A New Year – A New Brain

• Joy
• neurons
• neuroscience
• volition

It seems fitting that on today, January 1, 2011 or 1/1/11, my hope is that the world will learn to live at 1…one person at a time.  Truly, a world at 1.

So today the neuroscience principle that I wish to share is that of the effects of volition.  Changing the brain is more efficient and effective if it is desired.  Making the resolution, makes a difference.
 
Last week, the blog focused on the key research studies that showed that enriched environments for mice lead to greater brain growth and development.  This supports the lifestyle components of EBT.  In follow-up mice studies published in 1999, Gage provided further information about what specifically within the enriched environments made a difference.  At first, it appeared that exercise was what caused neurogenesis, however, this neurogenesis was not seen in animals forced to exercise.
 
Mice who had the option of exercise, via using a running wheel had neurogenesis whereas mice who were forced to exercise (by being dropped in water and forced to swim) did not.  New cell growth appeared only in animals who chose to exercise voluntarily.  In addition, the new growth requires an enriched environment to survive. Click here to be taken to this article.
 
Therefore, as a new year is beginning, I challenge you to reflect on your desire to do the work of EBT.  Where are you finding the motivation to do this work?  The research shows that having purpose, attention and will while doing the work will make the changes in the brain. And supporting yourself along the journey will make the changes last. 
 
You can live at brain state 1, a place filled with internal rewards and joy.  And from there, you can change the world so that 2011 is the best year yet.