Although it is the most important part of our  representing as it does our direct link we have to our Maker or our spiritual source, most of us have not kept pace with modern neurological science and consequently have limited knowledge of the brain.

We know the brain is housed as a sensitive instrument within the confines of the bony skull. It is shaped somewhat like a walnut, with a division between the hemispheres and all crinkly but much softer in texture than a nut.

Each part of the brain has a different purpose and responsibility and is wired with unlimited connections to transmit commands and to receive information.  Up until now, it is believed that most people only make use of about 1/12 of its capacity.  But that figure is no doubt a seriously inaccurate one if we are to go by the similar assessments of use of our personal electronic computers, capable of so much more than we can fully utilize, particularly if we choose to waste its potential talents in just playing electronic games.

Perhaps only the genius mentality of those who created the first advances in computer technology will ever have some clues to understand how our brain works.  Most of us don’t want to understand how it functions, we just want to rely upon its capacity to do want we want and never crash.  That’s what all of us want of our brain.

The brain begins to make complaint when we have a headache. Sometimes it can be obvious that the cause is a physical one such as after too much coffee, or alcohol. At other times there seems to be no reason at all, except perhaps with nervous tension or anxiety about something. However, the brain in good health doesn’t usually complain.  It functions well enough and remembers most things we want it to. Only later as we age it seems to use the delete button too freely!

If we look after the brain and avoid accidental injury, eat the right food, get proper sleep and rest and be sure to deep breathe and inhale enough oxygen, it is expected to last in good shape for the rest of our life. With some people, it can even hold its own intellectually and even improve in its creative abilities into old age.

But we generally know so little about our brain – the organ that deserves much more than casual interest and respect- at least a little wonderment and appreciation of this precious personal computer that is so central to our existence.

Sally Janssen’s wonderful book “Mental Fitness: The Complete Self-Help Guide”, offers timely solutions. Read more…

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Physical health means that the brain is likely to retain its healthy functions and condition also. This is a fundamental priority if we are interested in remaining as vital and youthful as we can. But there are specific facts known to science that help us to understand further.

Our brains require quantities of oxygen and absorption of vitality from the subtle atmosphere of our environment. This is taken for granted when we are young but as we age we must consciously draw upon nature’s universal supply in fresh air and improve our respiratory capacities. Every cell needs oxygen and our brain eagerly consumes up to what has been assessed as two thirds of what is provided in order to keep all systems functioning. The brain’s demand for adequate circulation of oxygenated blood points to the need for us to do regular exercise.

The brain gradually is inclined to reduce in weight and volume until at 70 years it has lost 5% of its weight. By about 90 years of age it may be reduced by approximately 20%. It requires vital nourishment from easily digested foods and vitamins. We therefore must be specially considerate of the factor of diet and our need for health supplements as we get older.

Scientists observe changes in the neurons of the brain as well as atrophy of cells and changes in hormone levels. Unfortunately these changes are all inclined to reduce the levels of brain and body function rather than improving them. The loss in brain weight is thought to be related to the shrinkage of the large neurons.  In the basal forebrain it is shown that these neurons shrink or die as we age.

Sally Janssen’s wonderful book “Mental Fitness: A Simple Self-Help Guide”, offers simple and timely solutions. Read more…

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There are few of us who ever seen the actual physical organ but most of us are aware of its walnut-like appearance with the  two halves with their distinct convolutions being separated by membrane.

Scientists say the brain is sexist and that nature discriminates – that a woman’s brain weighs a little less than a man’s. But perhaps it’s another example of the fact that size isn’t all that important. It’s the thought that counts.

The brain is actually the recorder and servant of my thoughts to which it responds to some extent but leaves the greater dictates of nature to assume superiority, particularly in matters of physiological function and for this, we must all be eternally grateful. I really appreciate that I don’t have to think of directing the heart to beat, or telling my digestion to function. It just happens.

Each part of the brain, scientists have shown, has a different purpose of its own as well as the job of responsibly serving the conscious mind of its owner. This allows a potential for a vast range of physical and intellectual achievements. However most of its talents lie neglected as we are generally unaware or unable to access all of the brain’s latent abilities. I have never been taught what buttons to press and like beginner computer users, I hesitate in case I press the wrong ones.

I guess that I only use about one twelfth of my brain capacity, as is believed to be the average. It is interesting to speculate what difference it would make if each of my developed skills could be magnified twelve times.

In truth I don’t really know how my brain works. I’m just glad it does, so I can use it as I do at present to develop my knowledge, remember what is necessary and to record any worthwhile thoughts that come to me. I’m not sure what happens with all the rubbish thoughts that come and go – and where do they go?

To conclude – I like my brain. It is a good servant and doesn’t let me down. It doesn’t give me trouble either, except an occasional headache. But as I get older all that may change, unless I can find ways to maintain my healthy brain and mental fitness so that I can create or entertain quality thoughts for it to record.

 Sally Janssen’s wonderful book “Mental Fitness: A Simple Self-Help Guide”, offers simple and timely solutions. Read more…

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