I found a worthwhile show on PBS called The Brain and the information for me was outstanding and I am testing out some of the cencepts for already seeing benefit in my life. There are so many pieces to the puzzle that comes for the taking and Wow what can be gained with focused and consistent effort. VL

Vonda,

I missed the PBS show. Can you share a little about it -- maybe one or two or the pieces that really caught your attention?

Brain Plasticity changes over time and brain function can be improved on. In the aging process it is important to step out of your comfort zone. Mental activity with increasing dificulty will just make us better.Just doing the same thing over time because you are good at it is cheating your self as you age. Another thing they talked about is how we look down more at our feet as we walk and it will actually cause us to fall. I was doing this when I hiked, and I would just try to be more careful and now I understand I was using the concept incorrectly. Talked about how our thoughts can come back on us. There was just soo much and I taped it for increased learning and I would love to loan it so you can watch as there just was so much indepth helpful information. It changed my views of my aging process and I have been testing some ideas on my Dementia Residents and they work. Just let me know.

I had lot of fear that I was developing dementia and after I listened to the list of distactors for example how if we are in a noisy room, not getting enought rest etc. They also gave seven points to positive plasticity instead of negative plasticity. Another point talked about the worry circuit and when the idea arises for an example I left the stove on and how we can change that. One group uses medication and another learned the intervention and Wow it could work without the meds. He talked about attention and when we attend to things we create positive change. We need to push ourselves cognitively. For example dancing the old dances and reading the paper every day is not going to create positive plasticity.
Some of the things I have been praticing for six months is doing a task on the computer where I use my eyes to track and my brain to process the steps of the task and practicing speeding myself up while doing it relaxed and without mistakes. I have improved. I am also working on the book "The Brain That Changes Itself". I have seen many of the creative things I can do without purchasing any of the information on the program. I'm just remembering more things from the show. VL

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Vonda,

I also have been picking up bits and pieces regarding positive plasticity of the brain. One piece was that learning a foreign language is about the best thing one can do.

There are some other very simple practices I’d love to discuss when we get together. Things you can do for just several minutes a day that, according to brain research, improve the overall brain functioning.

Good stuff! Thank you, Vonda.

Thanks, these types of materials really stir my passion to learn and expand as I see more hope as I am eliminating some information about myself that I took on as truth.
I am interested in the web site www.mybraintrainer.com.I will look forward to hearing any other other information you want to share. VL

I also received an interesting book that I'm just starting to read. The title is Why Youre Dumb,Sick and Broke and How to get Smart, Healthy and Rich from a friend Rapid City. I'm usually leary of these type of books,and decided to take the leap and read it. VL

Well, Vonda, I suspect that reading and absorbing new material that you love to learn about also has a POSITIVE impact on the brain.

Great to hear you're taking the leap . . .

For where you are Vonda, I would support your exploration into some of the brain exercises Tom is referring to. He is great at teaching them also.
So don't miss that opportunity to expand through a very simple process.
Good to see your clarifying your processing and opening to more than you thought you were.

I am open to any teaching Tom has to offer on the Brain Tchniques. VL
Question: Does he want to view the video I recorded as I will bring it next tuesday night to leave for his viewing?
I found this study so interesting that I was studying recently how the brain craves aggression similar to primal feeling of eating and sex. I have for many years had such a strong aversion to aggression/violence. In thinking about this my sense would be I have strong unconsciousness and fear about these feelings/ thoughts? Kathleen is this a correct assumption?

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Vonda's

quote:

I have for many years had such a strong aversion to aggression/violence. In thinking about this my sense would be I have strong unconsciousness and fear about these feelings/ thoughts?

The combination of the "strong aversion" and the unconscious nature are what Jung refers to as SHADOW. Basic fundamental work that we must all do if we are to have any hope of individuation (or self awareness, that carries potential freedom from the energy absorption of these demons).
"Aversion"= Cast out of the psyche. "It is 'OUT THERE', it is not me", is the way we view the Shadow. We point our finger and wag our tongues about how violent and aggressive others are, and often that feels directed toward us.
The violence/agression is therefore left in the unconscious, to be "leaked" out under the guise of some righteousness, i.e. "turning in predators".
The "fear" usually lies in some awareness deep in the psyche, wrapped in a complex about the capacity to enact such dynamisms. The fear therefore is not "out there" it is "in here". Afraid of oneself, which is almost always the case.

When these feelings and thoughts are "cast out", it is usually to serve the capacity to sustain a vessel that is not capable of carrying these strong dynamics,it serves to keep us in life. However, the problem lies in the over identification with the righteousness and the inability to re-claim what has been cast out when the vessel is stronger and more capable of carrying the cast out forces. When it is time to re-claim as much as we can that we have cast out of our own psyche, Shadow will present itself just as it has in your awareness.
And yes, the "brain" or the "soul" or whatever mystery is at play will certainly call for aggression, violence or whatever is necessary to protect self and tribe...basic, primal instinct that when cast out, cast out also the intuition, and consciousness of where and when this violence/aggression is in service, and how wholeness serves life.
And violence/aggression/death are all parts of a whole(human whole), they are not abberrations. How do we embrace these forces consciously and responsibly?

And you can ask Tom about the video, he reads this as you have noticed.

Kathleen, Thank you for such well spoken powerful insight. It will take several readings and inner thought/listening before I respond. There is much truth listed for me plow into. VL

Tom do you want to view the video, yes or no? VL

Vonda,

I'd love to view it