innovate big

new year, new brain

January 3, 2008 – 12:59 pm

(picture of my brain; bored and anxious in an fMRI machine run by a graduate student researcher)

For as long as I can remember (no joke), I have been fascinated by people, consciousness and the brain. Why do people do the things they do and the critical role our brains play in making these experiences all possible. So, not surprising to those who know me well, I went on to study Cognitive Science. The decision scratched a personal itch but like many other things it has proven to be practical too.

One of the many fascinating facts about your brain is that it is extremely “plastic”. This neuro-plasticity has nothing to do with the human brain’s jello-like consistency and everything to do with how our brains learn and behave. I am proud of my plastic brain and you should be proud of yours too. Size may matter for some things but number of connections matter a whole lot more when it comes to all things brain-related. Train your brain as much as possible in order to take advantage of this unique property of the brain.

This means your brain can adapt and grow (not exactly literal) on-demand. Babies brains for example, can recover from significant physical trauma through re-wiring by way of this kind of neuro-plasticity. Children who are born with a physical disability like blindness are often more capable than average in their hearing or other senses because of this re-wiring. Ahhhw, the amazing brain…

Recent findings from scientific research sponsored in part by the Mind and Life Institute and Santa Barbara Institute of Consciousness Studies has found that your thoughts can physically re-wire your brain too. This isn’t the “think happy thoughts” kind of research. The team of scientists are rigorously exploring the effects of meditation on the brain to alleviate ADHD, depression and other conditions. Check out their year in review for 2007.

Here are 3 ways I will train my brain in 2008:
1. Read about and practice things I know nothing about and have little current interest in - one good way I have found of breaking out of my current thinking is to explore them from a totally different perspective. Art and design is another arena I have not yet had an opportunity to explore further. This technique is also a great way to innovate.
2. Meditate - alone time with my thoughts is a scary and difficult task, more so even than strenuous physical activity. But with a week-long retreat planned this upcoming year, I hope to make meditation a regular part of my day.
3. Listen to new genres of music - the current theme songs playing in my mind are getting old, any suggestions?

Happy new year.