Posts Tagged ‘neuroplasticity’

So, what does brain plasticity really mean? And, why is this an important, intriguing concept?

My clients ask me all the time what does plastic or plasticity mean when referring to the brain. Is my brain plastic? No. Of course not.

Plasticity or neuroplasticity is the lifelong ability of the brain to reorganize neural pathways based on new experience. So, as we learn and acquire new knowledge and skill, there is actual change in the brain that represents the new knowledge. This ability of the brain to change with learning is what neuroplasticity refers to.

Now, embrace this fascinating concept. In the past it was believed that as we aged, our brain’s networks became fixed. In the past couple of decades, however, an enormous amount of research has revealed that the brain never stops changing or adjusting.

You might say “all we are is changing.” What a concept! – one that brings us back to how important it is to truly be aware of what you are paying attention to or focusing on as much as possible. If you are fixated on anger or fear, your brain will stay in that mode.

Neurons that fire together, wire together. Neurons that fire apart, wire apart. So if you are stuck on fearful thoughts, guess what are you actually wiring together in your brain. If you are constantly thinking fearfully, your brain will most likely be stuck in that negative space.

Now, consider this. The longest time a strong urge or emotion can coast biochemically is a mere 90 seconds. For such emotions to last longer in your brain and body, you’ve got to keep fueling that fire with constant, negative internal chatter.

Your nervous system has to be reminded to keep firing the same circuitry over and over again. In order for emotions and thoughts to persist, your system has to be re-engaged either through internal stimulation (conjuring up images and pictures in your mind, engaging in self talk) or external stimulation that serve as triggers and anchors from the environment around us (seeing a particular person or place). And, the stronger the feeling you have, the greater the number of circuits are simultaneously activated.

This can be good news to the degree that you are focused on creating good feelings with strong, positive thought patterns. So, don’t focus on the negative: when you think positively, you positively change your brain for the better.

My March 23 post introduced the quantum Zeno effect—a quantum phenomena first demonstrated by George Sudarshan at University of Texas in 1977. The study found that the longer something is observed (in this case, decaying atoms), the longer it takes to change. In 2005, Stapp and Schwartz applied the quantum Zeno effect to mental experience.

I didn’t understand the “watched pot never boils” theory until the recent studies about the brain’s neuroplasticity emerged. We can now see neurons in the brain, how they move and act, and how the brain changes and grows. It’s very exciting, to say the least.

But what does this have to do with managing stress to create a healthy, balanced life? When I work with people plagued by anxiety or depression— or any negative state of mind, for that matter—I know that these individuals have developed a super highway, if you will, of neurons that have been the focus of attention time and time again. That attention creates bigger neurons, stronger routes, and resilient links. It becomes familiar and easy to focus on.

Huh?

If you are anxious or having a panic attack, your brain creates huge “trees” of neurons that grow with the attention you give them. That is, the more you pay attention to the negative, the more negative brain cells you are growing.

When I engage in trainings and individual coaching sessions, I am always listening to what people are truly focused on in an attempt to determine where their attention is. Most of us don’t have this awareness, at least initially, so it’s important and helpful to be present and listen to what’s really going on. What we are paying attention to (and feeding) is critical. What you pay attention to gets bigger, stronger, faster in your brain.

To shift this negative balance, paying attention the the positive shouldn’t be a challenge, but for many, it is. Because those neural pathways become deep rooted in our brains, it is even more difficult to change and influence away from the pattern. Paying attention to happy or positive thoughts (something spiritual, maybe situated in nature, a past positive experience or emotion) can make significant changes for the better in your brain. Your brain grows cells in the prefrontal cortex area which can support the positive.

Try this simple exercise to reinforce the positive and change your brain. Ask yourself: What actions would I take that would cause me to be happy happy (or, motivated, cheerful, calm, grateful)?

Focusing on such positive thoughts is good brain food. What you pay attention to gets bigger and stronger. Why not make it positive rather than staying rooted in the negative? Remember that the unconscious mind loves repetition. Continually focusing on what you want out of life will help you get there, positively! Go on—change your brain.