Throughout neuronal development and when exposed to new experiences, our brain has a remarkable ability to change, adapt, and shape at the structural and functional levels. This is known as neuroplasticity. After proper training, the brain develops functions and neuronal connections never before imagined, allowing for the existence of changes and new learning throughout our lives.

"Each person, if he chooses to do so, can become a sculptor of his own brain," said the Spanish neuroscientist Santiago Ramón y Cajal. Thanks to the recent developments in neuroimaging techniques, we now know much more about the development and functioning of the brain.

Exercising the brain, along with other agents of change that are becoming increasingly important in modern times, such as nutrition, physical exercise, emotional management, and personal development, appears to be a decisive strategy.

And this is where Mindfulness can make a significant difference, by providing positive stimuli to our brain, resulting in the formation of new neural circuits that can lead to healthier contexts and relationships, both with others and with ourselves.

Mindfulness is a method of self-care, and when we self-care, we become more aware, available, cooperative, calm, creative, active, and focused...

Training attention, stress, memory, visual and spatial ability, emotions, even the most challenging ones, and metacognition (the ability to reflect on our own thoughts and emotions) are some of the “mental muscles” we can "exercise."

 

Ana Vale, Mindfulness Professor