This week at Trent University I got to see a 3D printed model of the human brain based on MRI data. As Humanistic Jews we don’t talk much about awe but if there is anything to feel awe-inspired about it’s the fact that we are controlled by this body part that is part computer, part map, part meat, and handles everything from our intellect to our emotions to our body movements. It’s quite astonishing. Lately I have been delving into research about our brain and how we can intentionally change it. Not only can we “change our minds” about things, we can literally rewire/mould the shape of the brain in a physical way. This happens in a few ways:
1) We can learn. When we learn something new, we create new synapses that leave a physical imprint on the brain. Synapses connect to each other (like when we make connections between new learning and stuff we knew previously).
2) We can build parts of the brain that may be underdeveloped. Just like we can build muscle mass by exercising certain body parts, we can change the shape of our brains by doing cognitive and emotional work that stimulates areas of the brain we may not tap into most often. If you are someone who is quick to anger, jealousy, or fear, you might have an overstimulated limbic part of the brain. But there are other parts of the brain that control those emotions and offer comfort. When we practice mindfulness, compassion (including self-compassion), and conscious breathing, we actually change the shape of the brain, increasing the areas that provide calm.
3) We can better forge a connection between brain and body. There is one part of the brain that actually stores something like a map of our whole body, knowing (usually unconsciously) what’s going on everywhere inside us. When we ask ourselves “How am I feeling?” or “What does my body need right now?” or “Where in my body am I feeling this emotion?”, we can forge a better pathway between brain and body. We can do this in other ways too. If you are exercising mindlessly you won’t get the same result as if you concentrate on the area you’re working consciously. We can practice making a better brain/body connection.
I am pretty new into this research but it is really working for me. As I get over my resistance to things like meditation, stillness, and mindfulness (I, like many of you, like to be busy!), I find I am more calm, feel more balanced, and can be even more productive! As I get older (I just turned 40!) I want to make sure I am keeping both my brain and body healthy. Let’s celebrate our big, beautiful, brilliant brains!
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