Although what Dr. Iacoboni proposes is backed up by 20+ years of scientific advances in the research accumulated by neuroscientists world-wide, the accompanying photo seems to “say it all”.  To be able to encapsulate something so profound with an image, helps us to grasp its depth.  Thus, the saying goes “a picture paints a thousand words.”  What speaks to me in this photo of the hands connecting to form the shape of a heart is its simplicity.  One does not have to slug through mounds of neuro-scientific research, although that certainly is an option.  Suffice it to say, that these neural processes and connections have been identified, catalogued, and are continuing to be explored in what is now being identified as “the neurobiology of We.”  Whether you might be activated by the photo or the inspiring words of Dr. Iacoboni, what is now known is that we are daily influencing one another  either consciously or pre-consciously through imitation, simulation, mirroring.  By my composing this blog article, I am offering to positively influence your interactions with others.  Visualize this image and form with your own hands (body-mind-spirit) a heart-connected network for personal mirroring in the service of greater change.  Let us know at Mindbody Visions, what effect this change has on your lives and the lives of those in your heart-connected network….

Near the  conclusion of his book, Dr. Iacoboni boldy states: “Our neurobiology – our mirror neurons – commits us to others.  Mirror neurons show the deepest way we relate to and understand each other: they demonstrate that we are wired for empathy, which should inspire us to shape our society and make it a better place to live.”  I align with Dr. Iacoboni toward this outcome!

This video is exemplary of Ken’s creative genius at work.  All of the wood art that is shown here has been designed and executed by Ken Horst, also known as the Woodwolff.   Just about three years ago, Ken worked primarily as a Clinical Hypnotherapist and Holistic Health practitioner.  At that time, he synchronistically decided to take a workshop offered by William Kent Larkin, Ph.D. of the Applied NeuroScience Institute on reigniting one’s life passion. What began as a skeptical inquisitive glance into positive psychology, neuroscience, and quantum physics slowly transformed into an opportunity for an entirely avenue for self-expression.
 
As part of his training with ANI, Ken heard that “you cannot create from inside a field of negativity” and  ”the creative act is the first step out of the negative field.”  As Ken and his wife, Mary, trained as Licensed VisioNavigator Life Coaches, they began to increase their levels of positivity and optimism.  Creativity began to flourish within Ken as a concrete step out of the former negative field. Ken is not a negative person; however, newly found reservoirs of positive emotion began to spring forth in both Mary and Ken.  Initially, Ken began “playing” and experimenting in the garage with the medium of wood.  The creative spark was ignited!  He started making his “talking stix” for friends and then branched out into other designs that would come to him in his dream time. As he produced new achievements, these creations were increasingly more admired  and used for reflection by their recipients.  The wood felt good to the touch and helped one to slow down to a quietened space within.  Thus, began the dialogue between the designer and his audience to create meditative and sacred objects that speak interiorly to their owner.

Ken has the intention of working individually with his clients to create their own personal masks, talking “stix”, energy mandalas, wish keepers, and circular feminine “talking peaces”.  This is the part of the creative process that is most meaningful to him.  He will adorn his wood art designs with stones, personal jewelry, or talisman’s uniquely revered by the individual.  Meditation or awakening tools, ritual pieces, and items for one’s personal altar are meant to carry the sacred energy or essence of the owner.  Ken’s personal medicine is to create healing tools for the individual or for the home such as those exemplified in this video.  Ken can be reached by email on this site at: ken@mindbodyvisions.com

There is a distinct “mirror neuron system” circuitry found in the the brain. Therefore, neuroscientist are beginning to talk about the hard-wiring of the human brain for connecting with one another or resonating with one another.  In this newly developing “science of empathy” through the mirroring of one another, the understanding of our connection to one another and linkage at brain level is going through a transformation.  Neuroscientists are introducing us to the awareness that relationships are woven into the fabric of our interior worlds.  As described by the UCLA neuroscientist, Daniel J. Siegel, M.D., “we come to know our own minds through interactions with others.”  The famous quote “no man is an island” is more true on a cellular level than was previously understood.  Now, scientists know that the brain is a social organ and our relationships are essential nutrients for survival. Therefore, how we connect and link with one another is crucial for our ongoing survival.  We can create resonance (harmony) together or we can mirror back isolation, distrust, and differences.  Each choice will create a very different outcome when moved from the personal level to that of the community or society.

Knowing that we can singularly choose with intention and that decision will have an impact on the “mirror neuron system” of one’s friends, family members, spouse or life partner, and/or work companions elevates our decision-making.  Some one else in my inner circle (and beyond) can and may imitate what I have chosen.  These individuals can (and may) mirror me.  I guess that is where the concept of “going viral” originates.  Needless to say, I have attempted to encapsulate the brilliant neuro-scientific advances over the past two decades with regard to mirror neurons.  This is not an easy task; however, (for me) it boils down to what do I want to mirror in myself and for others.  If my brain has the neural structures hardwired within me to mirror intentionally, do I want to position my “mirror” on that which is magnificent in others or allow for mediocrity?  If I literally was holding up a mirror and knew that this relational process would increase and intensify magnificence in my friends, loved ones, co-workers, etc., you bet I would do that!

Get your “mirrors” out and reflect back the best in those around you.  Focus on their strengths and character virtues, rather than on what needs to be improved.  Watch what happens and share your results with us on this weekly blog….

Actually, love is at the heart of every spiritual tradition.  It is in the follow-through that matters become complicated.  Despite the best of intentions, our humanity enters the equation.  I have no desire to enter into a philosophical discussion, merely to pose the basic question: How will we live?  No, the question must be posed singularly: How will I live?  By grouping the question into a collective “we”, there comes a possibility for passing my responsibility on to someone else.  I can easily heap my choices on to the shoulders of my neighbor, the government, my faith community, religious leaders, political leaders, etc. How tricky, now I can sit back, point my finger, and complain.

What if I were to act from the position that I am a person of love both infinitely powerful and infinitely sourced?  I  have made the decision to accept and live from this belief on a minute by minute basis.   I would commit myself to waking up each day in a spirit of gratitude and practice growing a more positive mind by shifting my brain chemistry away from negativity.  I would return throughout my day to the emotions of peace, love, gratitude, joy and hope.  I would surround myself with other individuals who share this same orientation.  I would gravitate toward people, places, and events that enhance strengthening the best in myself and in society as a whole.  I vow to increase love within myself and in others.  I vow to mirror love as often as possible.

I have no doubt that as I become a better “love” mirror, the planet will be enhanced.  It begins one person at a time.  Pass it on….

Most of us are aware of the importance of eye contact in the initial bonding process between an infant and his/her parents.  As the child grows and develops, this intentional gazing from the primary caregivers promotes brain growth.  As the playful, positive interactions build between a child and his loving adults, smiles and laughter spontaneously flow as the neurochemistry of pleasure is activated in the brain.  The age-old game of peekaboo is a prime example of the play that occurs between the eyes of the parent and the eyes of the child.  First, comes a smile and a flash of the parent’s eyes in which the baby delights and then a quick withdrawal into hiding behind something.  When the adoring face of the parent returns, the baby becomes overjoyed.  Actually, both parties feel the surge of good feelings as they reinforce a social connectedness between brain to brain.  This is how positive mirroring begins!

With the ongoing advances in the field of Neuroscience with regard to social brain theory,  it is becoming more clear that this “eye to eye” or “face to face” gazing very likely stimulates brain functioning across the life span.  We are social beings and connecting with one another in this way does stimulate brain development.  We are a part of humanity and do need one another.  Visual recognition through smiling, talking directly to one another, laughing together, and empathic listening does activate those neural pathways of connectedness.  We do not feel so isolated and alone when engaging in these kind of communicative experiences.

Another human to human sensory experience of connection is that of touch.  Most of us enjoy being touched, cuddled, scratched, tickled, hugged, or soothed.  Unless a person has been physically violated with regard to unsafe touch, touch can provide a calming and soothing experience which often decreases stress.  As the body’s largest sense organ, our skin is comprised of sensory receptors that stimulate attachment, hormonal activation, and sexual response.  When touched safely and appropriately, the neurochemicals of dopamine, endorphins, and oxytocin are released.  Because these are often labeled as the “feel good” hormones, it is natural that human beings seek out closeness and contact with other entrusted friends, family members, and loving partners.  As social animals we need contact.  Studies have documented that soft touch and the comfortable warmth of being held triggers the secretion of oxytocin and endorphins, as well as lowers levels of stress hormones in the bloodstream.

If  both making direct eye contact and engaging in soft, caring touch is beneficial to our brain stimulation & stress reduction, how does one increase his or her level of these encounters in a respectful and appropriate manner on a daily or weekly basis?  In what ways, can opportunities to benefit from touching and being touched, as well as having “face to face” interactions be enhanced? Be creative: schedule massages, trade back-rubs with a friend or partner, meet a friend weekly for coffee/tea/lunch to set up  impromptu discussions, go out dancing or take a dancing class, have a games night with family or friends, take martial arts, find a pet to nurture, and engage in activities that involve movement and touch.  This is highly individualistic and up to the comfort level of the person.  However, taking an informal assessment of your level of personal engagement with others can move you in the direction of a greater sense of connectedness and community.  Be assured that as you increase both, your brain will release higher levels of the “feel good” hormones which are stress relievers.

High levels of antioxidants that support neuronal health are found in blueberries, strawberries, spinach and Concord grates.  These foods have been found to improve learning and memory, as well as to increase strength, coordination, and stamina.  Foods rich in folic acid are leafy greens, liver, oranges, asparagus, and whole wheat.  Two ways in which folic acid enhances the manner in which the brain functions are in the self-repair of neurons and with increasing neural longevity.  In addition, several studies have shown that folic acid appears to work against the symptoms of Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease.  EFAs or Essential Fatty acids found in salmon, flaxseed, soybean oil, and walnuts assist in maintaining healthy cell membranes and in proper functioning of the central nervous system.  Moreover, their intake has been related to reduced risks of dementia.  The final category is phytoestrogen found in broccoli, berries, and soy products.  Phytoestrogen supports the executive function of the brain located in the frontal lobes that deals with our decision making abilities.  In addition, phytoestrogen aids in the growth of the hippocampus area of the brain which can be considered as the “search engine” for memory retrieval.

Although there has been a rise of berries found on “fast food” menus, the majority of the others usually are not.   Consciously increasing your regular intake of berries, oranges, Concord grapes, spinach, asparagus, broccoli, salmon, liver, flaxseed, soybean oil/soy products, and walnuts would be beneficial to your brain functioning.  For those vegans or vegetarians who do not eat liver or salmon, hemp seed oil and other oils with a rich ratio of 3:6:9 EFAs can be found in a special refrigerated section of most health food stores. This is not meant to be an exhaustive list, merely a place to begin boosting your brain’s health.  Further research is recommended both in the foods groups that will enhance neural functioning, as well as in the specific areas of the brain that will benefit from their intake.

Another area to consider is your level of regular and consistent exercise.  Did you know that when the body is active, it signals the brain to learn and grown?  If the brain is alert, it is in a state of readiness. It becomes primed for success and open for challenges. It is more logical for the brain to go into a “sleep” or “pause” mode when one is lounging on the couch in contrast to just returning from a fast-paced walk or jog.  Aerobic exercise of 30 minutes daily assists with the pumping of oxygen, as well as releasing a cascade of hormones throughout the brain.  As endorphin, dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine levels improve though the engagement in exercise, one’s mood and self-esteem peaks.  Over time with consistent exercise, brain health continues to improve to increase one’s overall longevity and immune system functioning.

How are you sleeping?  One’s sleep architecture is another prime area of attention with regard to brain health. With greater attention to one’s nutritional intake, as outlined above, the brain and body becomes more adequately nourished.  The next layer of self-care related to the brain focuses on the addition of thirty minutes of daily exercise to bring increased levels of oxygen and neuro-chemicals to play that will help to induce relaxation in the body.  Conscious eating and exercise are the “day-time” habits applied to healthy brain functioning; whereas, the “night-time” habits relate to establishing a pattern of getting a “good night’s rest”.  Some suggestions for developing such a pattern include: establishing a bedtime ritual, avoiding caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco after noon, get in bed only to sleep, create a comfortable environment for sleep, refrain from thinking about stressful life issues before going to sleep, etc.  If problems persist, you might check with your health care provider about the side of effects of any medications that you are taking that might have an adverse effect on your sleep pattern.  Adequate sleep hygiene is an especially important component of maintaining a healthy, well-functioning brain across the life cycle.

This information may be “old news” to some of you and you may have already incorporated into your lifestyle a routine of conscious eating that is rich in brain nutrients,  daily exercise, and a “good night’s sleep”.  If so, kudos to you!  If not, this is an invitation to begin in any one or all of the three areas to introduce change into your life.  You may decide to proceed in the order suggested here or feel free to experiment with the one(s) that most calls out to you.

Share stories here of what’s working for you or what’s not, as well as ways that you have initiated changes in your life.

How long does one have to wait to activate one’s creativity? Is creativity a natural talent that one is born with or does it blossom within the individual who devotes time to its development? Is it possible for a person who does not believe that he or she has any uniquely creative talents to give birth to one? More importantly, why not? Despite any preformed messages delivered by family, teachers, friends, or outside influences, there is a creative urge or spark that can be fueled within each one of us. The challenge is to lean into it and to give it life.

Another question to explore is what expression of creativity beckons you: music, dance, art, poetry, literature, photography, film, architecture, fashion or jewelry design, woodworking, sculpting, pottery, fabric art, as well as a multitude of other expressions. The combination and permutations are endless, although the bottom-line is to engage. Open up the window of possibility in life to allow for greater levels of enjoyment, as well as to allow one’s brain to activate new neural pathways. Research in the ever-expanding field of Neuroscience validates that the brain continues to develop new neural pathways across the life span. This flies in the face of former belief systems. Despite the cultural belief that life proceeds down-hill after age 65, brain scientists have turned this theory upside down with their findings on “neural plasticity” through high resonance technology in brain imaging. What is now understood is that humans have an ability to learn at any age. You have probably heard the advice to engage in doing cross-word puzzles to avoid Alzheimer’s. This is merely one technique to engage the brain’s infinite capacity for activation. What about unleashing your own creativity?

Of course, there can be many reasons or possible resistances to do so. These may take the form of personal judgments, time constraints, schedules, comparing oneself to those seemingly more gifted, fear of making mistakes and so on. This kind of thinking and feeling merely gets in the way of the adventure of engaging in a creative flow. The brain flourishes when the creative juices get activated. Consider putting aside those resistances and begin contemplating what area of creative expression might draw you into a more vibrant life. You might consider journaling about this to get your thoughts out on paper or contacting a friend to brainstorm ideas with about your desires. However, it is crucial to move past the idea phase into action. This is where the “good stuff” happens! Sing, dance, paint, sculpt, draw, photograph, film, imagine….whatever it takes to move forward into a more creative flow in your life. Gratefully, that is what Ken chose to do in his life and it is from that place that his VisioNavigator mask (shown above) was born. This blog article and the others found on our website are the designs that come to me. You are invited to share your stories of finding creative flow in your comments.

For those new to this area of innovative research which has been in existence for a mere 12+ years, a brief introduction about Positive Psychology might be beneficial. As the father of the Positive Psychology movement and while President of the American Psychological Association (APA), Martin E.P. Seligman, Ph.D. challenged the long-standing model of traditional psychology as only “half a psychology” due to its emphasis on mental illness and mental disorders. He passionately upheld that to be fully human, the qualities of personal strengths and virtues needed to be included in any comprehensive approach toward psychology. His request was for a research agenda that focused on strengths over weaknesses. It was under his leadership as the President of the APA that the field of psychology began to open itself up to the area of positive psychology as an “applied” psychology. Both the rigorous use of research and a shift toward strengths are hallmarks of this model.

The use of one’s strengths is meant to move one toward his/her best performance. When any person is coming from his or her strengths, there is a boost in energy with an accompanying sense of authenticity. The person might feel and say: “Hey, this is me at my best!” In contrast, playing to one’s weakness often evokes self-doubt, despair, lack of energy, lack of motivation, and even depression. The shift in emphasis from weakness to strength can create a profound change in one’s health, work performance, and energy level. Since there are many resources available to identify one’s strengths and to learn more about their use in everyday life, I have decided to list a few suggestions. However, an internet search will provide a wealth of information (authors, websites, videos, workshops, etc.) for the strengths novice to explore.

1. Strengthsfinder 2.0 – Tom Rath (Includes an access code to take an online assessment to obtain your Top 5 Strengths, as well additional activities to reinforce their application.)

2. Now, Discover your Strengths – Marcus Buckingham (Application for a variety of venues, including successful CEO’s and board members)

3. Find Your Strongest Life: What the Happiest Women Do Differently – Marcus Buckingham (Written especially for the female audience)

4. Strength-Based Leadership: Great Leaders, Teams, and Why People Follow – Tom Rath and Barry Conchie (Research based approach – identifies 3 keys for effective leadership)

I will conclude with a personal strengths vignette that occurred to me in the last month. Following a surgical procedure, I was asked if a nursing student might engage in an overall health assessment with me as part of her training. I agreed, and one of the final questions that she asked was: “What are your strengths?” I proudly listed from memory my Top 10 Strengths. She responded with an air of surprise, stating: “Most people just stare at me blankly when I ask that question and cannot even identify one.” Sadly, I know this to be true! What a difference in living from a personal sense of confidence accomplished by embodying strengths over that of struggling to overcome a list of weaknesses/ shortcomings. Begin now by taking an assessment tool to identify your unique set of strengths and values. Share your stories with us of transformation as you begin to apply your top ten signature strengths.

After watching the movie, Secretariat, for the second time, I would have to resoundingly say “yes”. Even though I was moved during the first viewing of this film with a friend, the second time around had a much stronger impact on me. It does reflect on exactly where one is (mentally and emotionally) at the time of observation that can influence the outcome. Based on my response, I must have been in a more receptive state when I saw it the second time. Regardless, I have vivid recall of the scene when Secretariat is running in the Belmont Stakes and pulls forward at a faster interval than his established pattern of racing. He breaks free of the other horses and gallops at a pace that astonishes the entire crowd, most importantly, his owner. Secretariat dominates the track that day by a lead of 31 lengths to capture the U.S. Triple Crown.

There is a moment in the filming of this race that has become a standard bearer for me and I recall it often throughout the day. The camera focuses directly on Secretariat’s eye gaze and there is a distinct impression that this horse is totally in flow, enjoying himself to the fullest. He does not seem to be caught up in competition or focused on the other horses involved in this highly-skilled race. He seems to be totally enthralled in that which he was created to do and to be. He is running, racing, striving to be the best at being himself….a world-class winner! What if each of us gave ourselves permission and freedom to function at our absolute best? To that end, we would not edit ourselves by playing the game of comparison to our friends, our family, or society. We would not be interested in playing “small” or limiting our potential to merely fit in amongst the group.

In my training as an ANI VisioNavigator Life Coach, the concept of “heroes” or “heroines” is used to reinforce strengths-based living. After one determines his/her Top 10 strengths through the use of an evaluation process, there is the exercise to identify a “hero” for each strength unique to the person. Heroes can be individuals from history or contemporaries living today. Prior to being taken up by the experience of watching Secretariat embodied in the recent movie, I had not considered the influence of a four-legged as a personal hero. That has changed as I recall daily how Secretariat adroitly employed the principle of “JUST DO IT!” Ahhh, to be so “in the moment” that I am not looking to the left or the right, tracking how the next person is affected by my moves in life. My newest hero, Secretariat, has become a role model for me to “go for it” and equally enjoy myself in the process.

Share your stories of “heroes”- animal or human. Who are they and how have they affected your life for the better?

In order to better understand this optimistic approach and the overall benefits of positivity being, three books have been selected as a basic starting point for learning more.

1. Growing the Positive Mind by Dr. William Kent Larkin
2. Positivity by Barbara Fredrickson, Ph.D.
3. Flourish: A Visionary New Understanding of Happiness and Well-being- Martin E.P. Seligman, Ph.D.

All three assist one in grasping the principles of positive, strengths-based living that was put into motion some ten+ years ago by the pioneering work of Dr. Martin Seligman (and others) in the role of President of the American Psychological Association. The “power of positive thinking” is not a new concept by any means; however, the resurgence of applying positive thoughts and emotions, strengths and virtues in the area of our mental health is a paradigm shift for that field. Within each of us is a unique strength set that can be activated, rather than relying on what is not working or might be labeled as “dysfunctional”. Positivity being focuses on developing strategies to progressively build on greater levels of happiness.

If you want to feel better, think better thoughts, and begin flourishing in life, select any one of these three recommended books to explore further how to do so. Dr. Larkin’s book is a great way to begin by developing concrete steps in the seven promises outlined for achieving greater levels of peace, love, gratitude, joy and hope. Dr. Fredrickson adapts the scientific research that she has undertaken on positivity into language for the everyday person to apply in his or her life. Although Dr. Seligman has written multiple volumes on the topic of authentic happiness, this is his latest synthesis of these principles.
Begin today in developing a reservoir of positive thoughts and feelings that fuels your overall sense of positivity being…