The concept of "Mental Workout" can portray a funny image of our brains exercising. As unrealistic as it is for our brain to jump on an exercise bike, they are certainly capable of being strengthened, developed, and stretched to their full capacity. A mental workout implies that the brain is being utilized in a way that will allow it to reach its full potential.
Studies suggest that mental workouts will permanently "enhance (an individual's) well being by altering the brain's neural circuitry" (Dacher, 2006). Structural changes have even been recorded from working the brain (Dacher, 2006). 
Some of the more easily understood findings to accept are that with regular training the brain is capable of better attention, memory, perception, imagery, and other mental function. The limit is subject to your imagination. So work on that brain skill too!
Furthermore, negative emotions can be decreased with brain training. These include anger, hatred, fear, anxiety, and a whole slew of others. Likewise, positive emotions can replace the negative with exercising the brain. These include love, peace, joy, acceptance, and more....The Workout
We need to be involved in contemplative practice. It is the "aggressive development of an expanded consciousness and its healing capacities" (Dacher, 2006). They are like guided meditations where the mind is actively working to create peace and love or improve skills like attention, memory, and et cetera.
Like an Olympian, the more you practice for perfection the closer to perfection you will become.
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Tera,
ReplyDeleteGreat information here. I truly believe that anyone could be a pro at this with practice. This is not something that you have to have some sort of god given ability to do. I would agree that some people can practice a lifetime at playing a sport like golf and never be able to get on the PGA tour. Learning who you are and accessing the inner self can be accomplished with practice. The good thing about getting touch with your inner self is that there are no limits to the possibilities. You can be as healthy as you want to be, mentally. Expanding the mind with the loving-kindness exercise is very beneficial to yourself and the world. I can see the benefits already. I am beginning to forgive people that I never thought I would. I have been paying more attention to my wife and trying to be a better husband by understanding her and why she says and does things. Everyone has their own journey in finding themselves, and you do not know where people are on that journey. It is importnat that we extend the hand out though because concepts like loving-kindness, generosity, and gratuity are contagious.
I just want to say wow on your blog. The pictures give you motivation, I love the brain on the bike. It's a great metaphor to think about since we all know how to workout our bodies. Einstein is a great motivator also because we know he is a great mind of the past that still influence us future generations. Your blog makes me want to start working out my brain.
ReplyDeleteTera,
ReplyDeleteI echo Andrea's comments...your blog is fantastic. It really captures the essence of health and wellness both through the content and the images that you include.
I especially enjoyed reading this blog post on the importance of mental workouts. The path to achieving human flourishing is not easy, it is one that requires a lot of time, energy and work. You have captured that in your post while also highlighting some the amazing potential benefits.
Jeremy
Tera,
ReplyDeleteGood post this week. I always like how you incorporate pictures i to your explanations. I agree with the reading as you do when it stated that negative thoughts can reset our developed mind. That happens in the physical aspect as well. If you get into a car accident you body is hurt from a negative impact. To get better and develop your body you must exercise it and teach the muscles to develop back to a comfortable pace. This is just like our brain, positive affirmations help our mind grasp the positive side of mind exercise. Keep up the good work, loving your blog for Kaplan :)