Re: Do you guys believe in change of neural paths?

July 14, 2011

I'm not going to talk about my beliefs, but here's an example:My kids started ice skating at the local rink. Having never done it before, I (a 40 year old male with no previous ice skating experience) bought a pair of used hockey skates and began skating with them earlier this year.

When I first started, I could barely stand. Every movement was sketchy and had to be contemplated. Now, after several months of skating a couple of times a week, I can hop on the ice and skate pretty much without thinking about it...my motor neurons, through repetition, have developed the new pathways necessary for me to engage in a new set of behaviors.

During the same approximate time period, I also began learning about ACT. and (as a result) began a mindfulness meditation practice and made an effort to incorporate mindfulness in my daily activities. I have what many would consider a stressful job and, in the past, experienced relatively frequent panic attacks and other issues (insomnia, irritability, rumination) commonly associated with anxiety. After learning and beginning to routinely practice a new set of skills (defusing and expansion), these issues have decreased dramatically, despite the fact that my objective realities (job, family, etc.) have not substantively changed.

Aren't these situations largely analogous from the perspective of what's going on in my brain? I'd certainly tend to think so...Thanks,Burt

Some proponents of popular psychology like NLP frequently preaches about the ability of the brain to rewire itself - changing the neural pathways. Well, that's basically the neuroplasticity movement.First of all, I don't want to get into NLP and how it fits within ACT mainframe - that would be another topic all in itself (you can start another thread if you wish to discuss it).

What I'm interested in here is the ACT position regarding the theory about the brain's ability to rewire itself. Somehow it kinda feels inconsistent with ACT's battle cry " accept everything " ...

Thanks,MerlinPowered by Telkomsel BlackBerry®

Sender: ACT_for_the_Public

Date: Thu, 14 Jul 2011 03:12:43 -0000To: <ACT_for_the_Public >ReplyTo: ACT_for_the_Public

Subject: Thanks to everyone who commented on my blog piece

All,

Thanks for the comments. They were all extremely helpful. I've

got a lot of work to do, and this is a good thing - I'm very glad

I put this piece out to folks here - I learned much more from doing

so than if I had just kept it to myself.

I'm going back now to do more reading & writing & revising etc.

And to keep working on my own ACT practice, which is still

evolving along with my writing.

- R.

July 14, 2011

I'm not going to talk about my beliefs, but here's an example:My kids started ice skating at the local rink. Having never done it before, I (a 40 year old male with no previous ice skating experience) bought a pair of used hockey skates and began skating with them earlier this year.

When I first started, I could barely stand. Every movement was sketchy and had to be contemplated. Now, after several months of skating a couple of times a week, I can hop on the ice and skate pretty much without thinking about it...my motor neurons, through repetition, have developed the new pathways necessary for me to engage in a new set of behaviors.

During the same approximate time period, I also began learning about ACT. and (as a result) began a mindfulness meditation practice and made an effort to incorporate mindfulness in my daily activities. I have what many would consider a stressful job and, in the past, experienced relatively frequent panic attacks and other issues (insomnia, irritability, rumination) commonly associated with anxiety. After learning and beginning to routinely practice a new set of skills (defusing and expansion), these issues have decreased dramatically, despite the fact that my objective realities (job, family, etc.) have not substantively changed.

Aren't these situations largely analogous from the perspective of what's going on in my brain? I'd certainly tend to think so...Thanks,Burt

Some proponents of popular psychology like NLP frequently preaches about the ability of the brain to rewire itself - changing the neural pathways. Well, that's basically the neuroplasticity movement.First of all, I don't want to get into NLP and how it fits within ACT mainframe - that would be another topic all in itself (you can start another thread if you wish to discuss it).

What I'm interested in here is the ACT position regarding the theory about the brain's ability to rewire itself. Somehow it kinda feels inconsistent with ACT's battle cry " accept everything " ...

Thanks,MerlinPowered by Telkomsel BlackBerry®

Sender: ACT_for_the_Public

Date: Thu, 14 Jul 2011 03:12:43 -0000To: <ACT_for_the_Public >ReplyTo: ACT_for_the_Public

Subject: Thanks to everyone who commented on my blog piece

All,

Thanks for the comments. They were all extremely helpful. I've

got a lot of work to do, and this is a good thing - I'm very glad

I put this piece out to folks here - I learned much more from doing

so than if I had just kept it to myself.

I'm going back now to do more reading & writing & revising etc.

And to keep working on my own ACT practice, which is still

evolving along with my writing.

- R.

July 14, 2011

Quite an interesting question! ACT teaches us to accept "what is". If "what is" can be changed as the field of science opens up possibilities, why not embrace it? - I think ACT would. For example, if someone has accepted that she is in a wheelchair and will be for the rest of her life, I doubt that she, or ACT, would oppose a scientific advance that would get her out of that chair and able to walk.

Having said that, I think the field of brain neuroplasticity is young and more research needs to be done before "how" the brain can be rewired is consistently accepted among the scientists; there is much controversary at this time on the "how". What would be inconsistent with ACT, IMO, would be to put all your belief eggs in the neuroplasticity basket to the extent that you cannot truly accept your present brain as it is. The danger is that we could get so hopeful about possible "cures" that we don't truly live in the present moment.

Helena

To: "ACT for the Public" <ACT_for_the_Public >Sent: Thursday, July 14, 2011 3:45:48 AMSubject: Do you guys believe in change of neural paths?

Some proponents of popular psychology like NLP frequently preaches about the ability of the brain to rewire itself - changing the neural pathways. Well, that's basically the neuroplasticity movement.First of all, I don't want to get into NLP and how it fits within ACT mainframe - that would be another topic all in itself (you can start another thread if you wish to discuss it).What I'm interested in here is the ACT position regarding the theory about the brain's ability to rewire itself. Somehow it kinda feels inconsistent with ACT's battle cry "accept everything" ...Thanks,Merlin Powered by Telkomsel BlackBerryÂ®

July 14, 2011

In re-reading this, I want to make a distinction between neueroplasticity and NLP (Neuro-linguistic programming). The former is a valid field of scientific study while the latter is, in my opinion, not scientifically based. This is not to invite a discussion on NLP but just to point out that the two are very different things.

Helena

To: "ACT for the Public" <ACT_for_the_Public >Sent: Thursday, July 14, 2011 6:46:07 AMSubject: Re: Do you guys believe in change of neural paths?

Quite an interesting question! ACT teaches us to accept "what is". If "what is" can be changed as the field of science opens up possibilities, why not embrace it? - I think ACT would. For example, if someone has accepted that she is in a wheelchair and will be for the rest of her life, I doubt that she, or ACT, would oppose a scientific advance that would get her out of that chair and able to walk.

Having said that, I think the field of brain neuroplasticity is young and more research needs to be done before "how" the brain can be rewired is consistently accepted among the scientists; there is much controversary at this time on the "how". What would be inconsistent with ACT, IMO, would be to put all your belief eggs in the neuroplasticity basket to the extent that you cannot truly accept your present brain as it is. The danger is that we could get so hopeful about possible "cures" that we don't truly live in the present moment.

Helena

To: "ACT for the Public" <ACT_for_the_Public >Sent: Thursday, July 14, 2011 3:45:48 AMSubject: Do you guys believe in change of neural paths?

Some proponents of popular psychology like NLP frequently preaches about the ability of the brain to rewire itself - changing the neural pathways. Well, that's basically the neuroplasticity movement.First of all, I don't want to get into NLP and how it fits within ACT mainframe - that would be another topic all in itself (you can start another thread if you wish to discuss it).What I'm interested in here is the ACT position regarding the theory about the brain's ability to rewire itself. Somehow it kinda feels inconsistent with ACT's battle cry "accept everything" ...Thanks,Merlin Powered by Telkomsel BlackBerryÂ®

July 14, 2011

Well, maybe it makes sense to accept that our brains are changing all the time as the result of experience? That doesn't seem ACT inconsistent to me. In fact any philosophy or therapy that was based on the idea that our neurology, mental processes and perspectives and thoughts were fixed for all time would presumably fail to make an impact at all!

S.

To: ACT_for_the_Public Sent: Thursday, 14 July 2011, 8:45Subject: Do you guys believe in change of neural paths?

Some proponents of popular psychology like NLP frequently preaches about the ability of the brain to rewire itself - changing the neural pathways. Well, that's basically the neuroplasticity movement.First of all, I don't want to get into NLP and how it fits within ACT mainframe - that would be another topic all in itself (you can start another thread if you wish to discuss it).What I'm interested in here is the ACT position regarding the theory about the brain's ability to rewire itself. Somehow it kinda feels inconsistent with ACT's battle cry "accept everything" ...Thanks,Merlin

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Sender: ACT_for_the_Public

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To: <ACT_for_the_Public >

ReplyTo: ACT_for_the_Public

Subject: Thanks to everyone who commented on my blog piece

All, Thanks for the comments. They were all extremely helpful. I'vegot a lot of work to do, and this is a good thing - I'm very glad I put this piece out to folks here - I learned much more from doing so than if I had just kept it to myself. I'm going back now to do more reading & writing & revising etc.And to keep working on my own ACT practice, which is stillevolving along with my writing. - R.

July 14, 2011

I know nothing about NLP (which I had never heard of before), but I am interested in neuroplasticity (and I was just thinking about this yesterday). My question is: if you change your behavior, does your brain change? (I've heard about brain changes in meditating monks, for example.) I really did think that if your behavior changed, you would create new neural pathways. (IOW, if you continue to behave the same way, it only strengthens the neural pathways that are already there. E.g., if I panic every time I drive, certain pathways become stronger and it's more likely to happen next time and thus harder to change the behavior.)

I thought the purpose of ACT was to change your behavior (not your thoughts or feelings obviously) ... I'm ignorant about brain research, so I would be interested in learning more.~ lisa

Some proponents of popular psychology like NLP frequently preaches about the ability of the brain to rewire itself - changing the neural pathways. Well, that's basically the neuroplasticity movement.First of all, I don't want to get into NLP and how it fits within ACT mainframe - that would be another topic all in itself (you can start another thread if you wish to discuss it).

What I'm interested in here is the ACT position regarding the theory about the brain's ability to rewire itself. Somehow it kinda feels inconsistent with ACT's battle cry " accept everything " ...

Thanks,MerlinPowered by Telkomsel BlackBerry®

Sender: ACT_for_the_Public

Date: Thu, 14 Jul 2011 03:12:43 -0000To: <ACT_for_the_Public >ReplyTo: ACT_for_the_Public

Subject: Thanks to everyone who commented on my blog piece

All,

Thanks for the comments. They were all extremely helpful. I've

got a lot of work to do, and this is a good thing - I'm very glad

I put this piece out to folks here - I learned much more from doing

so than if I had just kept it to myself.

I'm going back now to do more reading & writing & revising etc.

And to keep working on my own ACT practice, which is still

evolving along with my writing.

- R.

July 14, 2011

As Neuroscientist Dan Siegel says, " neurons that fire together, wire together. " My non-scientist mind takes that to mean that if we habitually respond to the various negative thoughts and feelings that come our way by identifying with them and buying into the catastrophic scenarios they predict, then those pathways will become stronger. If on the other hand, we just treat them as neuronal chatter, then we will be better able to get in touch with other parts of our experience.

I know nothing about NLP (which I had never heard of before), but I am interested in neuroplasticity (and I was just thinking about this yesterday). My question is: if you change your behavior, does your brain change? (I've heard about brain changes in meditating monks, for example.) I really did think that if your behavior changed, yo neural pathways. (IOW, if you continue to behave the same way, it only strengthens the neural pathways that are already there. E.g., if I panic every time I drive, certain pathways become stronger and it's more likely to happen next time and thus harder to change the behavior.)

I thought the purpose of ACT was to change your behavior (not your thoughts or feelings obviously) ... I'm ignorant about brain research, so I would be interested in learning more.~ lisa

Some proponents of popular psychology like NLP frequently preaches about the ability of the brain to rewire itself - changing the neural pathways. Well, that's basically the neuroplasticity movement.First of all, I don't want to get into NLP and how it fits within ACT mainframe - that would be another topic all in itself (you can start another thread if you wish to discuss it).

What I'm interested in here is the ACT position regarding the theory about the brain's ability to rewire itself. Somehow it kinda feels inconsistent with ACT's battle cry " accept everything " ...

Thanks,MerlinPowered by Telkomsel BlackBerry®

Sender: ACT_for_the_Public

Date: Thu, 14 Jul 2011 03:12:43 -0000To: <ACT_for_the_Public >ReplyTo: ACT_for_the_Public

Subject: Thanks to everyone who commented on my blog piece

All,

Thanks for the comments. They were all extremely helpful. I've

got a lot of work to do, and this is a good thing - I'm very glad

I put this piece out to folks here - I learned much more from doing

so than if I had just kept it to myself.

I'm going back now to do more reading & writing & revising etc.

And to keep working on my own ACT practice, which is still

evolving along with my writing.

- R.

July 14, 2011

Learning is all about neoropalsticity - you would not have learned to walk

without it. I have absolute faith in my eventual recovery, even to the point

where I beleive that the damage that antidpreessant drugs have done to my brain

might well be repaired as well.

Exercise is a fantastic way to build a healthy brain, and lowering stress levels

is good too, which all helps to combat depression and anxiety.

Kv

>

> Well, maybe it makes sense to accept that our brains are changing all the time

as the result of experience? That doesn't seem ACT inconsistent to me. In fact

any philosophy or therapy that was based on the idea that our neurology, mental

processes and perspectives and thoughts were fixed for all time would presumably

fail to make an impact at all!

> Â

> S.

>

> >To: ACT_for_the_Public

> >Sent: Thursday, 14 July 2011, 8:45

> >Subject: Do you guys believe in change of neural paths?

> >

> >Â

> >Some proponents of popular psychology like NLP frequently preaches about the

ability of the brain to rewire itself - changing the neural pathways. Well,

that's basically the neuroplasticity movement.

> >

> >First of all, I don't want to get into NLP and how it fits within ACT

mainframe - that would be another topic all in itself (you can start another

thread if you wish to discuss it).

> >

> >What I'm interested in here is the ACT position regarding the theory about

the brain's ability to rewire itself. Somehow it kinda feels inconsistent with

ACT's battle cry " accept everything " ...

> >

> >Thanks,

> >Merlin

> >Powered by Telkomsel BlackBerryÂ®

> >

> >Sender: ACT_for_the_Public

> >Date: Thu, 14 Jul 2011 03:12:43 -0000

> >To: <ACT_for_the_Public >

> >ReplyTo: ACT_for_the_Public

> >Subject: Thanks to everyone who commented on my blog

piece

> >

> >Â

> >All,

> >

> >Thanks for the comments. They were all extremely helpful. I've

> >got a lot of work to do, and this is a good thing - I'm very glad

> >I put this piece out to folks here - I learned much more from doing

> >so than if I had just kept it to myself.

> >

> >I'm going back now to do more reading & writing & revising etc.

> >And to keep working on my own ACT practice, which is still

> >evolving along with my writing.

> >

> >- R.

> >

>

July 16, 2011

We are whole. When our behavior evolves, our body evolves. And vice versa.But our bodies are also designed to maintain homeostasis(to keep things in balance).If you drive your bodies own neurobiological systems with major

drug interventions, bodies adjust. In the area of psychoactive drugs that isespecially so since often very large systems often are being moved thathave homeostatic systems.Example: hammer the dopamine system and

there will be an opponent process that evolve. Do thatchronically and you get disorders from thecounter weights (e.g., permanent movement disorders withanti-psychotic disorders); drive the serotonin system, same thing.

That is not advice not to use medications.It is advice to use them based on good science (hard as a consumerbut not impossible) and to be more carefuland more skeptical and more demanding of evidenceas weeks become months become years

The " ACBS World Conference IX " just finished in Parma Italy.Wonderful meeting with 600 people from around the world.Some consumers too; and people from all parts of the world --all continents except the Antarctica.

There were several presentations of neurobiological data there ...it turns out you can track changes in the brain that occur withacceptance, mindfulness, defusion, and values. But in the end the take home message is the same.

Get out of your own way. Weaken the processes that narrowyour life and send it into vicious circle (experiential avoidance;habitual fusion with thoughts despite the cost; clinging to a conceptualizedview of yourself instead of viewing yourself as a container of many things)

Come more fully into the conscious present. Learn to attend more based onworkability and less on habit. Take time to smell the flowers. Expand what is present inside and out. Take time to breath, to see, to appreciate,

to wonder, to savor,Choose what is deeply important. Evolve your behavior in that direction,gently, without a whip or a stick, one step at a time but watching for thelarger patterns that are built moment by moment

Create community. As you grow and evolve, grow and evolve thecommunity that supports these basic processes of acceptance,consciousness, and caring. Focus on others. Where there isfear or withdrawal or pride or arrogance put community, humility,

and compassion for others.You are not broken. Your brain is not broken.You are changing your brain and body in a healthy way asyou evolve your behavior in a healthy way ...

Peace, love, and life from Parma Italy- S C. Foundation Professor

Department of Psychology /298University of NevadaReno, NV 89557-0062 " Love isn't everything, it's the only thing " hayes@... or stevenchayes@...

Fax: Psych Department: Contextual Change (you can use this number for messages if need be):

Blogs: Psychology Today http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/get-out-your-mindHuffington Post http://www.huffingtonpost.com/steven-c-hayes-phd

If you want my vita, publications, PowerPoint slides, try my training page or my blog at the ACBS site: http://www.contextualpsychology.org/steven_hayes

http://www.contextualpsychology.org/blog/steven_hayes or you can try my website (it is semi-functional) stevenchayes.com

If you have any questions about ACT or RFT (articles, AAQ information etc), please first check the vast resources at website of the Association for Contextual Behavioral Science (ACBS): www.contextualpsychology.org. You have to register on the site to download things, but the cost if up to your own values.

If you are a professional or student and want to be part of the world wide ACT discussion or RFT discussions go to http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/acceptanceandcommitmenttherapy/join

orhttp://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/relationalframetheory/joinIf you are a member of the public reading ACT self-help books (e.g., " Get Out of Your Mind and Into Your Life " etc) and want to be part of the conversation go to: http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/ACT_for_the_Public/join

Some proponents of popular psychology like NLP frequently preaches about the ability of the brain to rewire itself - changing the neural pathways. Well, that's basically the neuroplasticity movement.First of all, I don't want to get into NLP and how it fits within ACT mainframe - that would be another topic all in itself (you can start another thread if you wish to discuss it).

What I'm interested in here is the ACT position regarding the theory about the brain's ability to rewire itself. Somehow it kinda feels inconsistent with ACT's battle cry " accept everything " ...

Thanks,MerlinPowered by Telkomsel BlackBerry®

Sender: ACT_for_the_Public

Date: Thu, 14 Jul 2011 03:12:43 -0000To: <ACT_for_the_Public >ReplyTo: ACT_for_the_Public

Subject: Thanks to everyone who commented on my blog piece

All,

Thanks for the comments. They were all extremely helpful. I've

got a lot of work to do, and this is a good thing - I'm very glad

I put this piece out to folks here - I learned much more from doing

so than if I had just kept it to myself.

I'm going back now to do more reading & writing & revising etc.

And to keep working on my own ACT practice, which is still

evolving along with my writing.

- R.

July 16, 2011

This makes so much sense, even as I read the words, inebriated as I am, treating one addiction with another, in this case a habituation to an antidepressant - Stablon - with whatever I can find, in this case alcohol: anything to blunt the pain.Aside: My recent (last month or so) "outbursts" here in this forum were my response to this:For a few years now I've been buying the antidepressant, Stablon (Tianeptine) via the internet. The recommended dose is one 12.5 mg tablet, three times per day. But my sleuthing on the interwebs found that higher than the recommended dosage could produce a nice "buzz". In my case I found that taking 5 of these tablets at a time produced a pleasant sense of well-being - a brightening of mood and energy, quite nice. Trouble was, the drug is relatively short-acting. The "buzz" lasted only an hour or so. Before long I found I was taking anywhere between three or four to up to 16 or 17 5-tablet doses in any 24-hour day. Unsustainable, economically and psychologically.About a month ago I went to my local parcel centre to redeem a delivery that I'd not been home to receive. I handed over the card the delivery person had left in my mailbox, but instead of receiving the parcel containing my precious Stablon, I was handed an envelope.Reading the enclosed letter, dread swamped my body. It was a letter from an investigator in Australia's regulatory body, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) telling me that the shipment had been seized because the quantity was greater than that allowed under the regulations. I'd ordered 6 month's worth (instead of the explanation-free 3 months) because the drug was on sale - 30% off - and because the Aussie dollar is at an all-time high compared to the U.S. dollar. The nub was that, unless I could provide a doctor's prescription for the greater amount, my drugs would be destroyed. To add salt, I was informed that I could be fined up to $160,000 for my transgression. Wonderful!The therapist I'm seeing had made it clear that he did not sanction my addiction, and so there was no hope of saving this shipment. Point is, I didn't even ask this therapist to provide a prescription. I knew (and know), deep down, that this path is/was a dead end. It's painful as hell, all the same.So here I am. Understanding that Steve's advice is spot on. I guess that's coming from the unbroken part of me. Hell, I don't really know for sure. But something there makes a lot of sense.Regards,Detlef> > > **> >> >> > ** Some proponents of popular psychology like NLP frequently preaches> > about the ability of the brain to rewire itself - changing the neural> > pathways. Well, that's basically the neuroplasticity movement.> >> > First of all, I don't want to get into NLP and how it fits within ACT> > mainframe - that would be another topic all in itself (you can start another> > thread if you wish to discuss it).> >> > What I'm interested in here is the ACT position regarding the theory about> > the brain's ability to rewire itself. Somehow it kinda feels inconsistent> > with ACT's battle cry "accept everything" ...> >> > Thanks,> > Merlin> >> > Powered by Telkomsel BlackBerry®> > ------------------------------> > * > *Sender: * ACT_for_the_Public > > *Date: *Thu, 14 Jul 2011 03:12:43 -0000> > *To: *ACT_for_the_Public > > *ReplyTo: * ACT_for_the_Public > > *Subject: * Thanks to everyone who commented on my> > blog piece> >> >> >> > All,> >> > Thanks for the comments. They were all extremely helpful. I've> > got a lot of work to do, and this is a good thing - I'm very glad> > I put this piece out to folks here - I learned much more from doing> > so than if I had just kept it to myself.> >> > I'm going back now to do more reading & writing & revising etc.> > And to keep working on my own ACT practice, which is still> > evolving along with my writing.> >> > - R.> >> > > >>

July 16, 2011

Your brain is not broken. Sharing this with us proves that. There must be painful side effects from stopping that drug so suddenly. I hope you will soon get past that so you won't need the second addiction anymore. You're on your way home; keep your eye on the road.

Best,

Helena

To: "ACT for the Public" <ACT_for_the_Public >Sent: Saturday, July 16, 2011 3:41:23 PMSubject: Re: Do you guys believe in change of neural paths?

This makes so much sense, even as I read the words, inebriated as I am, treating one addiction with another, in this case a habituation to an antidepressant - Stablon - with whatever I can find, in this case alcohol: anything to blunt the pain.Aside: My recent (last month or so) "outbursts" here in this forum were my response to this:For a few years now I've been buying the antidepressant, Stablon (Tianeptine) via the internet. The recommended dose is one 12.5 mg tablet, three times per day. But my sleuthing on the interwebs found that higher than the recommended dosage could produce a nice "buzz". In my case I found that taking 5 of these tablets at a time produced a pleasant sense of well-being - a brightening of mood and energy, quite nice. Trouble was, the drug is relatively short-acting. The "buzz" lasted only an hour or so. Before long I found I was taking anywhere between three or four to up to 16 or 17 5-tablet doses in any 24-hour day. Unsustainable, economically and psychologically.About a month ago I went to my local parcel centre to redeem a delivery that I'd not been home to receive. I handed over the card the delivery person had left in my mailbox, but instead of receiving the parcel containing my precious Stablon, I was handed an envelope.Reading the enclosed letter, dread swamped my body. It was a letter from an investigator in Australia's regulatory body, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) telling me that the shipment had been seized because the quantity was greater than that allowed under the regulations. I'd ordered 6 month's worth (instead of the explanation-free 3 months) because the drug was on sale - 30% off - and because the Aussie dollar is at an all-time high compared to the U.S. dollar. The nub was that, unless I could provide a doctor's prescription for the greater amount, my drugs would be destroyed. To add salt, I was informed that I could be fined up to $160,000 for my transgression. Wonderful!The therapist I'm seeing had made it clear that he did not sanction my addiction, and so there was no hope of saving this shipment. Point is, I didn't even ask this therapist to provide a prescription. I knew (and know), deep down, that this path is/was a dead end. It's painful as hell, all the same.So here I am. Understanding that Steve's advice is spot on. I guess that's coming from the unbroken part of me. Hell, I don't really know for sure. But something there makes a lot of sense.Regards,Detlef> > > **> >> >> > ** Some proponents of popular psychology like NLP frequently preaches> > about the ability of the brain to rewire itself - changing the neural> > pathways. Well, that's basically the neuroplasticity movement.> >> > First of all, I don't want to get into NLP and how it fits within ACT> > mainframe - that would be another topic all in itself (you can start another> > thread if you wish to discuss it).> >> > What I'm interested in here is the ACT position regarding the theory about> > the brain's ability to rewire itself. Somehow it kinda feels inconsistent> > with ACT's battle cry "accept everything" ...> >> > Thanks,> > Merlin> >> > Powered by Telkomsel BlackBerryÂ®> > ------------------------------> > * > *Sender: * ACT_for_the_Public > > *Date: *Thu, 14 Jul 2011 03:12:43 -0000> > *To: *ACT_for_the_Public > > *ReplyTo: * ACT_for_the_Public > > *Subject: * Thanks to everyone who commented on my> > blog piece> >> >> >> > All,> >> > Thanks for the comments. They were all extremely helpful. I've> > got a lot of work to do, and this is a good thing - I'm very glad> > I put this piece out to folks here - I learned much more from doing> > so than if I had just kept it to myself.> >> > I'm going back now to do more reading & writing & revising etc.> > And to keep working on my own ACT practice, which is still> > evolving along with my writing.> >> > - R.> >> > > >>

July 16, 2011

About six months ago I posted some research on my PSSD site that showed

how exercise was extremely powerful at repairing and rejuvinating the

brain. The scientists had used a drug on some monkeys that destroyed

most of the dopamine cells and all the monkeys showed typical symtoms

of parkinsons disease along with trouble moving about and chronic

twicthing. He then coaxed some of these monkeys into doing vigorous

exercise and amazingly these monkeys made a dramatic improvement in

their mobility and health. Brain scans showed that their dopamine cells

were replenishing and repairing themselves.

Modern research shows that the brain is neuroplastic and changes

depending on the environment. There is hope for us all.

Kv

>

> > **

> >

> > ** Some proponents of popular psychology like NLP frequently

preaches

> > about the ability of the brain to rewire itself - changing the

neural

> > pathways. Well, that's basically the neuroplasticity movement.

> >

> > First of all, I don't want to get into NLP and how it fits within

ACT

> > mainframe - that would be another topic all in itself (you can start

another

> > thread if you wish to discuss it).

> >

> > What I'm interested in here is the ACT position regarding the theory

about

> > the brain's ability to rewire itself. Somehow it kinda feels

inconsistent

> > with ACT's battle cry " accept everything " ...

> >

> > Thanks,

> > Merlin

> >

> > Powered by Telkomsel BlackBerry®

> > ------------------------------

> > *From: * " Randy " usable.thought@...

> > *Sender: * ACT_for_the_Public

> > *Date: *Thu, 14 Jul 2011 03:12:43 -0000

> > *To: *ACT_for_the_Public

> > *ReplyTo: * ACT_for_the_Public

> > *Subject: * Thanks to everyone who commented on

my

> > blog piece

> >

> > All,

> >

> > Thanks for the comments. They were all extremely helpful. I've

> > got a lot of work to do, and this is a good thing - I'm very glad

> > I put this piece out to folks here - I learned much more from doing

> > so than if I had just kept it to myself.

> >

> > I'm going back now to do more reading & writing & revising etc.

> > And to keep working on my own ACT practice, which is still

> > evolving along with my writing.

> >

> > - R.

> >

>

July 16, 2011

Exercise builds brain health: key roles of growth factor cascades and inflammation

Carl W. Cotman , C. Berchtold and Lori-Ann Christie

University of California, Irvine Institute for Brain Aging and Dementia, 1113 Gillespie Building, Irvine, CA 92617-4540, USA

Abstract

Human and other animal studies demonstrate that exercise targets many aspects of brain function and has broad effects on overall brain health. The benefits of exercise have been best defined for learning and memory, protection from neurodegeneration and alleviation of depression, particularly in elderly populations. Exercise increases synaptic plasticity by directly affecting synaptic structure and potentiating synaptic strength, and by strengthening the underlying systems that support plasticity including neurogenesis, metabolism and vascular function. Such exercise-induced structural and functional change has been documented in various brain regions but has been best-studied in the hippocampus the focus of this review. A key mechanism mediating these broad benefits of exercise on the brain is induction of central and peripheral growth factors and growth factor cascades, which instruct downstream structural and functional change. In addition, exercise reduces peripheral risk factors such as diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular disease, which converge to cause brain dysfunction and neurodegeneration. A common mechanism underlying the central and peripheral effects of exercise might be related to inflammation, which can impair growth factor signaling both systemically and in the brain. Thus, through regulation of growth factors and reduction of peripheral and central risk factors, exercise ensures successful brain function.> >> > > **> > >> > >> > > ** Some proponents of popular psychology like NLP frequently> preaches> > > about the ability of the brain to rewire itself - changing the> neural> > > pathways. Well, that's basically the neuroplasticity movement.> > >> > > First of all, I don't want to get into NLP and how it fits within> ACT> > > mainframe - that would be another topic all in itself (you can start> another> > > thread if you wish to discuss it).> > >> > > What I'm interested in here is the ACT position regarding the theory> about> > > the brain's ability to rewire itself. Somehow it kinda feels> inconsistent> > > with ACT's battle cry "accept everything" ...> > >> > > Thanks,> > > Merlin> > >> > > Powered by Telkomsel BlackBerry®> > > ------------------------------> > > *From: * "Randy" usable.thought@> > > *Sender: * ACT_for_the_Public > > > *Date: *Thu, 14 Jul 2011 03:12:43 -0000> > > *To: *ACT_for_the_Public > > > *ReplyTo: * ACT_for_the_Public > > > *Subject: * Thanks to everyone who commented on> my> > > blog piece> > >> > >> > >> > > All,> > >> > > Thanks for the comments. They were all extremely helpful. I've> > > got a lot of work to do, and this is a good thing - I'm very glad> > > I put this piece out to folks here - I learned much more from doing> > > so than if I had just kept it to myself.> > >> > > I'm going back now to do more reading & writing & revising etc.> > > And to keep working on my own ACT practice, which is still> > > evolving along with my writing.> > >> > > - R.> > >> > >> > >> >>

July 17, 2011

If you found the Whitaker article on antidepressant induced chronic depression disturbing then below is another article on how exercise causes the brain to grow new cells and repair itself. A good therapy to help lower stress levels and sufficient exercise could be just the ticket for a healthier and happy life.

I've started over posting again so bye for now.

Regrowth of key brain cells linked to benefits of exercise, sexual behaviors

The two studies have linked the regrowth of key adult brain cells (neurogenesis) in two critical areas of the brain to both the benefits of exercise as a stress reducer and also to sexual behavior and reproductive issues.

"Research has shown that exercise can improve mood and cognition and has also demonstrated that a deficit in adult neurogenesis may result in depressive disorders. Our research is aimed at examining the relationship between exercise as a way of combating stress and the possibility that exercise may promote neurogenesis and that neurogenesis functions as the mechanism of benefit."

http://www.topnews.in/healthcare/content/22124regrowth-key-brain-cells-linked-benefits-exercise-sexual-behaviors

Kv

.. > > >> > > > **> > > >> > > >> > > > ** Some proponents of popular psychology like NLP frequently> > preaches> > > > about the ability of the brain to rewire itself - changing the> > neural> > > > pathways. Well, that's basically the neuroplasticity movement.> > > >> > > > First of all, I don't want to get into NLP and how it fits within> > ACT> > > > mainframe - that would be another topic all in itself (you can> start> > another> > > > thread if you wish to discuss it).> > > >> > > > What I'm interested in here is the ACT position regarding the> theory> > about> > > > the brain's ability to rewire itself. Somehow it kinda feels> > inconsistent> > > > with ACT's battle cry "accept everything" ...> > > >> > > > Thanks,> > > > Merlin> > > >> > > > Powered by Telkomsel BlackBerry®> > > > ------------------------------> > > > *From: * "Randy" usable.thought@> > > > *Sender: * ACT_for_the_Public > > > > *Date: *Thu, 14 Jul 2011 03:12:43 -0000> > > > *To: *ACT_for_the_Public > > > > *ReplyTo: * ACT_for_the_Public > > > > *Subject: * Thanks to everyone who commented> on> > my> > > > blog piece> > > >> > > >> > > >> > > > All,> > > >> > > > Thanks for the comments. They were all extremely helpful. I've> > > > got a lot of work to do, and this is a good thing - I'm very glad> > > > I put this piece out to folks here - I learned much more from> doing> > > > so than if I had just kept it to myself.> > > >> > > > I'm going back now to do more reading & writing & revising etc.> > > > And to keep working on my own ACT practice, which is still> > > > evolving along with my writing.> > > >> > > > - R.> > > >> > > >> > > >> > >> >>

July 18, 2011

For an occasiaonal relief from suffering try the herb Rosea Rhodiola

rosea. Only take it twice a week as it can stop working like

antidepressants do. I took it for 7 weeks solid once and it was the best

antidepressant I had ever tried , but alas, it stopped working and I

have never been able to get it to work again. I suspect that

antidepessant drugs that I have taken in the past (only for 8 months)

have damaged the pleasure centres in my brain so the Rosea stopped

working quickly -no one else seems to get permanent poop out from Rosea

so this is the conclusion I have drawn

Give Rhodoila Rosea a try but only take it at the weekend, perhaps

Friday to Sunday (it works straight away). The herb is long lasting and

one tablet will keep you going all day. Apparently it can be taken along

with an antidepressant but check with your doctor first.

Wishing you all the best, michieux, and I hope things start top improve

for you. Keep up the good work!

Kv

> >

> > > **

> > >

> > > ** Some proponents of popular psychology like NLP frequently

> preaches

> > > about the ability of the brain to rewire itself - changing the

> neural

> > > pathways. Well, that's basically the neuroplasticity movement.

> > >

> > > First of all, I don't want to get into NLP and how it fits within

> ACT

> > > mainframe - that would be another topic all in itself (you can

start

> another

> > > thread if you wish to discuss it).

> > >

> > > What I'm interested in here is the ACT position regarding the

theory

> about

> > > the brain's ability to rewire itself. Somehow it kinda feels

> inconsistent

> > > with ACT's battle cry " accept everything " ...

> > >

> > > Thanks,

> > > Merlin

> > >

> > > Powered by Telkomsel BlackBerry®

> > > ------------------------------

> > > *From: * " Randy " usable.thought@

> > > *Sender: * ACT_for_the_Public

> > > *Date: *Thu, 14 Jul 2011 03:12:43 -0000

> > > *To: *ACT_for_the_Public

> > > *ReplyTo: * ACT_for_the_Public

> > > *Subject: * Thanks to everyone who commented

on

> my

> > > blog piece

> > >

> > > All,

> > >

> > > Thanks for the comments. They were all extremely helpful. I've

> > > got a lot of work to do, and this is a good thing - I'm very glad

> > > I put this piece out to folks here - I learned much more from

doing

> > > so than if I had just kept it to myself.

> > >

> > > I'm going back now to do more reading & writing & revising etc.

> > > And to keep working on my own ACT practice, which is still

> > > evolving along with my writing.

> > >

> > > - R.

> > >

> >

>

July 18, 2011