Did you know that when you’re awake your brain creates enough energy to power a light bulb? That’s around 10 to 33 watts. Our body is an electrical miracle! It’s a delicate and complicated machine. Our brain is the intricate operating center for the nervous system, which is constantly collecting data from our environment, storing it and processing it all so we can function. Our very own three pound computer is the most complex organ in the body and is far superior and intelligent than any laptop.

Physically, the human brain is the size of a small cauliflower and it has a wavelike undulating pattern with over 100,000 miles of blood vessels circulating inside. The brain produces and floats in cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) within the skull. The CSF provides a cushioning effect for mechanical and also immunological protection. Interestingly, the brain itself actually feels no pain because it has no pain receptors. It’s divided into four lobes: parietal, occipital, frontal and temporal lobes with each area overseeing various sophisticated tasks. For example, skin sensation in the parietal lobe and processing visual information in the occipital lobe, along with many, many other vital responsibilities. The lobes communicate with each other seamlessly through 100 billion neurons/nerve cells, which also communicate with each other. They send signals across synapses where neurotransmitters (chemical messengers) are released dependent on the pattern of the neural impulse. These neural impulses code our thoughts, actions and experiences. They continually reorganize the structure and function of the pathways enabling our brain to respond efficiently and effectively to our environment. This explanation barely scratches the surface of the detail involved, but you get the idea. The bottom line is our brain has the ability to change in response to our experiences. Therefore we have the capability to rewire our computer through our actions and attitudes to formulate new habits.

Back in the day it was believed that once the brain developed in early childhood it remained the same throughout life. We now know that is not the case. The human brain is continually modifying cell quantity, revising circuitry, and altering its chemistry based on everything we do, experience, think, and believe. This is so significant and profound it’s been given the name: “neuroplasticity.” Neuroplasticity is the combination of two words: neuron, which is a nerve cell and plastic, meaning malleable or changeable. When you learn a new activity like playing the piano, a movement pattern in physical therapy, a foreign language or a yoga pose, the body and brain are challenged. The neural circuits start to fire repeatedly in the corresponding areas of the brain to that particular function. With practice the synaptic connections become stronger and the skill becomes easier. We have the power to keep our brains sharp and vibrant. If we protect our brain from damaging habits, feed it nourishing fuel and give it ongoing stimulation, we are capable of learning new skills well into our 90s. The gift of longevity keeps giving.

With love and learning,

Amanda Kriebel

Author’s Note: This piece is dedicated to a friend of mine who experienced a brain aneurysmrecently. She is recovering nicely now, thank goodness! It reminded me of the fragility of our body and the preciousness of life. Much love.