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Dear Friends and Clients,

Isn't it great when science “proves” something you knew all along? As a kid I read the scientific view that dogs don't have emotions, and I didn't believe it for a minute. Still, I found it gratifying, years later, to read that dogs not only have emotions but also may emote in sync with their human companions.

More recently, I have enjoyed reading the new science that suggests you can indeed teach an old dog new tricks. In particular, I'm fascinated by the evolving neuroscience that suggests that we all have the power to transform ourselves in amazing ways.

There is much evidence that our brains can change, that we can choose to change our brains, and thus can modify our state of mind. And that is what I will write about in this issue.

Warm wishes,
Bev


Manage Your Mind,
Manage Your Happiness

March 6th, 2007 * Number 55

In 2004, the Dalai Lama met for a week with a small group of leading scientists to discuss “neuroplasticity” – that is, the capacity of the brain to change. Until recently, the prevailing scientific view had been that our brains were formed in childhood and could not change later in life.

The Dalai Lama and his followers believe that mental practices, like meditation, can shape our state of mind and even the way our brains operate. Several neuroscientists had been studying the meditative practices of the Tibetan Buddhists, interested in precisely how their hours of meditation might change the structure or operation of their brains.

The scientific look at Buddhist monks evolved into a continuing dialogue between Western scientists and leading scholars of the Tibetan tradition. The 2004 conference was one of a series of “Mind and Life” gatherings exploring the question of whether we can change the structure and function of our own brains, and thus change the way we think and feel.

Wall Street Journal science writer Sharon Begley has written an intriguing and readable account of the conference and the broader collaboration between neuroscience and Buddhism. In “Train Your Mind, Change Your Brain,” Begley reports on how science and ancient wisdom are coming together to show that we all do have “the power to literally change our brains by changing our minds.”

Among other findings, she writes about evidence that:

  • Physical exercise can promote new neurons in adult brains, and thus might promote learning and memory capacity, and even dispel depression.

  • Cognitive-behavior therapy, in which obsessive patients are taught to observe their compulsive practices in a mindful way, has the power to systematically change faulty brain chemistry.

  • Mental training, like meditative practices, can modulate the brain's emotional circuitry.

  • Regular meditation can change your “happiness set point,” meaning that your normal level of happiness will be raised.

    You don't have to read the science, however, in order to experiment with using your mind to change the way you feel. In “The Art of Happiness,” psychiatrist Howard Cutler puts in Western terms suggestions from the Dalai Lama for finding happiness in everyday life. The Dalia Lama says that:

  • Happiness is accessible to everyone, but happiness is not simple. Your state of mind is key to achieving a happy and fulfilled life. All your possessions and accomplishments are meaningless if your mental state is blocking you from happiness. You can modify your state of mind with methodical, long-term practices like meditation, or by routinely taking the time to appreciate what you already have.

  • To cultivate happiness and psychological health, try to let go of negative states like hatred, jealousy or ill feeling about others. If you cultivate feelings of compassion toward others, “an inner door will open” and allow you to communicate with and become closer to other people. Systematically notice your mental states, and find ways to encourage the positive ones and eliminate the negative ones.

  • If you’re feeling anxious, try talking to yourself with phrases like these: If the problem can be remedied then there is no need to worry about it. But if there is no way out, no solution, then there is no point in worrying, because you can’t do anything anyway. And find something to be grateful for in the current situation, no matter how dire it may seem.

  • A secret to reducing anxiety is to have the proper motivation. Ask yourself whether your motivation is sincere. If the answer is “yes,” appreciate your sincerity and know that it can serve as an antidote to fear and anxious feelings. When you contemplate future actions, be honest with yourself about what is motivating you, and whether your motivation is aligned with your values.

  • To overcome loneliness, work to change your attitude about other people. Negative evaluations of others may make you feel isolated. Try to stimulate a feeling of compassion or kindness as you approach other people, and methodically focus on their best characteristics.

  • To deal with an anger problem, imagine that somebody you love or are close to is in a situation where he or she becomes wildly angry. Visualize this person becoming transformed and ugly, and be objective about what it would look like. After that visualization, recognize that this is what you have looked like many times. Resolve to not allow yourself to again give way to anger and hatred, and take time to focus on that resolution.

    • Want to Read More About
    Transforming Your Mind?

    Below are links that will allow you to buy two books directly from Amazon.com. For reviews of other helpful books, along with Amazon links, go to: ClearWays Books and Services. If you buy a book this way it will contribute to the cost of distributing Bev’s Tips, and be much appreciated.

    Train Your Mind, Change Your Brain, by Sharon Begley, 2007.

    The Art of Happiness – A Handbook for Living, by His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Howard C. Cutler, M.D., 1998.




    Coaching can foster growth. Bev is an executive coach who works with gifted leaders seeking to grow in self-knowledge while seizing opportunities and meeting challenges. She also is available to speak about a broad range of issues related to your work life. Visit her website at www.ClearWaysConsulting.com or email to Bev directly. Bev is certified by the International Coach Federation and associated with Executive Coaching & Consulting Associates.





    Bev’s Tips for a Better Work Life is published on the first and third Tuesday of each month by Beverly Jones, a lawyer and former executive who coaches accomplished leaders and professionals to bring new direction and energy to their work lives.

    Copyright ©2007, ClearWays Consulting, LLC & Beverly E. Jones. All rights in all media reserved. However, the content of Bev’s Tips for a Better Work Life may be forwarded in full without special permission on the condition that (1) it is for non-profit use and (2) full attribution and copyright notice are given. For other uses please contact Bev Jones.

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