It was once thought that as we age we lose a large portion of our brain cells, but in recent studies comparing a 75-year-old brain with a 25-year-old brain there was little difference. A generation ago people began to show signs of senility in their 60s but today it is nearer 80 or even 90 in mentally active persons.
The brain must be nourished to keep it young and healthy. Excitement is important. If one studies something stimulating, the brain reacts in a positive manner. The synapses, which are connections between nerve cells, are strengthened by mental exercises. What contribute most to healthy brain cells are having a direction in one's life, a feeling of fulfillment, and some strenuous activity to increase the blood flow. Good functioning lungs are imperative for supplying oxygen to the brain, but one of the most important factors is having a feeling that what you do makes a difference.
A very encouraging fact is that if one does lose some brain function it can be regenerated through retraining. The brain often rewires itself even after one has had a stroke.
I remember counseling a young man who thought he had destroyed all his brain cells through heavy drinking. His belief was substantiated by his mother and even his doctor.
He lived with his mother and could not carry on a conversation with anyone. He was known throughout the neighborhood as the "village idiot."
I met him quite by accident, I thought, until he told me later that he had watched me and followed me to the post office. It was obvious he wanted to speak to me but his inhibitions would not allow him. So, I took the initiative and asked if I could help him. He nodded. "Did you wish to speak with me?" I asked. Again, he nodded and followed me to my car. I said, "You can ride with me while we talk." He got into the car. I had to lead the conversation, so I asked, "What can I do for you?"
He began in staggered sentences to tell me that everyone including himself knew that he was incapable of learning or of being anything but an idiot.
I attempted to help him realize that was not necessarily so.
The look on his face made me wish very much that they were all wrong. Inviting him into my house, I offered him a cup of coffee. His hand shook so badly, he was spilling the coffee. I took the cup from his hand and poured half of it into the sink. He smiled nervously as I placed the cup back in his hands. I noticed that he continually wrapped his arms around himself. I realized this was his way of trying to hold his world together.
As he sat in my kitchen, I taught him to slow down his breathing and relax as I took his hands and unwrapped them from his body. I began to talk to him in soft tones telling him that he was just as important to God as every other person. He seemed surprised at this but did not protest.
Little by little over the next few months, I engaged his confidence and began to teach him how to let go of the alcohol. Soon he joined AA. I explained how this marvelous organ, the brain, is capable of repairing the damage which had been done through his drinking and how our sympathetic nervous system is eager to help.
Gary gained confidence as he accepted the fact that when any part of our body, like his brain, is impaired, the sympathetic nervous system actually sends other cells to take over the function of the damaged cells and even replaces those cells that have been damaged beyond repair.
As he learned to relax, I gave him auto-suggestions like, "Your brain is repairing itself every day. You make a good impression. You are capable of learning many things. You sit up straight because you feel good about yourself. You do not need to hold your world together any more. You can sit comfortably with your hands in your lap or at your side. Notice how steady your hands are."
When I suggested that he take some courses at the Junior College, he nearly fainted.
School helped him get over being so shy. I explained that to be self-conscious meant that one is paying too much attention to one's self. I suggested that he take his mind off himself and walk over to a lady in class who seemed ill at ease.
Taking his mind off himself did wonders. Soon he was making friends and taking a real interest. Gary was absolutely overwhelmed when he earned his first certificate. Now he laughs and says he has enough to paper his wall.
Next, I suggested that he take dancing lessons. He became of good dancer and soon all the girls were eager to dance with him. He went from ballroom dancing to square dancing and had ever more challenges. Then he traded in his truck for a nice looking sports car. Said the girls didn't appreciate riding in a truck!
Today he is the most active in his AA group. Gary is out any time day or night eager to assist anyone who is having the struggle he once had with alcohol.
There is no limitation to the brain, but this precious organ must be nourished with mental as well as physical activity. In other words, use it or lose it!
Audrey Craft Davis lives with her husband in Oldsmar,FL. She is the author of a new book, "Metaphysical Techniques That Really Work". She also holds workshops and seminars, and has appeared on TV. (813) 891-0644.