Changing Your Brain with Mind Fitness

Unveiling the Dynamic World of Neuroplasticity

Your brain is made up of billions of interconnecting neural fibers. The places where these fibers connect are called "synapses." At each synapse, the electrical impulse generated by the thought has to jump from one piece of neural fiber to the next. This "synaptic knob," once started, grows, and the next time you think that same thought, it is easier for the neural impulse to make that same jump again. The fantastic thing is that each time you think, there is a slight modification in that particular synapse, and your brain's physical structure changes. It's like a small bridge that grows from one neural pathway to another. 

Imaging techniques show that the brain is continually modifying itself. 

When patterns are repeated, the neural pathways form longer bridges to make the jump easier and more accessible. That is very freeing and hopeful, as it means we can always change and grow. It is like dripping wet sand out of your hand as you build sand castles, layer upon layer. That’s how you learn to do things "automatically." The first time you play a piano piece, your movements may be hesitant and halting, but after repeated practice, you can play it "without thinking." In the same way, if you hit a tennis ball, throw a pizza crust in the air, or speak a foreign language, the ability becomes "automatic" over the years. This is what is called in physical exercise Muscle Memory. It allows us increasingly to perform skills with greater ease, and to relearn skills. Similar to physical exercise, and routine practice, this is how you are changing your brain with Mind Fitness.

This understanding of the brain’s ability to re-route, re-connect, and even re-sprout itself has aptly been named neuroplasticity—the malleable shaping of the brain, allowing for signal and synaptic alterations. Neuroplasticity defines the ability of the brain to change, form, and re-organize synaptic connections in response to new learning and experience. The nervous system can change in response to intrinsic or extrinsic stimuli by reorganizing its structure, function, and connections even after an injury or an adverse experience. This concept is revolutionizing scientific and educational thinking about what is possible. 

Neuroplasticity means we can learn new things because

our brain can create new neural pathways. 

All good wishes,

Joy