The Power of Positive Thinking. What do Napoleon Hill, Og Mandino, Mike Dooley, and Tony Robbins have in common? They all believe we can shape our future by controlling our thoughts. This is but a small sample of individuals who have written or spoken on this topic over the past 50 years. Many entrepreneurs, sales people, and religious leaders subscribe to these theories; however, others who might like to believe remain skeptics. You can count me among the latter group.
Enter The Neuroscientists. In recent years, a large body of research has been conducted that shows that the positive thinking gurus may be on to something. Most of this research comes out of academia and was conducted by doctoral level researchers, many of whom were MD’s. A notable example comes from the University of Pennsylvania where Dr. Martin Seligman heads the Positive Psychology Center and Dr. Andrew Newburg directs the Center for Spirituality and the Mind. Both have published books and research papers as a result of their research into this area. Their approach is strictly scientific. Although I have read the work of several others, these two attracted my attention the most.
What is Brain Plasticity? For many years, scientists have known that the brain will physically change in response to a number of factors. This ability is known as plasticity. It is a remarkable ability and is much more prevalent in man than in the so-called lower animals. Dr. Newburg has used modern research tools such as PET scans and MRI to track these changes. His research shows that spiritual practices such as prayer and meditation cause physiological changes in the brain. These changes can be permanent and generally beneficial. One of the interesting aspects of the research into prayer is that changes occur regardless of the religious characteristics of the person praying. Buddhists, Christians, Jews, and Muslims all achieve similar results. While I don’t claim to understand the details of the anatomical changes that occur (even the researchers lack complete understanding), the result of these changes is a reduction of activity in areas where primitive emotions such as fear and anger reside. These emotions interrupt your ability to be rational. In addition, you lose the awareness that you are acting in an irrational way. Spiritual practices result in an increase in areas crucial for empathy and compassion. Extensive research shows that individuals who regularly engage in spiritual practices are generally less prone to depression, have stronger immune systems, and overall have longer and more fulfilling lives.
Where Am I Going With This? Dr. Newburg has given us a list of ways to exercise your brain to increase it’s effectiveness. I will list the three most important for your consideration. In order of ascending importance, they are as follows:
3. Aerobic Exercise. Physical exercise strengthens all areas of the body and the brain is no exception. Studies have shown that it enhances relaxation and spiritual well being. It lowers the risk of circulatory diseases as well as mental disorders such as depression. Dr. Newburg cites one study in which an exercise program has the equivalent benefits of twelve sessions of psychotherapy. You may be skeptical of some of the research stated by Dr. Newburg (as am I) but the overall body of research provides overwhelming evidence that exercise is very beneficial to our physical and mental well being.
2. Dialogue With Others. Most neuroscientists agree with Dr. Newburg on the importance of dialogue with others. Dr. Newburg states that “Any form of social isolation will damage important mechanisms in the brain and lead to aggression, depression, and various neuropsychiatric disorders". I have noticed this among some of my aging friends who gradually withdraw as they age. Undoubtedly, the brain has evolved as a social organ and needs the nourishment of social contact for continued health.
3. Faith. This point surprised me the most of all the others but it is what correlates the beliefs of several neuroscientists with the positive thinking advocates. We all have choices to make which will affect our physical, emotional, and spiritual health. In reality, these choices are nothing more than educated guesses. There will always remain some degree of uncertainty but the degree with which we can have faith in our beliefs is of primary importance to our mental health. Research has shown that, even irrational belief in is better than no belief at all. Remember the placebo effect in which a sugar pill can cure up to 30% of most physical and emotional disorders.
Whether You Think You Can Or You Think You Can’t, You’re Correct. I don’t know who came up with this saying, but much research shows that it is true. I have taken a course on physiology of the brain and read several books by neuroscientists on the how the brain works. What I have learned shows me how very little I know. While these books have been written for non-professionals, I sometimes feel that they are still beyond my ability to comprehend. I will continue to read new publications in this area and re-read what I have already read. The ability to do this is one of the benefits that come with the freedom of getting older. I am grateful for these benefits.
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