Revolutionary Finding - The Brain Can Change Itself

Yesterday (Friday, November 19th, 2010), I had the great privilege of attending Norman Doidge MD's seminar based on the revolutionary concept of Neuroplasticity as outlined in his book, "The Brain That Changes Itself."

That our brain can change its structure and function is so revolutionary because up until now science and society have been approaching our mind—and, consequently, us as human beings—as something rigid and inelastic. However, the idea that "this is the way we are, for life" is incorrect. Rather, we are constantly adapting and growing, and every stimulus we receive changes the way our brain functions on both a conscious and unconscious level. And it is now through brain scanning and dissection that we know this to be true.

We now know that we can "teach an old dog new tricks", and relatively easily, if we approach the old dog the right way. Adaptation is therefore dependent upon the way we are taught, what we are taught, and how we are socialized, and through the proper methods and stimulations, we can restructure the way our brain is hard-wired and subsequently our emotional or behavioural reactions. How can we use this concept to positively influence our lives?

What is Neuroplasticity?

There are two ways our Brain changes itself: naturally, in our everyday lives, or through the intentional stimulation to change.

Neuroplasticity, the natural way: the way the brain changes its structure and function through our mental experiences (everyday interactions with people, things we encounter on the TV and internet, what we feel, and how we're brought up)

Neuroplasticity, the applied way: the way the brain changes change its structure and function in response to specific "scientific" stimulation - like electric or magnetic rods that ignite the circuits that process our natural mental experiences, (i.e. science can re-wire our brain).

What are the benefits of recognizing that the Brain is Plastic?  We can "teach an old dog new tricks."

This knowledge is revolutionizing our approach to what we thought were learning disorders, and many forms of psychological disorders as we can know attempt to determine the components of the brain that need to be tweaked or re-trained. And, for those with disorders or who have experienced trauma, Neuroplasticity provides hope that one can heal and adapt.

The Present

In recognizing the value in introspection, reflection, and the exercise of the mind, we are beginning to pave the way for an educated society that moves beyond the idea of intellect to one which is likewise emphasizes balance and the harmony of emotions. The concept of learning disorders can be eliminated, and we can begin treating psychological disorders in a manner beyond pharmaceuticals, through an approach that targets the issue from the roots and heals the Brain.

The Future

It is important that we begin to construct environments that are best-suited to the enhancement of the mind's structure and function, and work towards a society that lives in a peaceful, happy, and motivated state by balancing our Intellectual and emotional competencies.

Meditation

It turns out that the ego, motivation, and love are critical factors in achieving the benefits of brain plasticity. One of the most powerful techniques to attain this state lies in meditation.

For instance, feelings of inferiority or superiority which are rooted in the ego can be successfully challenged through and individual's receptivity and willingness to open up to the experience. Conversely, change may be limited by thoughts that are limiting themselves—"this will never work for me" or "this is childish and a foolish exercise." 

Motivation, therefore, is likewise so significant because it is through dedication and the willingness to implement change that one will reach a positive frame of mind and emotion.

Finally, love is one of the most powerful emotions to flood our body. In a state of love, the malleability of the brain is heightened. With the release of love's endorphins, one can enter a state of relaxation of both mind and body that facilitates and encourages adaptation.

Meditation is a practice that can align these three factors.  Through meditation, one can bring the ego into balance (neither in a state of superiority or inferiority), develop motivation by bringing you into the moment (releasing yourself from thoughts of future failure or past pain), and encouraging a state of compassion and loving-kindness through a deep sense of connectedness to everything and everyone around you (by tuning into the subtleties of yourself).

Norman Doidge showed a film which focused on the benefits of Mindfulness Meditation in eliminating Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, a state of being in which one is consumed by specific thoughts. Both the film and Dr.Doidge pointed to the value of Meditation in setting the path for the evolution of Brain:

1. Observe & Step Back
2. Apply/Attribute the fear or limitation you have, to what you know is actually happening in your mind/brain physically and consciously.
3. Focus on something else wholesome, realizing your minds worthless distractions.

It was a very simple technique of relaxed awareness, but incredibly successful. Consider meditation as a strategy of "Self-Directed Neuroplasticity" in which you can uproot the issue or issues that are holding you back by bringing it into conscious awareness in a relaxed state.  It is there that you will begin to re-wire your Brain to understand that everything will be resolved.  With this knowledge, that we are essentially the same and that every mind is plastic, we can further our awareness of being part of a global community.

Michael Apollo is a Certified Master of Meditation & Certified Yoga Teacher. As the Founder of Meditation for the Modern Mind (www.modernmeditation.ca), his passion lies in sharing therapeutic insight to modern challenges. Visit Michael's blog at (www.balancingthemind.com).

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