In 'Train Your Mind, Change Your Brain,' Sharon Begley explores the groundbreaking science behind neuroplasticity, revealing how our thoughts and mental practices can physically reshape our brains. With compelling research and engaging narratives, she illustrates how mindfulness, meditation, and cognitive exercises can enhance mental health, bolster emotional resilience, and boost overall cognitive function. Readers will discover fascinating case studies that demonstrate the transformative power of the mind, making the impossible seem attainable. As you delve into this insightful read, you’ll unlock secrets to harnessing your brain's potential for lasting change. Are you ready to embark on a journey that could redefine your understanding of the mind?
By Sharon Begley
Published: 2007
"The mind is not a static entity; it is a dynamic force capable of reshaping itself, and through conscious effort, we can harness its power to transform our lives."
In this fascinating and far-reaching book, Newsweek science writer Sharon Begley reports on how cutting-edge science and the ancient wisdom of Buddhism have come together to reveal that, contrary to popular belief, we have the power to literally change our brains by changing our minds. Recent pioneering experiments in neuroplasticity–the ability of the brain to change in response to experience–reveal that the brain is capable of altering its structure and function, and even of generating new neurons, a power we retain well into old age. The brain can adapt, heal, renew itself after trauma, compensate for disabilities, rewire itself to overcome dyslexia, and break cycles of depression and OCD. And as scientists are learning from studies performed on Buddhist monks, it is not only the outside world that can change the brain, so can the mind and, in particular, focused attention through the classic Buddhist practice of mindfulness. With her gift for making science accessible, meaningful, and compelling, Sharon Begley illuminates a profound shift in our understanding of how the brain and the mind interact and takes us to the leading edge of a revolution in what it means to be human. “There are two great things about this book. One is that it shows us how nothing about our brains is set in stone. The other is that it is written by Sharon Begley, one of the best science writers around. Begley is superb at framing the latest facts within the larger context of the field. . . . This is a terrific book.” –Robert M. Sapolsky, author of Why Zebras Don’t Get Ulcers “Excellent . . . elegant and lucid prose . . . an open mind here will be rewarded.” –Discover magazine “A strong dose of hope along with a strong does of science and Buddhist thought.” –The San Diego Union-Tribune
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“The mind is not a static entity; it is a dynamic force capable of reshaping itself, and through conscious effort, we can harness its power to transform our lives.”
Train Your Mind, Change Your Brain
By Sharon Begley
Discover a world of knowledge through our extensive collection of book summaries.
Sharon Begley was an acclaimed science journalist and author, known for her insightful explorations of the intersection between science and society. She served as the science columnist for Stat News and previously worked at Newsweek and The Wall Street Journal. Begley's notable works include "Train Your Mind, Change Your Brain," co-authored with neuroscientist Sharon Begley, which examines the science of neuroplasticity, and "The Mind and the Brain," a comprehensive look at mental processes. Her writing style is characterized by clarity, rigor, and an engaging narrative that makes complex scientific concepts accessible to a general audience.
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