Rewiring the Brain: Mindfulness and Neuroplasticity

The idea of being able to "rewire" our brains is a concept that has been gaining traction in recent years, with the rise of mindfulness practices and growing awareness of neuroplasticity.

Mindfulness, which involves paying attention to one's thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations in the present moment, has been linked to long-term changes in brain structure.

Neuroplasticity is the ability of the brain to form new neural pathways within the brain, allowing it to support human flourishing.

The benefits multiply when these two forces combine in therapy.

Exploring Neuroplasticity - The Power of Mindfulness

Give yourself the power to live a happier, more productive life with mindfulness. Learn how neuroplasticity can help you change your brain and reap the benefits of mindfulness incorporated into your psychotherapy.

Mindfulness is a powerful tool that positively impacts both physical and mental health.

Our brains can become more resilient, flexible, and efficient with regular practice. Examples of this include improved concentration, enhanced memory, and increased well-being.

Resilience vs. Vulnerability to Stress

Why are some more resilient and some with increased vulnerability to stress?

Adverse childhood experiences are a critical factor in our vulnerability to stress. Additionally, challenges in our western culture magnify our vulnerabilities.

Our society has high rates of distractibility. Paradoxically, often related to attempts to connect through technology. Despite connections through social media, high rates of loneliness remain.

Combined with this are negative beliefs about ourselves and depression, associated with rising suicide rates. Studies also show that many have a loss of meaning and purpose, which affects health and longevity.

Fortunately, you can counter these challenges, rewire your brain and increase resilience. You can raise your awareness. Activities can include mindfulness practices, healthy connections, and discovering your sense of meaning and purpose.

Harnessing the Power of Mindfulness with Neuroplasticity

The brain has a remarkable capacity for change. Neuroscience has demonstrated that the way we think, feel, and act is not fixed but constantly changing in response to our environment and experiences.

Dan Siegel, MD, a leader in the field of neuroscience, has proposed that through increased awareness of our thoughts, emotions, and sensations, we can observe how our brain changes. The amygdala – a part of the brain responsible for detecting danger and creating fear – can be particularly affected.

Observing and understanding our thoughts and feelings can change how we react to stressors and even rewire our brains to respond differently over time. In this way, by actively engaging with our mental states, we can create lasting changes in the brain and thus gain more control over our lives.

Finding Neuroplasticity Through Mindfulness Therapy

Finding balance through mindfulness and neuroplasticity can help us to re-create our relationships with ourselves and the world around us. Mindfulness helps us to stay present, allowing us to be aware of our thoughts and feelings without judgment or reaction. Through this practice, we can decrease our stress, anxiety, depression, and overall stress levels.

Mindfulness therapy can help increase your emotional resilience and navigate difficult times more easily.

Difficult childhood experiences often need to be sorted out and healed to experience greater ability for presence. We also need to find a helpful attitude toward the shared collective pain in our world.

Mindfulness and neuroplasticity can help us find balance and become better equipped to face life's challenges.

How You Can Increase Mindfulness and Neuroplasticity

Slow down

Experiment with going slower. Set aside time when you intentionally don't multi-task. Or, create a practice of taking a few deep breaths every time you get in your car or transition from one thing to another. Set the intention to give yourself more space and see what ideas surface for you.

Present moment awareness

Become curious about what it's like to not go to the past or future. What is happening 'here and now'? Get to know your breath, body, thoughts, and emotions in the present. Feel your feet on the ground. Look around without judgment and observe your environment, noticing where your attention goes. Yoga and other embodied practices can be helpful.

Self-compassion

Nurture kindness toward yourself in your thoughts and actions. Connect with the voice of your higher self that is friendly, accepting, and compassionate, and offer it to your own struggles. Try a Loving Kindness meditation: 'May I be free of suffering, may I be happy, may I know peace.'

Social connections

Identify friends, family, and neighbors with whom you feel warm and safe. Gravitate toward people with whom you feel the best in yourself comes forward. Seek them in yoga classes, churches, meditation groups, and your community.

Find meaning and purpose

Listen to yourself. What sparks your interest? What makes your heart sing? When do you experience a feeling of being alive? What gives you a sense of being connected to a bigger picture? What allows you to contribute and be of service to humanity? How might you nurture your spiritual longing? Be curious about yourself and what gives you a sense of purpose and meaning.

Mindfulness therapy

Mindfulness Therapy can accelerate your experience of transformation. Co-regulation with an attuned person who supports your growth and healing enhances your brain's ability to change. (see blog on co-regulation). Sorting out childhood and relationship issues creates an enormous shift in our sense of well-being and peace.

Take the Next Step

Reach out today to explore mindfulness therapy and its ability to support your neuroplasticity and positive life changes.