The human brain has tremendous plasticity,
it molds itself to any character life faces it with. Stubbornness itself is a
learned behavior. Erudition by observation and repetition with an ultimate
establishment of causality between events has been termed as classical
conditioning. The pigeons in experiments conducted by John Skinner (the behaviorist)
knew that pressing the lever in the cage got them the pellets of grains. They
continued to press the lever for a while even after there was no more food
coming in. The brain was conditioned to hope and anticipate the influx of
grains. Repeated behavior is termed by people as habit. And the brain takes a
good deal of effort to develop these.
Good and bad habits
The ‘bad’ habits are easier to inculcate;
they frequently have pleasurable associations. Alcohol does give a high,
smoking releases dopamine in the brain, anger expends frustration, fatty food prompt
endorphin release, cocaine offers a rush like no other and chocolates are known
to elevate mood. Neuronal studies offer evidence of all these adding to
psychological wellness. However, healthy food heavy in fiber may not seem delectable,
exercise qualifies as effortful, art concerts cannot offer the rush of LSD and reporting
to work at 7AM does seem tedious. The ‘good’ habits do good, they don’t essentially
feel exhilarating. The ‘bad’ ones are adrenaline charged but damage the body
and mind in some way for sure.
Plasticity
The thrill seeking vulnerable brain is oblivious
to asceticism. It chooses to ‘adopt’ bad habits owing to the pleasure they fetch;
while ‘coveting’ to be slim, addiction free, well-mannered and hardworking (in
other words ‘good’). After a while the yearning for goodness also dies out. The
brain gets tuned to seeking pleasure. Any pain is now unbearable.
- Eating excessively because one is stressed
- Attributing addiction to undue pressures in life
- Arguing seems easier than having a polite discussion
- Screaming at children comes naturally when they misbehave
- Blaming others for one’s own misfortune seems to be the norm
The myopic vision
Shortsightedness entails an inability to
see what’s far and makes one focus on what’s near because that's as distant as
their vision allows them. When you wear the spectacles of patience and
understanding, you can decrease your myopia and look farther; beyond your
current impulsive reaction. You can visualize the impact of today’s imprudent
words and actions and envision how they will change your tomorrow for the
worse. You can see the relationships that you will sacrifice because of anger,
the respect you will forfeit because of careless blows, and the self-confidence
that you will kill because of harsh words. Look beyond and ahead of the
problem. Look at the far off gains to help endure the pain today, because in
the end it will be worth it…
No comments:
Post a Comment