The Brain That Changes Itself

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Hoping to normalize myself, I've been practicing some techniques to brainwash my own mind. I'm seeing great improvement so far. I just wanted to recommend this book called, "The Brain That Changes Itself" by Dr. Norman Doidge. Anyone who is determined to be his/her best will very likely appreciate this book.

I absolutely believe that this can work. If our thoughts can make us sick, change healthy cells into unhealthy cells, than they can also make us well, change unhealthy cells into healthy cells. Now, can our thoughts change us from being autistic? That would be a stretch. But they (our thoughts) could help us to become healthier autistics by relieving and perhaps getting rid of altogether, anxiety, depression, stomach and digestive problems. Posture can be changed for the better by thought, by better self esteem and better posture in turn can enhance body function and promote better health. I have experimented with this type of thinking and believe it works. I envision myself healthy, calm, joyful, energetic, etc. and find it to be very therapeutic. It certainly has been able to pull me out of depression and has also helped in preventing an anxiety attack from escalating into a panic attack. Thanks. I would definitely like to read this book. I don't know why no one else has responded to this very interesting topic.

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Thanks cosmicat,you sound as if you are strong minded. I also don't understand why more people haven't responded, seeing how free will and evolution is such a hot topic here. Perhaps I was too vague. The brain that changes itself is about plasticity of the brain. This was noticed by many philosophers and psychologists through simple observation but it has just recently been proven by scientists after experimenting on monkeys and by analyzing brain waves. Eggman, I still don't know what you are talking about. What is this viking techno which you always refer to?

This can work a certain percentage of the way but I know from my own experience and ardent efforts, since I was in my late teens and early twenties, there are certain hereditary boundaries that are absolute. As in your brain can shift any which way you want it to and strangely enough, one can't cure themselves of AS/autism by doing so - they can shore up weak areas but shore up is about the best it can get. I've learned that for what forward movement I've been able to gain in my life that it comes at a price of constant and easy mental fatigue, as in overachieving is still overachieving.

Its worth a try but you don't want to get your hopes too high, otherwise its lifting yourself up 200 feet to then be slammed for 100, better off just elevating yourself 100 feet and stepping out on a clean plateau.

As with anything, there are limits. But, the limits are probably further than any here's personal experience would suggest. Not trying to be insulting, just realistic. My own testament is that of completely removing my capability for anger. I used to have violent outburst as a child, and decided to stop feeling that way, realizing that anger was only destructive and served no purpose. I changed my frame of mind, my way of thinking about everything, and have not been angry since. I'm sure far more than this is possible if one wants it enough.

But yes, the concept that the human brain can alter itself it quite true. Practicing various mental tasks and maintaining certain frames of mind can have drastic effects. Increased memory, faster reaction time, alter mental states or emotional states etc. One can even take conscious control over normally unconscious functions. But, I think, the catch is, you have to want to do it badly enough to make it happen. And, as such, only certain people will ever accomplish this. As, you cannot alter your mind to have the dedication to alter your mind without the dedication to alter your mind...if you get my meaning.

Didn't L.Ron Hubbard write a book like this?

There's also a slew of people who've been writing about cognitive behavioral therapy since the 1930's, which is pretty much the same thing as refining/ironing out the mind's flaws through conscious awareness and guided efforts to correct pathways that are out of line.

Fixed.

Understanding the brain's plasticity and capability of making new connections is not quite the same as believing you are the reincarnated soul of a traumatized alien.

If an alien was traumatized in a past life they were sent HERE to get better!?

It's complicated.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YOdF_3RIXJ4[/youtube]

Quite stunning, I can see exactly where Tool was coming from now with Lacrimology.

Enlighten me. The only reason I know about the Scientology thing is from a South Park episode.

http://www.toolarmy.com/toolband/lachry ... hp?key=fob

Also, my misspell - lachrymology.