Confessions of a Recovering Perfectionist - Part 18

Neuroplasticity is the ability of the brain to rewire itself based on our thoughts and the choices we make.  “Neuro” = brains.  “Plastic” = changeable.  

In years past, it was believed that the brain grew from childhood as we learned new things, but that eventually as adults, the brain stopped growing, and we couldn’t do much to change that.  Hence, the saying, “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.”  However, now we know that the brain is continually changing and rewiring everyday, according to what we think and do.  We are always creating and strengthening neural pathways.  Whenever I spend time thinking about new things or working on a new skill, I get better at it.  If I practice the piano daily, that ability will improve.  If I take the time to exercise, not only will my body get healthier, but so will my mind.  If I spend time worrying, those neural pathways will be reinforced and I’ll get really good at worrying.

Here’s a personal example:  When I drive to work everyday, I typically take the same route.  I’ve done it enough times, that I can now drive there almost without thinking.  If I drive out of my driveway and then go on autopilot, I’ll eventually wind up in the parking lot at work.  I’ve strengthened the “drive to work” neural pathway in my brain so that it takes precedence over other pathways.  If I want to go to the grocery store instead, I have to consciously keep that destination in mind.  Otherwise I’ll end up in the parking lot at work.

But recently, the city of Rexburg has been putting in a new storm drain line, so they’re tearing up the road on a main route I’ve taken for years.  Now there are detour signs to guide drivers on other ways to get through town.  So I’ve been taking a new route for about the past five weeks.  

Initially, it was a bit surprising when I’d get to the “road closed” sign, and every day and I’d grumble about having to change my routine.  But now I’ve noticed that the detour route is becoming the new autopilot.  And it’s becoming comfortable.  (At least I’ve stopped grumbling about it.)

Here’s another example:  For the past few years I’ve used the same password when I login to my account at BYU-Idaho.  We are encouraged to change our passwords regularly, so I recently did.  But my fingers still want to follow the pattern of the old password.  It has taken me a few weeks to develop the new habit.  And even now, if I’m on autopilot, I’ll put in the old one and get the error message.  

So it’s just like developing any new habit—it takes a little time for the brain to rewire itself to the new pattern.  

Switch on Your Brain

I recently bought and began reading “Switch on Your Brain” by Dr. Caroline Leaf, a communication pathologist and audiologist who has worked in the area of cognitive neuroscience for many years.  Supported by current scientific and medical research, Dr. Leaf explains how by changing my thinking patterns, I can achieve better health and wholeness. I’m impressed with the lengths she goes to in order to back up her ideas.  It’s also biblically based, so she brings in scripture to add credence to her claims:  

Chapter 1 Summary

1. The debate in science is centered on the question of: 1) is the mind defined by what the brain does, or 2) does the brain do the bidding of the mind?
2. The correct view is that the mind is designed to control the body, of which the brain is a part, not the other way around.
3. Our brain does not control us; we control our brain through our thinking and choosing.
4. We can control our reactions to anything.
5. Choices are real. You are free to make choices about how you focus your attention, and this affects how the chemicals, proteins, and wiring of your brain change and function.
6. Research shows that DNA actually changes shape in response to our thoughts.
7. Stress stage one is normal. Stress stages two and three, on the other hand, are our mind and body’s response to toxic thinking­—basically, normal stress gone wrong.
8. Reaction is the key word here. You cannot control the events or circumstances of your life, but you can control your reactions.

This has great implications for those of us who have spent years repeating old mental scripts or statements:  I’m not good enough.  I’ll never get it right.  I’m not valuable.  I’m not worthy of love.  Because my brain is malleable, I can change the way I talk to myself, and rewire the pathways I take.  

Thoughts Lead to Changes

My Mom often quoted to me the following statement, which is sometimes attributed to Ralph Waldo Emerson: “That which we persist in doing becomes easier for us to do—not that the nature of the thing is changed, but that our power to do is increased.”  Another of Emerson’s statements supports this concept: “Sow a thought and you reap an action; sow an act and you reap a habit; sow a habit and you reap a character; sow a character and you reap a destiny.”

I also believe that the Spirit can work on our minds and quicken the changes in our brains.  “To be carnally-minded is death, and to be spiritually-minded is life eternal.”  The Guide to the Scriptures says that repentance is “A change of mind and heart that brings a fresh attitude toward God, oneself, and life in general.”  Isn’t it probable that positive changes in my brain can accompany or lead to a mighty change of heart?  

To be continued . . . with Part 19.