"Compassion and resilience are not, as we might imagine, rarefied
human qualities available only to the saintly. Nor are they
adventitious experiences that arise in us only in extraordinary
circumstances. In fact these essential and universally prized human
qualities can be
solidly cultivated by anyone willing to take the time to do it."
― Norman Fischer, Training in Compassion: Zen Teachings on the Practice of Lojong
“Because you are alive, everything is possible.”
―
Living Buddha, Living Christ
I think one of the most exciting discoveries to emerge from medical science is neuroplasticity.
Even in cases where there has been fairly severe physical damage to the brain, research now indicates that new neural pathways can be created. With proper stimulation, undamaged neurons can even sprout new nerve endings. Certain functions can even be transferred from a severely damaged hemisphere of the brain to the other! Faculties and behaviors can be restored. Healing can happen.
Even in cases where there has been fairly severe physical damage to the brain, research now indicates that new neural pathways can be created. With proper stimulation, undamaged neurons can even sprout new nerve endings. Certain functions can even be transferred from a severely damaged hemisphere of the brain to the other! Faculties and behaviors can be restored. Healing can happen.
How cool is that!?
Creatures of Habit
Most schools of psychology agree that our basic personality is formed very early in our lives
through the interplay of our genetics and the conditioning we receive in our interactions with the world around us. As we mature, most people come to experience a "me," with a recognizable set of beliefs, attitudes, emotions and behaviors. This "me"seems to be substantial and real -- and fixed into place.
Modern science -- and, of course, the traditional teachings of Buddhism -- both challenge that widely shared perception. Neuroplasticity indicates that we can alter the
elements of that personality. We can transform the ways we view and act in the world in fundamental ways.
As research techniques and imaging technology have advanced, modern science has been able to get a much better understanding of the brain and the vast network of nerves that are involved in creating our experience of life. What we perceive, feel, and do relies on neural pathways, deeply conditioned sequences of synapses in our brains and elsewhere firing in predictable ways. For the most part, this operates "out of sight" beneath the level of our awareness.
This certainly explains why many of us seem to go stumbling
along entertaining deep yearnings to do certain things (or not do certain things) -- and we fail to change. In my case, I want to be a kind, caring, compassionate person. I've wanted to act constructively and productively in my life. All too often over the years, I've ended up being a jerk -- and not getting the job done.
Thankfully, Western Science is now indicating what many of us have sensed to be true. The phenomenon of neural plasticity indicates that change is possible. It even happens at the cellular level!
Contrary to the old adage, you can teach an old dog new tricks.
Kicking the Habit
I'm grateful to have come of age at a time when the spiritual
traditions of Asia brought various forms of meditation into my life. Mindfulness Practice has been crucial in transforming how I experience and act in the world. With
Practice, I have been able to bring awareness to what had previously operated
subconsciously. In doing so, over time, I have been able to "rewire" my responses.
Research has shown that meditation can and does alter the way that our brains function. Studies even indicate that, over time, there are positive organic changes in the brains of longtime meditators! This affirms what the sages, seers, and saints of the world's spiritual traditions have been saying all along. We human beings have access to more exalted ways of being. We are capable of incredible courage, deep compassion, and insight. We are capable of Love.
With Practice, we can kick the habit of being who we have been -- in
deep and fundamental ways. We
can become the persons that we yearn to be. We can get it together.
I know this to be true.
To wit: I had a violent temper. I was raised in a household where angry outbursts occurred often. Like my father and older brother, I could readily fly into a rage and lash out verbally-- or physically. My younger brother and I fought often. Even though I was inspired by the teachings of Dr Martin Luther King as a high school student, non-violence was only an aspiration. I struggled with anger into adulthood.