Neuroplasticity

What Is Neuroplasticity?

Neuroplasticity, also known as brain plasticity or neural plasticity is the human brain’s ability to change, both physically and functionally, over an individual’s lifetime. This discovery is contrary to the previously held belief that the adult brain remains physiologically fixed or hard-wired once we reach adulthood. While it’s true that the brain is more adaptable during the early years of growing up, brain plasticity exists throughout our life.

Neuroplasticity refers to the process of reorganising the neural pathways in the brain. The human brain has the potential to re-organise and rebuild itself and create new neural pathways. This is exciting news for those affected by brain trauma due to accidents, strokes and disabilities like dementia and also for those who wish to change their customary ways of thinking and transform their lives.

How to Make Neuroplasticity Work for You

To rewire your brain, think of it as paving a new pathway…new roads. Without proper effort, a new road will be weak and degenerate with time. Like in the case of a well-constructed road, with the proper determination and effort, it is possible to create a strong and durable neural pathway. Neural regeneration is only possible if it is combined with proper reinforcement and diligence.

We now know that the human brain changes throughout life. Changes in the body, thoughts, images, sensations, memories, emotions, movement, beliefs, relationships and culture all influence and change the neural pathways in the brain. The concept of Neuroplasticity becomes quite significant should we wish to change our lives. By using neuroplasticIty it is possible to “re-wire” the brain to change our traditional ways of thinking and of viewing life by redirecting information from the neural pathways traditionally used for thought processes, behavioural patterns, and feelings to new neural pathways. Neuroplasticity thus presents the opportunity to alter the automated ways of how we view and perceive life. When you mindfully move your awareness from the old (automated) self and become a conscious observer, you open yourself to change. This awareness empowers you to spot new opportunities, make different choices, demonstrate different behaviours, and experience different feelings. Every time you observe old thoughts but make new choices that lead to a different course of action, you are weakening the old neural pathways and strengthening those that reflect your new beliefs. Moreover, you are changing your brain both functionally and physically. With time, as you continue with this process, the new neural networks become the primary neural networks and the old ones become obsolete. This is when true transformation takes place. Since the neurons that were once used to transport your limiting beliefs no longer fire in harmony,  the most fundamental principle of neuroplasticity: “neurons that fire together wire together” or conversely “neurons that no longer fire together no longer wire together” is accomplished.