It is exciting to have science demonstrate the validity of so many spiritual/magical/philosophical principles. Gurdjieff speaks of 'self-remembering' as a way of improving one's consciousness. Setians, with the principles of consciousness worshiping and Xeper, "willed conscious evolution", also speak of such improvement. As the physical brain seems to be such a large factor in how we experience our consciousness, it is intriguing that it shows evidence of this. (Whether it is our 'immortal bits' doing the reprogramming, this of course they do not discuss.) In any case, the result is the same.

Our brains have something called 'plasticity'. If some parts become damaged, other parts take over the tasks formerly done by the damaged parts. They examined the brain of a man who had experienced a severe stroke. With the aid of his son, he was able to lean how to walk again and do everything he used to do, including returning to his teaching job at a university. After his death, they examined his brain. Those parts destroyed by the stroke were still destroyed, giving proof that other areas had learned the tasks which those parts had formerly done.

Also, in those who have lost their sight, the part of the brain which had received visual information now processes other info, such as that coming from the hearing and the finger tips.

I wrote down the seven tenets of brain plasticity:

1. "Change can occur only when the brain is in the mood."
If you pay attention!
2. "Change strengthens connections between neurons engaged at the same time."
(Selectivity)
3. "Neurons that fire together wire together."
4. "Initial changes are just temporary."
You have to make these changes a continual and constant part of your life.
Notice how much this is like, "I have come into being and by the process of coming into being, the process of coming into being is established." (XEPER)
KEEP AT IT!
5. "Brain plasticity is a two-way street, we can either change positively or negatively."
Yes, all those messages you give yourself really do count for something. Negative feedback changes your programming for nil.
6. "Memory is crucial for learning."
Again, if we pay attention, we are apt to have better memories.
7. "Motivation is a key factor in brain plasticity."

The various experts also spoke of how the training must be incremental, but taxing. Seeking 'comfort', rather than 'novelty' discourages growth.

All of this gives me great hope as I grow older. As I continue to study and learn, I improve my state of being. Doing art is a worthy challenge, even if the results are not what I'd hoped for, because in the striving, I tax my brain and make it grow.

I tested this ability of paying attention as we sat in the large cavernous eating area of this hotel. I noted the many rows of dark wooden beams above me. In addition to the moving train model, one wall features three different paintings, one of a classical canyon scene, one of a winter scene, and what was the third scene? Hmmm-m, I can improve my memory on that!
(Note of August 7th, it is of their train engine against a rural scene, with two horse and riders in front of it. The winter scene also features the train engine.)

"Pay attention, remember yourself!" Remember where you're at, pay attention to details. The experts spoke of how those who undertook brain fitness exercises become more confident, more aware, more joyful as they regained the 'spark' of their youth. Or as I read somewhere else, "It's never too late to start having a happy childhood!"