Cynthia Freire with Mariana Zinna
Everything that makes us humans; memories, wishes, values, language, knowledge… is embedded in a web of 100 billion neurons capable of carrying out extremely complex computations.
Today we know neurons talk to each other through synapses zones. And, believe it or not, depending on its kind, a neuron can have from just one to more than 100.000 synapses! All happening inside you. Can you imagine that…?!
You have probably heard about neuroplasticity, which is the brain's ability to form new neural connections all throughout our lives; meaning that the brain can adapt to changes by developing new connections. These new neural pathways can favour more connections, weakening the ones that are not used, reinforcing the ones that are more active, or even creating brand new ones. Even thoughts and feelings have a great impact in the structuring of our brain; that’s why meaningfully training our mind can hugely affect and change our life for the better.
Research demonstrates that the brain changes all the time in “negative or positive directions in response to intrinsic and extrinsic influences”; therefore, understanding neuroplasticity, opens up a whole new world of human growth through modelling behaviour, making changes, actively participating in self-transformation: expanding what is valuable and not choosing what is not…
For an extra clear example: Watch this!
FACTS
Learning generates new neural connections.
Repetition reinforces neural networks and behaviour.
Consistency of neural connections can vary with their use or disuse. This synaptic plasticity is a key concept in the process of remodelling, learning and memory.
Experiences modify the brain; they enhance or weaken neural connections. So the experiences we have in our lives constantly modify our brain.
NP is a fascinating capacity because it implies that we can always develop as individuals, regardless of our age or social situation!
Learning can happen at any age.
Our body is capable of generating new neurons and our intelligence is extremely broad.
NP is a path to facilitate inner change by modifying behaviour in front of a given event... (keeping away from what is harmful and choosing what is good for us)
We are a species that uses NP to improve and evolve, which makes us singular and unique.
Every individual participates of his own evolution
Our genes are responsible for some of our personality traits, but they are certainly not the only ones; genes represent just a 10% of total neural networks and the other 90% is generated through experience, learned abilities and knowledge.
So, you see… At this very moment, you are holding in yourself…The power of your own Transformation!
