Not so long ago, scientists believed that the brain did not change after childhood. It was completely formed with nerve pathways and connections fixed throughout adulthood. We now know that this is not true. The brain keeps changing and adapting, it is malleable, and responsive. This means that one can rewire the brain and form new connections. This is called neuroplasticity.

The brain works much like a power grid with millions of pathways that light up every time one thinks, feels or behaves. The pathways that are most used are ones that will become stronger over time. These become our habits, our way of thinking, feeling and doing things. The more we use these pathways, the easier it is to automatically use them. In other words, our feelings or behaviour will likely be the same when faced with a certain event or situation. If we start thinking or behaving differently, we will start creating and using a new pathway, a new habit, a new way of doing things. The more we use the new pathway, the easier it becomes to choose it, and eventually becomes automatic, and second nature. The new pathway becomes stronger, which weakens the old pathway. This ability to form new connections, and weaken old ones means that at any age, there is hope of working towards emotional wellness. The good news is that we all have the capacity to do this.  By focusing on a new way of thinking and behaving, we can all rewire our brains.

An old Cherokee Legend Called,  “ The wolves Within … ”, explains it well.

An old Grandfather said to his grandson, who came to him with anger at a friend who had done him an injustice...  "Let me tell you a story."

"I too, at times, have felt great hate for those who have taken so much, with no sorrow for what they do. But hate wears you down, and does not hurt your enemy. It's like taking poison and wishing your enemy would die. I have struggled with these feelings many times. It is as if there are two wolves inside me; one is good and does no harm. He lives in harmony with all around him and does not take offense when no offense was intended. He will only fight when it is right to do so, and in the right way. But...the other wolf... ah! The littlest thing will send him into a fit of temper. He fights everyone, all of the time, for no reason. He cannot think because his anger and hate are so great. It is helpless anger, for his anger will change nothing. Sometimes it is hard to live with these two wolves inside me, for both of them try to dominate my spirit."

The boy looked intently into his Grandfather's eyes and asked, "Which one wins, Grandfather?". 

The Grandfather smiled and quietly said, "The one I feed."

A Cherokee Legend, last accessed May 15, 2013 at http://www.firstpeople.us/FP-Html-Legends/TwoWolves-Cherokee.html

Note: This blog is meant to serve as information only. It is in no way meant to replace the critical dialogue and recommendations of health-care professionals.