Thanks to the advances in technology of the last few years, information is available at our fingertips. Today we can access vital information that used to be reserved for the privileged few.
When it comes to healthcare, the use of technology to promote personal health and wellness has considerably improved our quality of life in the last decade. The widespread awareness and interest in new research has dusted the cobwebs of old myths and false beliefs that kept most of us in the shadows of ignorance.
In the words of the renowned Dr. Joe Dispenza: “In this age of information, ignorance is no longer a state; it is a choice.
Knowledge is available to all, but some discoveries are more signicant to us than others. Of all the mysteries scientists have begun to unravel since the turn of the 21st century, the most revolutionary has to do with that wonderful and mystifying organ of ours called THE BRAIN.
A REVOLUTIONARY DISCOVERY THAT HAS GONE UNNOTICED: MODELLING CLAY BRAIN
Not that long ago, it was believed that the human brain was a STATIC organ. Once it reached “DEVELOPMENTAL MATURITY,” it could not be changed or modified. It was even believed that, from that point on, the brain started to age and lose its vitality as it began to lose neurons on a daily basis. As if our brain was made of plaster, we thought it would deteriorate with use. But, guess what?
Scientists discovered, through thousands of research experiments and state-of-the-art technology (capable of monitoring all brain activity: brain waves, neurons, even the formation of thoughts), that the brain is MALLEABLE and ADAPTABLE. It uses all types of stimuli to restructure and modify itself.
Neuroscientists called this newfound ability NEUROPLASTICITY or BRAIN PLASTICITY. THE BRAIN IS LIKE MODELLING CLAY.
Most importantly, and what should mark the next step in human history, is the discovery that it is not only external stimuli and concrete life events that modify the brain. OUR THOUGHTS AND THE ELECTRICAL ACTIVITY THEY GENERATE CAN CHANGE THE MOLECULAR STRUCTURE OF THE BRAIN!
Through our thoughts, we have the capacity to alter the brain's structure. This means we hold the ability to change our own reality if we can control our thoughts.
BUILDING NEW AND IMPROVED BRAIN HIGHWAYS WITH THE NEUROPLASTICITY IN OUR HEADS
To have a clearer understanding, imagine neuron connections as a series of streets, routes, and superhighways. These lanes are the so-called NEURAL PATHWAYS. Every single thought, emotion, sensation, and action is responsible for the formation of these routes. The repeated use of certain brain pathways strengthens and solidifies them, ingraining them in our brain until they work automatically.
It used to be thought that, once developed, these highway routes could not be
changed and their rigid setting determined our character, abilities, aptitudes, and
behavior forever.
It has been discovered, however, that individuals CAN, and in fact do, modify their mental map of streets, routes, and highways through continuous learning and daily experiences.
Engaging in new activities and challenges creates new pathways and enriches our mental map. WE CAN CREATE NEW AND BETTER HABITS TOO! As with all great cities, our brain can expand efcient highways and close down old streets that lead to nowhere. Neuroplasticity allows us to evolve at will.
TAKING DOWN OLD AND OBSOLETE MYTHS
This amazing discovery destroys the PREJUDICES and LIMITATIONS that we have about ourselves and our ability to change our own reality.
The hopeless belief that our genetic predisposition, education, or environment makes us who we are and that there is nothing we can do about it has been proven wrong.
Neuroplasticity invites us to evolve and seek continuous personal development.
As long as we understand that we can alter the structure and functioning of our brain through deliberate learning, repetition, and practice, we can change old habits and TAKE CHARGE OF OUR OWN IDENTITY.
Biological determinism is a thing of the past. The ominous idea that humans are born with a fixed character and sealed fate is false. We can move on.
Neuroplasticity discredits our use of labels with which we incessantly describe
ourselves and our children. “Lazy,” “scaredy-cat,” “dgety,” “smarty-pants,” “nerd,” “over-eater,” “cry-baby,” “chatter-box…” NOW THAT WE KNOW WE CAN MODIFY OUR TRAITS BY EXERCISING OUR WILLPOWER, LET'S PUT A STOP TO NAMECALLING!
HOW DOES THIS DISCOVERY AFFECT THE EDUCATION
AND DEVELOPMENT OF OUR CHILDREN?
The discovery of neuroplasticity can impact our daily lives and the development of our children. We can use what we know about the brain's natural power to help our kids reach their HIGHEST POTENTIAL.
As parents, we must not wait for traditional school systems to incorporate this knowledge into their teachings. We must seize the opportunity now in favor of our children's wellbeing.
Knowing that almost any "limitation" that our child is facing, whether in the area of learning, social integration, the development of their intellectual or emotional capabilities, or even some poor health condition, CAN BE REVERSED and optimized with appropriate stimuli, is a great incentive for us to always seek and find new alternatives to any difficulty.
This new awareness makes us realize that we cannot label our kids for something they are going through at the moment and motivates us to act differently.
CREATING NEW AND POWERFUL MYTHS: I can become who is want to be
The BRAIN Loves the familiar but Learns from the NEW and DIFFERENT
Scientific studies have shown that the human brain loves the familiar but learns and develops when presented with new situations. The brain interprets well-known stimuli as SAFE. And since it is not in danger, it saves energy and proceeds with its main function of KEEPING US ALIVE. However, it can only develop new neural pathways when it comes in contact with different environments, challenging experiences, and unfamiliar stimuli outside its COMFORT ZONE.
For this reason, it is completely normal for kids and (even more so) adults to resist new activities that require going to different places, meeting new people, and learning new skills.
But knowing that challenges and change are good for our kids allows us to act differently and embrace the small amount of discomfort that comes with stepping out of our comfort zones.
We must provide new enriching experiences for our kids to foster their growth and development.
If we could take a picture of the neural activity in our brains before and after reading this article, we would see that our brains have changed. New connections have been formed and certain areas of our brains are lit while others have turned off. Through learning, the human brain develops new neural patterns that, in turn, change the neurochemistry of our body and allow us to perceive and consume reality in a WHOLE NEW WAY.
The same effect takes place in our kids before and after they play with an educational toy or engage in a challenging sport or learning activity. Their brains are changing constantly and molding themselves according to repetitive healthy habits and practice. The MAGIC of brain plasticity allows children to learn habits and absorb knowledge to reach their DESIRED POTENTIAL.
SMILE! IT STIMULATES NEUROPLASTICITY
Scientists have discovered that smiling (happiness and joy) is the MOST POWERFUL stimulant of neuroplasticity. This is due to the fact that when we smile, our brain releases dopamine, endorphins, and serotonin, the feel-good neurotransmitters that help strengthen neural connections and generate new neurons, which keeps the brain healthy and stretchy.
This is why play is such an important aspect of learning, and why EDUCATIONAL TOYS and games should be a part of our kids' learning experience. In fact, every learning environment, whether at home or at school, should promote fun as the main ingredient in education.
4 KEY FACTORS FOR OPTIMAL BRAIN DEVELOPMENT IN CHILDREN
Among the factors that inuence brain health, specialists agree that these four are the main ingredients to nurture children's brain development:
1. NUTRITION AND HYDRATION: What we eat has a huge impact on the development of our brain. Hydration is vital as well. Our brain is 70% water and needs to be hydrated to function properly, at full power. Search the web for more information on healthy “brain” foods and remember to stay away from junk.
2. ENVIRONMENT: Some say that the environment is the main contributing factor to the development of a young child's cognitive abilities. There are numerous experiments that measure the radical transformation a newborn brain goes through as it experiences different settings. A healthy brain environment is one that promotes harmony, emotional support,
and healthy competition.
3. PLAY: In a safe, positive environment, play promotes happiness, optimism, and joy. It also generates neurotransmitters in the brain that stimulate learning. A child exposed to play will develop the emotional intelligence to guide them in their adult lives.
4. CONTINUOUS LEARNING AND EXPOSURE TO CHALLENGES: A great way to stimulate your kids' brains is by challenging them to step out of their comfort zone. It will give them a full brain workout and benet their development. The continuous and deliberate practice of learning new things will generate new brain patterns that will, in time, make kids enjoy and be more comfortable with challenges and the process of learning new things.
Parents, we sincerely hope that this information encourages and empowers you in the beautiful task of helping your kids reach their maximum potential without
limitations.
LET'S HELP THEM STRETCH, SHAPE, AND MOLD THEIR MAGNIFICENT MODELLING CLAY BRAINS!
