Land of Oz Workshops Blog: Scientist and brain research specialist Michael Me...

Land of Oz Workshops Blog: Scientist and brain research specialist Michael Me...: Scientist and brain research specialist Michael Merzenich believes that everything you see happens in a young brain can happen in an older...

Scientist and brain research specialist Michael Merzenich believes that everything you see happens in a young brain can happen in an older brain. They key word here is ‘believes.’ Belief is a powerful force and because of the power of your belief that good things will happen and that dynamic change will occur, you have the opportunity to radically alter your life no matter what your current circumstances may be.

We now know that brain enhancing programs work. Studies from around the world are showing us the importance of word games, memory exercises, computer games, reading interesting books on topics you’ve never read before, studying a foreign language, and changing your routine by doing new things. These all stimulate brain activity and create new neural pathways that rewire the brain.

“Brain exercises are life- transforming,” writes physician and brain researcher Norman Doidge in his marvelous book, The Brain That Changes Itself. He continues, “When we say that neurons ‘rewire’ themselves, we mean that alterations occur at the synapse, strengthening and increasing, or weakening and decreasing the number of connections between the neurons.”

Obviously when I speak of rewiring the brain, the goal is to increase neural expansion and to strengthen the functioning ability of the brain as we get older. We successfully do this by our desire for health and wellness; our willingness to try new things; our belief that dynamic change can occur and our expectation that we have the power to make it happen. But we don’t want to forget to enjoy ourselves and have fun in the process.

Robert Hill PhD, author of Positive Aging believes that one of the most important things we can do as we age is to find meaning in life. “The question is no longer how long will I live? The question now is, if I am going to live such a long time, how can I be happy in the process?”

Finding purpose and meaning are of tremendous importance at all phases of life but seem to be take center stage once we reach our 60’s. Finding meaning in life is a personal thing and can be perceived in a variety of ways. What brings meaning to me may be entirely different from what brings meaning to someone else. We must do some soul searching when it comes to creating meaning in life and perhaps begin with some reflective questions:

What are the things I do and can do each day that help me feel fulfilled physically, psychologically, and spiritually?

What do I love? (make a list of at least 25 things)

What images and activities bring a smile to my face?

What are the things I can do to bring a smile to the face of others?

What do I want in my life as I get older?

What do I value most about life?

For what am I most grateful?

If I didn’t care about what others think or say, what would I do?

John A. Tamiazzo, PhD