- To Change Your Mind - Details Matter
Smart Brains Debunk Brain Myths: Brain Healing Can Happen
Brain Plasiticity: Not a Dream, But Reality
December 3, 2007Psychotherapy Networker: Notes on the March ’08 Meeting
December 9, 2007Brains Grow Too!
“Every man can, if he so desires,
become the sculptor his own brain.”
Santiago Ramon y Cajal, from SmartBrains
Neuroplasticity and Brain Healing
Information regarding neuroplasticity and the process of brain regrowth, brain healing, and healthy brain development is, in a word, immense. With so many great resources out there I thought I would pull a couple more together for your review.
SmartBrains Details
First go over to SmartBrains and take a look at all their neuroplasticity information. Special note: then download this excellent 48 pg piece – 11 leading experts as they debunk 10 Myths regarding the Science on Brain Fitness – the experts clearly agree.
Then linger more at SmartBrains for an excellent neuroplasticity glossary, an excellent brain health resource with deep reading opportunities on many levels from nutrition to exercise.
Books on Neuroplasticity
Then hurry over to pick up your essential copy of The Wisdom Paradox by Elkhonon Goldberg on the brain, the mind and aging. Goldberg is one of the key initial researchers in the field of brain healing, neurogenesis, and neuroplasticity.
Another book by Goldberg is useful for coaches and anyone interested in the prefrontal cortex and executive function: The Executive Brain: Frontal Lobes and the Civilized Mind. Both of these books offer hope for those who feel so stuck with a variety of either psychological or brain/biological issues.
Yes… Holiday time and some new books, all is right with the world.
Fall Passing
Footnote for your imagination: You will have to simply picture this, as I couldn't find a picture that would do this Holiday moment justice:
– Just home from the office,
– dark blue evening sky with a misty moon rising in Virginia Beach,
– at the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay.
– Hearing that high-pitched distant honking sound of migrating snow geese
– I looked up to see two very distant white lines of geese in V formation in the dark blue cool night sky against the stars and the moon rise.
Beautiful and transitory, – we have much to be thankful for.
cp
2 Comments
Mrs V,
No question that any brain can change with a comprehensive approach that includes all levels from exercise, to neurofeedback, to meditation and stress reduction, to the variety of metabolic influences from nutrition and specific supplements that encourage brain healing.
Don’t forget that psych meds used carefully deserve an important place in the treatment plan after a troubled impulsive person is identified.
So how do we track potential impulsive/dangerous behavior in the first place?
-A bit off the subject of this blog, but having worked with adolescents for years I am a strong supporter of universal training of adolescent teams for peer meditation [http://www.mediate.com/countess/pg201.cfm] in the schools, starting training in elementary school, with updates through the rest of secondary education.
As a trained mediator, having seen these kids in action, it will work for the future.
Thanks
Chuck
Dr. Parker,
I would like to refer back to your post on May 7,2007,titled “The Killer Brain.” (an enlightening, although frightening post) In light of events taking place too frequently in the news today, regarding young men on rampages killing so many others, is there evidence that these brains can be changed? Is this part of brain plasticity? What is the first step that you would recommend to put a stop to these events?
Thanks,
Mrs.V