The Brain That Changes Itself

Norman Doidge has written an excellent book on our brains ability to change. He has researched the field of neuroscience, met with some of the field’s preminent pioneers and given us a look into many of the most interesting discoveries and personal stories of this relatively new science.

The book is based around the new concept of neuroplasticity, the thought that our brains can change and grow. Our brains can rewire, rebuild and reconfigure themselves. We can grow more neurons, increase our I Q’s and overcome damage to our brains. We can train our brains to be faster, smarter, more analytical, more intuitive…..more of whatever we want. Our thoughts can change our brains. Our thoughts can change the actual structure of our brain. Interesting concepts…..very interesting and backed up by good solid research. Doidge puts all of this into language the average reader can understand.

After reading this book I understand how brain plasticity could help me change some of my behaviours and attitudes. I also understand how this same plasticity creates barriers to change and how to overcome or reduce them.

This book gave me a lot to think about and a few unsettling thoughts as well. It is unsettling to realize the thought you are having right now is changing your brain, however slightly. When you suddenly see things differently, when you have an epiphany, when you finally get “it” has your brain rewired, your brain structure reorganized slightly, to adapt to a new thought, a new perspective? Is it possible to adapt to change that fully and deeply?

How can I apply what I have learned from this book? Is it possible to change those same old thoughts we think over and over? Yes it is possible. This book can give you a few tips on how to climb out of those ruts. We can change our lives one thought, one moment, at a time. This book can help you understand how to change.