Hello my friends,

I have a tradition of re-watching the Harry Potter movies every autumn, and this year I am sharing this tradition with my partner for the first time. We’re about halfway through the movie series, and the last few nights have got me thinking about the deeper lessons that I’ve been able to apply to my health recovery.

There’s a reason the world fell in love with Harry Potter- the magic, the adventure, and, most importantly, the characters who inspire us. Beyond wands and potions, the series is rich with lessons on how to confront our deepest fears, transform our thoughts, and find hope even in the darkest times.

When I started my brain retraining journey a few years back, I quickly saw some parallels between the HP universe and the techniques and perspectives we can use to rewire our brains for health. So, as a special Halloween treat, I thought I’d share a fun blog about the life-changing lessons from Harry Potter. Whether you are currently retraining your brain to recover from chronic pain/illness or not, I hope you enjoy these nuggets of wisdom!

Face Your Boggarts: Acknowledge Your Fears

In Prisoner of Azkaban, we learn about the terrifying creature called a boggart—a shape-shifting being that turns into whatever a person fears most. Professor Lupin teaches his students the spell, Riddikulus, which allows them to turn their boggarts into something funny. This lesson shows us that fear often has more power over us than it deserves. By turning toward and acknowledging our fears and finding ways to “laugh them away,” we take away their control over us.

Think of how Ron, terrified of spiders, transforms his eight-legged boggart into a spider with roller skates—something silly and unthreatening. Like Ron, we can learn to reshape our fears into something manageable. Facing fears head-on can help us put them into perspective, making them less daunting and, in some cases, even laughable.

This combination of naming and acknowledging fear, while also practicing lightness and ease, is a key piece in teaching your brain to turn down the symptoms and build greater resilience!

Lean on Your Friends: You Don’t Have to Do It Alone

Throughout the series, Harry’s friendship with Hermione and Ron shows the true power of companionship. Every time Harry faces danger, his friends are right there with him. Whether it’s solving puzzles or fighting Death Eaters, they work as a team, giving each other strength, courage, and reassurance.

Hermione, in particular, frequently shows Harry that no matter how knowledgeable or capable he is, it’s okay to accept help. Her support reminds us that seeking support from friends and family can be a source of hope when life feels overwhelming. Together, they show us that friendship is a lifeline, helping us face fears with courage and discover moments of joy even in dark times.

For anyone living with a chronic health condition, we know all too well the pain of isolation and feeling like a burden sometimes. But this journey is so much easier and lighter with the positive support of others!

Dementors and the Power of Positive Memories: Focus on What Brings You Joy

Dementors are terrifying creatures that feed on happiness, leaving only despair in their wake. To defend against them, wizards use the Patronus Charm, a spell that requires them to focus on their happiest memories. This charm teaches us a valuable lesson: when fear and sadness feel overwhelming, leaning into positive memories can be a powerful way to fight back.

For Harry, conjuring a Patronus takes time and practice, but he finally succeeds by thinking of the love he feels for his friends and family. This shows us the importance of remembering moments of joy and connection, especially in dark times. By focusing on things that bring us happiness and gratitude, we can create our own mental “Patronus” to shield us from life’s challenges.

This is a key piece of brain retraining, and I often like to think of doing my visualizations as conjuring my own Patronus. Practice leaning into memories or future visuals, or even sensations in the body that make you feel safe, content, and hopeful.

Stand Up to Injustice: Hope Lies in Taking Action

Harry’s journey is a testament to standing up for what’s right. He faces bullies like Draco Malfoy, challenges powerful figures like Dolores Umbridge, and ultimately defies Voldemort, the embodiment of hatred and fear. Through his actions, Harry teaches us that even the smallest acts of courage can make a difference, inspiring others to stand up, too.

The DA (Dumbledore’s Army) is a beautiful example of this lesson. By training together, Harry and his friends not only prepare to fight, but also instill hope in each other and the wizarding world. Standing up to fear—especially when it feels bigger than us—helps us build confidence and gives others the courage to join the fight, creating a ripple effect of hope and empowerment.

Taking action, especially supported by others, is a great way to retrain your brain and build confidence along your journey. You get to choose what you value and prioritize in life, and take steps to embody it.

Dare to Hope, Even When It Feels Hopeless

One of the most inspiring parts of Harry’s journey is his ability to hope, even when the odds are against him. From his first encounter with Voldemort to the final battle, Harry chooses to believe that love, kindness, and bravery will prevail. This hope isn’t just naïve optimism- it’s a powerful choice that fuels his actions and strengthens those around him.

Dumbledore often reminds Harry that love is the most powerful magic of all. By daring to hope, Harry shows us that even in our most challenging moments, we can choose to believe in a better outcome. Hope doesn’t mean denying our fears- it means acknowledging them while still believing in the possibility of joy, vitality, and contentment.

No matter where you are in your health or life, you can choose to focus on a positive future.

The Mirror of Erised: Embrace Your Dreams, But Live in the Present

The Mirror of Erised reflects our deepest desires, showing us what we most wish for. But, as Dumbledore warns Harry, it can also trap us in our dreams, making us forget to live in the present. This mirror teaches us to balance hope for the future with appreciation for the here and now.

When Harry looks into the mirror, he sees his family—a heartbreaking reminder of his longing for connection. But eventually, he learns to carry their love within him, letting it motivate him rather than hold him back. This reminds us to live with gratitude for what we have, even as we work toward our dreams. Our hopes can guide us, but our joy is in the present.

It’s great to have a vision of how you wish to feel in your life and the things you want to do, but never forget that the present moment is where your power lies.

Final Thoughts: Embrace Your Inner Wizard

Harry Potter is more than a story about magic- it’s a story about resilience, bravery, and hope. As we walk alongside Harry and his friends, we learn that overcoming fear isn’t about being fearless but about having the courage to face life’s challenges head-on. So the next time you’re up against something daunting, channel your inner wizard, laugh at your boggart, lean on friends, and focus on the moments of joy that light you up inside.

Remember: happiness can be found even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light.

Wishing you a peaceful and hopeful season, my friends.

Lessons From Harry Potter About Overcoming Fears and Living With More Hope and Joy