Sharpening Your Brain

As Valentine’s Day approaches I am naturally reminded of the heart. We often refer to the heart in ways more accurately associated with the brain. All the love we feel and all the hurt that we term a broken heart finds impetus in the brain. Often it is said that the most important sexual organ is the brain. Well, we could also make the case that it’s the most important romantic organ and, it follows that our soul may well be found in gray matter.

Everything begins in the brain: all that we know, all that we are, everything we feel. And speaking of the soul, what is it that can stir our thoughts and release endorphins and emotions to galvanize us into action and take us to a level we never thought possible? What is it that can grow our intelligence through sheer energy and excitement and by altering perspective in such a way as to make all things seem possible? What is it that reminds us we are all connected to the same divinity a divinity , one could argue, we best connect with through music. If music is the cosmic dance and our mind on music is greatly enhanced, what else can bring our souls together or even remotely has that chance?

I tend to be slightly behind the curve. However, in case I’m not check this out: http://playingforchange.com

Too cool for school!

If you increase your ability to remember things you will increase your basic intelligence. In a way, we are what we remember. I don’t mean to suggest that regurgitating facts memorized by rote exemplifies intelligence. However, the quicker we are at accessing information and, in the process, creating linkages the greater the enhancement of our brain’s capacity.

Recently, I watched Fahrenheit 451 with Oscar Werner and Julie Christie. If you have ever read the book or seen the film you may recall - pun intended - the people who committed to memorizing entire books verbatim as a way to preserve the literature that was being systematically destroyed by the authorities.

I was struck by that as a child when I first saw the movie, thinking to myself how impossible that must be. In fact, that is exactly the way great stories were passed along from one generation to another before recorded history. The epic poems of Homer have been cited by more than one scholar as examples of an oral tradition. Taking into account how long ago he lived and that he was famously blind this does seem logical.

There are ways to exercise your mind with the goal of memory improvement. Scientific evidence suggests this may be the best way to prevent what has heretofore been referred to as senility. Harry Lorrayne made wonderful use of the Link Method of memorization which was first applied by the Greeks. This is where the familiar adages, in the first place, in the second place etc. originated. Greek orators would associate passages in their speeches with areas of their homes, for example. This method is one way to improve your memory. You should, however, begin by simply trying to memorize what you see before you. Practice taking stock of a room in your home, for example, closing your eyes and attempting to recall all that you can. It’s a good exercise and you will improve with practice.

Some of us lack the discipline, however, to commit to that kind of regular exercise routine and would rather rely on a routine that is already established, especially one that is scientifically created by experts. If that sounds like something that would serve you well you will find it at Lumosity.

We are aware that drugs can help with depression and anxiety. Anti-depressants have become the treatment of choice to a large extent in curing a variety of mood disorders. A change in attitude can often attain similar results. In other words, the mind can alter the brain.

If the connections within the brain change from electrical to chemical at the synapses, attitude and activity can go along way to change our internal chemistry. It does not always work so easily and sometimes in extreme cases prescription drugs are necessary, however, exercise and the right kind of psychological stimulus can surprise us.  Watching a “feel-good” movie or learning something new or listening to music are prime examples.

If you combined music with learning something new by undertaking to learn an instrument or simply strengthen your music appreciation, you might find such an endeavor brings with it new found hope, faith in the future and improved brain function.

In troubling times such as these, depression and anxiety readily crop up even for those not prone to depression. But simple pleasures and maintaining a positive attitude even to the point of absurdity can be keys to mental well-being, not to mention our very survival.