Neuroplasticity – reforming lives

Volume 12 Issues 9 September, 2022 

Neuroplasticity is something which we all have gone through , but not appreciated. If its existence and importance are taken into knowledge, neuroplasticity can do wonders. How frequently we blame our past experiences or circumstances for the way we are and how casually we just state, that it can’t be changed , basically we can’t change now.

Our human brain is not something which should be thought of as a rigid entity. Instead it is a constantly changing and electrochemically dynamic miracle. Just a little example to demonstrate the great adaptive capacity of the brain, first of all cerebellum is said to have 50% brain cells.

A women in China had no cerebellum since birth. She had a normal life just like us, she was a mom too. No doubt she started to walk and talk a couple of years later , but she was nowhere lagging behind. Her cerebral cortex was now adapted and took over the functions of cerebellum .Still hard to accept that cerebral cortex literally compensated for 50%of brain cells’ function. Our brain shows astonishing capabilities and potential of adapting to circumstances , not just to survive but to thrive. One of the reasons for this can be neuroplasticity .

In simple words, our brain is composed of several neurons, with several kinds of connections or synapses between them. The signal in our brain travels through these neurons and at place of synapses, it is carried forward with the help of various special chemicals called neurotransmitters and thus various circuits are established. This is something which makes us the way we are. This is our cognition, memory, everything.

Now as mentioned, our brain is electrochemically dynamic. There are several new circuits being made and destroyed. Now who decides which circuit is to be conserved , what can be sacrificed ? Who makes such crucial decisions ? The answer is that we and only we are solely responsible for it. If we use a circuit over and over again, that is, retrieve that information or perform that particular task etc, then the amount of neurotransmitter may increase, connections might become stronger and it’s now registered in long term memory or is now a habit.
On the other hand if a circuit is not being used frequently, it is sacrificed , because our miraculous human body never let anything waste. Now this simple concept of wiring and rewiring is something being studied under neuroplasticity. If we combine the two most remarkable capabilities of our brain, that is, it’s adaptive nature and potential of rewiring, can we say that we can actually remold our brains and lives to a greater extent. Most of the time we just cry over our problems because we think there is no solution. Do you even realise, that this idea itself just hinders the tremendous healing powers that your brain can
offer you. Consciously accepting your situation, assessing your problems and a firm determination to sort it out can really reform your subconscious mind and indeed give your life a full 360 degrees turn. Neuroplasticity is not just about learning something new, it is also about gradually destroying old negative circuits and building new constructive ones which we all always wanted, either consciously or unconsciously.
All we need is a kickstart of conscious identification of what is wrong or what is needed and a conscious choice of the thought that yes we need to change this or do this. A little determination is capable to reform all those negative circuits which always pulled you back and is enough to construct new ones that can help you shine bright. A mere thought is enough to create a new circuit, a little determination is enough to make it strong, this strong conscious thought has potential to get itself registered in subconscious mind, which is the master, it can really make things come true which you just think. But the other side of the coin being that it can do the same with negative thoughts, which is among the various causes of mental health problems.
This cause of mental health problems can be effectively reversed and can be used for treatment as well , if handled carefully , being fed with the appropriate thoughts and getting rid of unwanted negatives. The kickstart is needed for making a new circuit, maintaining it is comparatively easy but requires consistency and one’s commitment. The discussion on neuroplasticity is endless , but here , concluding the topic, the phenomenon of neuroplasticity is both a boon and a curse. A strongly imposed positive rewiring can help you combat all your problems and power through hard times like a warrior. Also a strongly imposed inappropriate thought can even compel you to believe that Earth is flat.