Did You Know Your Brain Is Plastic? Not THAT Kind of Plastic!
Though the way things are going…
Did you know your brain is plastic? Not that kind of plastic! (Though the way things are going…) Neuroscientists have proven that our brains are always changing. They are, in effect, plastic until the day we die. “Neuroplasticity” encompasses not just function, but the very structure of our B spot. (What? You don’t know about the B spot?)
Our brains — along with the rest of us — are literally shaped by our external environment, internal states, thoughts, and emotions. Turns out, mind-body-spirit isn’t just a hashtag. Our brains truly are embodied!
And yet, this story long predated neuroplasticians. It has simply acquired new details and new names. At least as far back as the 5th century B.C.E., Taoist philosophers already had our plasticity figured out.
Like today’s neuroplasticians, these ancient Chinese visionaries saw beyond rigid constructs and dated paradigms. They recognized continual, cyclical change as the Way, or Tao, of the Universe and ourselves.
Know what this means for you, Human? (It’s really cool.)
For all the elusiveness of Taoist philosophy and the complexities of the neuroplastic paradigm, both embrace meaningful, accessible application.
By being conscious of the brain’s plasticity, we get an enriched understanding of our own potential.
This includes our potential and capacity for habit shifts and mental-emotional re-patterning. It means we really can change in a sustained way.
This holds true not only in relation to ancient Taoist principles, but also cutting-edge discoveries in neuroplasticity and epigenetics. Alone, each offers strong support for health and healing. Together, they are all the more powerful. Alchemical, even.
Start here.
I plan on writing lots more on this topic in the coming months. As a Chinese Medicine doctor and person in recovery who keeps a copy of the Tao Te Ching close at hand, it’s near and dear to my professional, personal, and spiritual practice.
There’s so much to say! Meanwhile, I’ll leave you with some more good news plus a few simple ideas to ponder in that plastic, embodied brain of yours.
First, the science-y bits.
Continuous emergence of a plastic brain and body-mind involves altering what is present and bringing what is not present into being.
This applies even to neurons — long believed incapable of regeneration. Studies have shown that new neurons are being generated constantly in certain brain areas, discrediting the myth that “we are born with all the neurons we will ever have and that it’s all downhill from there” (Begley, 72).
These new neurons are active and functional: “They migrate to structures where they weave themselves into existing brain circuitry and perhaps form the basis of new circuitry” (Begley, 65).
Regardless of a person’s age, increased neurogenesis translates to improved functional performance.
But wait — here’s what that means for you!
Within the context of the neuroplasticity paradigm, researchers are investigating ways to boost neurogenesis (literally: “neuron generation”) and influence brain maps.
They have identified key supports to optimize the brain’s capacity to regenerate, rewire itself, and change body-mind patterns:
- Paying close attention
- Embracing novelty
- Engaging in physical exercise
- Existing within an enriched environment
Still with me? What on that list is lacking for you? Start there.
I’ll break down each of these in a coming article with more details and practical tips. Meanwhile…
- Are you paying close attention? (Or, um, multi-tasking and jumping channels or tabs?)
- Are you trying out new experiences or ways of doing things? (Or doing the same old thing on repeat, even when you don’t love the outcome?)
- Are you moving your body? (Or even your breath!)
- Are you consuming content that makes you feel curious and alive? (Online and in person!)
Don’t feel like you need to change everything at once. Neuroplasticity is a process that unfolds slowly, over time, with repetition and consistency.
Do know that your brain and body have far more potential — and potential for change — than you probably ever imagined.
This is good news! Play with it a while and see what happens!
For more on Neuroplasticity and Taoism, stay tuned and follow me here.
Notes: Begley, Sharon. Train Your Mind, Change Your Brain: How a New Science Reveals Our Extraordinary Potential to Transform Ourselves. Foreword by the Dalai Lama. New York: Ballantine Books, 2007.
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