Advancements
in brain science documents amazing new findings. Our brains are plastic; meaning they can be
reformed both with positive and negative results. For example while walking looking at the
ground results in negative neural plasticity since this unskillful act
increases our senses of imbalance and increase our chances to fall. Our mind is like is like a dirt path where
we create grooves into it and deepen them as we use it more.
For example physical
exercise and other activities can strengthen our neuro networks. Specific forms of exercises can improve the
neuron gain and synaptic connection thus strengthening cognitive function where
the brain was once damaged or unused. Challenging
activities creating positive plasticity increases our brain fitness. Intensive therapy has proven to correct
traumatic neural damage. Key is being
motivated to more fully use our mind instead of lose mental ability due to lack
of use.
Neural
plasticity provides us the possibility to teach ourselves to change certain
mental activities. Thinking about our thoughts differently can shed our burdens
and problems.
Mindful
attention can refine our thinking and behavior.
Working on our attention thus changing what we are regulating and what
we are paying exact attention on. A
conscious perception can make or heighten our attention to what thing we are
focused on. Intensive training or
intentional control can help our brains to prosper.
Just as we re-refine our golf or tennis swing
so can we modify our mind. As we greater
explore our neuro-modulators refine increasing our sense of wellbeing. Also brain fitness stimulates our natural
chemistry improving our wellbeing.
Keeping our minds to function better has been show to enhance a brighter
more cheerful life.
Our ability
to affect change is our belief to leave our comfort zones. We become users instead acquiring ability or
new skills. As we venture into new
fields or new task or challenging ourselves in focus into new ways.
The Brain Fitness Program (http://www.sharpbrains.com/blog/2007/12/02/brain-fitness-program-and-neuroplasticity-pbs/) cites there are seven keys for us
to mentally advance;
Tenet 1-
Change can only occur when we are in the mood.
If I am alert on the ball and the chemicals of the brain become released
become on.
Tenet 2-
Change happens when I can increase my brain activity.
Tenet
3- When my brain fires together the
mental activity becomes wired or stays together. We become more integrated. Use it or lose it.
Tenet 4-
Initial changes are just temporary. If
it really engages us or has significant meaning then we never forget it.
Tenet 5-
Brain plasticity is a two way street with both positive and negative results. Chronic pain syndrome or developing bad
habits we have the ability to rewire our brain.
Tenet 6-
Memory is crucial for models. Brain has a magical way of self-correcting.
Tenet 7-
Motivation is a key factor in brain plasticity. What do we fear or hate to motivate us or
what we love and cherish?
New skill
acquisition and refined learning activity creates this new plasticity. When the
brain becomes newly engaged and awakens by new, refreshed, changed activity. Also heart and cardio exercise stimulates new
brain cells and increased wellbeing.
Mental training needs to be taxing and difficult to do. Also it must be interesting.
Playing a piano,
chess, bridge, and a variety of mental challenges including meditation
stimulates this new growth. As we are
motivate to being a better person, both our life and mental become more full. Mental fitness requires enthusiasm to venture
out and find new interests and become more engaged with our environment. This new spark creates more joy since as we
infuse spirit stimulating increased body and mind activity. Bottom-line, use it or lose it depending how
we exercise and how we train to become more mindful.
