Neuroplasticity

Today I learnt a new word "neuroplasticity" from listening to podcast.

The nerve cells in our brain or neurons are interconnected. Neuroplasticity refers to the ability of the neurons to add or remove connections in response to new information and experiences.

The programme was an interview with Dr. Rick Hanson, a neuropyschologist. The basic takeaway are:

1)As the mind changes, the brain changes.
2)As the brain changes, the mind changes.
3)Hence we can change the mind to change the brain which then change the mind.

1) As the mind changes, the brain changes. This refers to information and experiences that sculpt the brain. For example experiments have found that regular meditation could thicken the cortical layer of the brain in parts of the brains which are important for cognitive and emotional processing and well-being.

2) As the brain changes, the mind changes. As an example, it is believed when the insula in a person's brains is thicker, the person has bigger capacity for empathic responses. The reverse is also true in widely known changes to the mood and perception of patients suffering from partial brain damage.

3) It then follows that one can use one's mind skilfully to change the brain which can then change the mind for the better. "Neurons fire together wire together"- repeated patterns leave lasting residuals. Hence if one allows one's mind to dwell on certain themes repeatedly, the brain structure that results will cause the mind to rest on these themes. Hence it makes sense for one to dwell on the good things and train oneself to be grateful for the well being of the mind.

That is probably the foundation upon which many approaches of psychotherapy are based, . These include strength based therapy, solution focused therapy and positive psychology.