How’s Your Brain?
This past Thursday evening I had the opportunity to see Dr. Daniel Amen speak at Fraser Academy. For those not familiar with Dr. Amen, he is a child and adult neuropsychiatrist and brain imaging specialist. He is well known for his expertise in the field of ADD/ADHD. He has written numerous books on the subject, as well as doing seminars and speaking engagements on the diagnosis and treatment of ADHD.
While there are many ways to treat ADD/ADHD, what I found very interesting in Dr. Amen’s presentation was that he focused for this particular evening, on the brain. As I have written in my book Pills Don’t Teach Skills:
“I’d like to introduce you to your own best friend and worst enemy, your mind. It is an instrument capable of creating a magnificent life. As long as you remain in control, it will act as your best friend. However, if you don’t remain at the wheel, in control, it will run on autopilot. Without direction from you, it will operate aimlessly, eventually running amok, and prove to be your worst enemy.”
My writings are in a round-about way, refer to what your brain is capable of. The amazing thing about our human brain, is that it’s development is limitless. We don’t even know what the limitations of the human brain are! As our brain development occurs outside the uterus, we are subject to such an incredible amount of influence by so many sources, it is really not surprising that our brains have such potential for development on a continued basis throughout life.
Taking in DR. Amen’s presentation was a refreshing reminder that, we are in control of training, influencing and directing our brains. Whether it be nutrition, exercise, education, medication or something as simple as a thought process, we have the power to influence what and how our brains operate. This ultimately impacts the quality of our lives and those around us.
As I left Dr. Amen’s presentation, I knew that I was on the right track regarding what I was doing to influence my brain. However, I was also inspired to rethink what I could do more effectively and make my life that much better. What have you done lately for your brain?