THE GRADUATE
Remember this movie? Back then the word was “plastics.” Yes Mr. McGuire there is a great future in plasticity. Specifically neuroplasticity -- for we now know that our brains are plastic; moldable and pliable. They can change and actually rewire themselves. And what causes these amazing biological events to occur? What we think about and what we pay attention to.
Remember when the medical profession finally started embracing the fact that nutrition and diet played a major role in our health? With that acknowledgement came the expression, “you are what you eat.” Remember? Although it is definitely true, it is not the whole story. Because -- before we eat -- we think -- and consciously or unconsciously we then choose or decide what to eat. Eating is what we do following some sort of thought process. Therefore, we really are what we think and then what we do -- eat.
These fundamental elements then; thinking and doing become our first steps -- in constantly defining who we are. I say constantly because we never stop thinking and doing and consequently never stop evolving – be that good or bad. Every time we think a thought and make a choice -- an intricate and elaborate neuronal dance occurs in our brains. How much attention, how much neural real estate we devote to this thought, how pervasive it becomes in our lives then determines how much attention our brains and bodies will assign to it; turning on chemical switches that affect our muscles and organs, remapping and strengthening neural pathways in our heads and giving birth and growth to new nerve cells. This phenomenon is called neuroplasticity and it is redefining brain science as we know it.
Our brains are not hard wired from birth. Aging does not have to mean we just sit idly by and observe decline as it ravages our mind and body. Our brains are plastic and we are not without choices. It starts with a thought and then an awareness of what it is we are thinking about can occur. Hopefully awareness grows into forethought and perhaps even a proclivity to certain actions can occur in our heads BEFORE they actually occur in our lives. In this way we afford ourselves the opportunity to more proactively versus reactively manage our personal circumstances. In reference to our brains this phenomenon is called self directed neuroplasticity and its power is awesome.
For me neuroplasticity goes way beyond just our brain -- it has become a way of life. Want to feel better? Be a better person. It's frightfully simple. Take some time to reflect, to slow down and to be aware. Aware of who you want to be. Then do things that compliment this principle and not things that don't. This simple awareness will effect the quality of your decisions -- which will affect the quality of your life -- which also affects you physically. I am no shining example of this philosophy, most often I fail miserably, however, I try to remain true -- true to myself and to my spirit. Just being aware has had a big impact on my life.
Brain Sense
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Plasticity, Awareness & Choice
Brain Sense
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