant information. Science and the Bible working together.

[Natasha House · Rating 5 out of 5]

The gift In You was much easier to read than Doc. Caroline's other book I read. But, I enjoyed each equally in different ways. I really enjoyed learning in about the different ways people function in their mind, and found the test fun to take. Doc. Caroline Leaf, touched on a few things: toxic dreams being one, and I wish the chapter would have been even longer. Loved her book, and am planning on buying the last one I haven't read yet.

[Caro · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book! Teaches you how you were created by God and for God. A most read book to understand how much powerful the Word of God make sense when you understand the biblical view perspective of a neurosurgeon!

[Betty Pickard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Caroline Leaf, PhD, has been involved in brain research since the 1980s. The insights from her research make me ever more aware of how 'fearfully and wonderfully' I am made, Psalm 139:14.
Good news our brains can change. It is called 'neuroplasticity'.
The mind and body are integrated. By captivating our thoughts, we can take control of what we let stay in our mind and influence our behavior, actions and health. 'Garbage in, garbage out'.
Dr. Leaf describes how our thoughts affect our emotions and physical health. Her analysis is based on research findings and is backed by scripture.
Harmful chemicals are released into our bodies by our dwelling on toxic thoughts (fear). While the good chemicals in our brains are released by contemplating the positive (love).
Bottom line to me, is detox. I am not always in control of what thought is brought to my mind, but I can control what thoughts stay there.
Interesting book. I look forward to reading more of Dr Leaf's works. I do recommend this book.

[Lana Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The Gift in You" is an amazing read. Brain Scientist, Dr. Caroline Leaf explains the uniqueness of each individual based on the way each person thinks and processes information. She goes into the seven pillars of intelligence: Intrapersonal, Interpersonal, Linguistic, Logical/Mathematical, Kinesthetic, Musical, and Visual/Spatial. Everyone uses each type of intelligence when learning and thinking, but in his/her own special way.

This book helps a person appreciate one's self (i.e. Why you twirl a pen while thinking) and is extremely helpful showing the value of allowing children to learn in alignment with their gift and not try to pigeon-hole students into one way of learning.

Dr. Leaf is a scientist who is a Christian, and bases her teaching on scripture.

[Karen Shilvock-Cinefro · Rating 3 out of 5]

An easy read personality type book. Has a gift questionnaire that is fun and can offer some insight. As a believer in spiritual gifts this is a good source. Dr Leaf is a well educated and experienced researcher and brings up some good information. As with any self help type book many areas need to be considered.

[Nancy Beach · Rating 3 out of 5]

The information was interesting but I couldn't get past the poor grammar and lack of editing. It's a shame because I think she has a message that would help many. The writing distracted from the message.

[Geo Hendrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked the book. I can't wait to start reading the others. I've read this book before but it was too Hard for me to comprehend. This time around It was much easier! I'm also in a place where I'm ready to make changes!

[Debbie Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

This woman is brilliant and her wisdom and experience is expertly laid out in this excellent book. I highly recommend it. You don't have to live life the way you always have. There is hope for change and a life lived free, successful and healthy.

[Micaiah Keough · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really amazing look at the human brain. I learned so much! The study guide is recommended too. 😉

[RaeAnne · Rating 3 out of 5]

I got some great take-away's and assessment tools from this book. It is not as well written as Switch On Your Brain, but has valuable information none the less.

[Brian · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fast read and has good insights into the human brain and how we think.

[Jennifer Buczynski · Rating 4 out of 5]

I count this book as finished because I finished what I wanted from this book (learning about different learning styles). I might borrow it again this year to read the last few chapters.

[A. A. Breitling · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting read about how the brain works and how to discover the way we process our thoughts.

[Brie McKinney · Rating 2 out of 5]

Three things:
1.) Easy read
2.) Some good nuggets
3.) Fun to take the test

However, she repeats herself alot and it felt like I was reading a QVC segment which is why it took me. Awhile to finish.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is great, explaining how we live in our gifts, as well as showing us "gift-blockers," so that we aren't fully walking in our giftings. Great read and good resource to own.

[Leah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would have liked this book a lot better if it weren't so full of grammatical errors. The scientific part about the way we think was very interesting, but the rogue commas (or the lack of necessary commas) and sentence fragments were distracting.

[Nicoleta]

Everyone has a gift. But if we don't know what gifts we have, we can't use them properly. This book shows us how we can find out what gifts we have and how to use them. It's a book wich can change lives!

[Robert · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was detailed, with a test that you fill out then read about what the results mean. It was quite eye opening

[Debra Wagenecht · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Leaf takes complicated neuroscience of the brain and teaches the average person how our thoughts produce either toxic chemicals in our body or healthy chemicals. Great group study