We’re gradually understanding that the adult brain is capable of physical change and rewiring in response to stimuli
There are two widely accepted ways to physically “rewire” the brain’s associations and emotional responses: mindful meditation, and cognitive behavioral therapy.
It’s no surprise that the brain can change based on our experiences. After all, studies show that learning new skills such as how to do yoga poses or speak another language can cause the brain to grow in new ways.
Neuroplasticity is the mind’s ability to change the brain. Neuroplasticity radically reverses ages of scientific dogma which held that the brain was much like an extraordinary machine that was capable of astonishing things yet incapable of growth and change.
World-renowned Neuroscientist Richie Davidson, Founder of the Center for Healthy Minds, suggests through his research three things with respect to neuroplasticity and well-being:
1) you can train your brain to change,
2) that the change is measurable, and
3) new ways of thinking can change it for the better.
He goes on to say, “We can intentionally shape the direction of plasticity changes in our brain. By focusing on wholesome thoughts and directing our intentions in those ways, we can potentially influence the plasticity of our brains and shape them in ways that can be beneficial. That leads us to the inevitable conclusion that qualities like warm-heartedness and well-being should best be regarded as skills.”
Extensive studies by neuroscientists confirm that our mental activity does alter the physical structure of our brain matter. When you change your mind, you change your brain.
This brain transformation isn’t only affected by what we do—it can also come about due to how we think and feel. We have different pathways that can facilitate different behaviors. Being mindful of our thoughts is a good beginning.
Buddha was asked. “What have you gained from meditation?” He replied, “Nothing! However, Buddha said, let me tell you what I have lost: Anger, anxiety, depression, insecurity, fear of old age and death
A way to achieve a more positive outlook is through meditation. People who meditate regularly, like Buddhist monks, have different neural structures. They have brain regions that can process much higher levels of compassion and awareness With meditation, your brain is effectively being rewired: As your feelings and thoughts morph toward a more pleasant outlook your brain is also transforming, making this way of thought more of a default.
As a Mindfulness Coach, Greg Klym shows you how Awareness is the Way!
Greg will work with you in a one on one consultation or in a group setting. Corporations are hiring Greg to teach the importance of Mindfulness and Meditation in the work place. He is also available for Speaking engagements.
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“What the research into both neuroplasticity and mindfulness meditation shows is that we have the potential for a much greater degree of control of our brains and how our ‘wiring’ affects our daily mindsets than was previously thought. It can take time to allow the changes from areas such as mindfulness meditation to really take effect, and this fits in with the viewpoint that many changes will depend on both repetition and the strength of the firing of neurons together.”