Tuesday, June 17, 2025
I hope the Inspirations so far have motivated you to read more poems. Here is a link to mindful poetry for you to explore: https://cih.ucsd.edu/mindfulness/mindful-poetry
In my previous email I mentioned the practice of following disciplines to a sharper and smarter brain: meditation & journaling, sleep, nutritious meals, walking, reading, socializing, any creative project and something that you feel passionate about, something that gives purpose to your life. Based on these eight, do you have a weekly routine?
Body without brain is just flesh. Our 3.3-pound brain monitors our body and heart. Amazingly fragile, it has incredible ability to perform sophisticated tasks such as language learning, performing complex skills, trying new creative hobbies, living amicably in social groups and so on. All these activities help increase attention, reasoning and memory.
The brain grows, learns and changes throughout our lives. But how and why we are aware of ourselves and our surroundings—that is our being aware of our consciousness—remains a mystery. What we do know is that everything is predicated on our consciousness.
“What is good for the heart is good for the brain,” writes Dr. Sanjay Gupta in his book, Keep Sharp. The brain is exponentially more intricate than the heart. Heart has been replicated by engineers into an engineering marvel that can replace human heart. However, brain cannot be duplicated. It is the central command for our body, heart and our existence, and remains an enigma.
Each one of us is wired in our own unique way. Our abilities and interest vary. With healthy brains we each have the capacity to learn, remember and make sense of the complex world we live in.
Lorraine
I’ve been watching TED talks on brain development, learning, and neuroplasticity. I’m also listening to the book The Power of Habit. It is amazing stuff. I try to keep myself learning new tools — The past few days, I’ve been doing online tutorials in calligraphy. Fun!! (But it’s harder than I thought to make good, consistent letters.) I’m using the calligraphy in my journaling.
Madhu B. Wangu
It’s amazing how your transformed self is welcoming new learning and experiences. More power to you, my dear! Once you’re ready please send a photo shot of your calligraphy. I would also like to watch TED talk on neuroplasticity. What is the title?
Jenn Diamond
The power of consciousness fascinates me! Thank you, Madhu!
Lorraine
“After watching this your brain will not be the same “ Lara Boyd
“Improving our neuroplasticity” Dr Kelly
“Rewiring revolution: neuroplastcity” Kristen Meisenheimer
If you search for Ted talks neuroplasticity, you’ll get results for 20+ talks. I haven’t listened to all of them yet.
Madhu B. Wangu
Thank you so much, Lorraine!
Madhu B. Wangu
BBBC–as they say at the Mindful Writers retreats: Breath, Body, Book! I added Consciousness to it as everything else is rooted in it.