At 75 years of age and working with Brain Enhancement as a teacher, author and coach for 45 years, it has been and continues to be a delight to enhance my brain and help others do the same. It is really fun too! Don’t you love brain games?
A little over a year ago, I had a rare and unprecedented opportunity to test the validity of my work and beliefs. As a victim of an unfortunate accident, I sustained multiple injuries, including a broken back and a brain injury. After hospital, MRIs, X-rays, a battery of specialists, it was decided that it would be a long, if ever recovery from the injuries. Speech Therapy and all the regular Physical Therapy was indicated.
One doctor decided that the patient, Barbara Stepp was in denial about the permanence of injuries, refused to believe that she would never recover fully and impatient to do everything possible to recover, which would lead to depression. Therefore, I was strongly encouraged to accept my situation and take anti-depressants. That idea went over like a screen door on a submarine.
This was a bit challenging considering how active I’ve always been as a licensed pilot, Master Scuba Diver, Sky Diver, Rock climber, extensive traveler; okay, and all around adrenalin junkie.
Physical Therapy has helped me tremendously. The doctors’ suggestion was very effective. Speech Therapy was ineffective. After two sessions, the therapist said, “You could probably teach me a few things and since you are already doing what you need to do and I can’t help you, use your time for physical therapy.”
I am still in the “post concussive” zone and doing aerobic exercises like walking, which has stimulated circulation, sending more oxygen to my brain. Delightfully, as Emile Coue’ is quoted as saying, “Every day in every way I’m getting better and better.” My tested brain age is now 35 years.
After a short time, the doctors told me I was making an amazing recovery and they were sure that it was because I have a pattern of being a high functioning individual. They said, “You are doing better than most 75 year olds who don’t have a brain injury, so you should be satisfied with where you are.” Since I live in the field of infinite possibility that was not acceptable. Two months after the injury and in a body cast, I started teaching and coaching and have continued to do so, now without the cast.
Many brain researches have come to the conclusion that the more we think, the bigger our brains get and the better they function. And a healthy, older brain can function as well as a younger brain. We generate new brain cells no matter our age. Our brains are constantly changing in response to our experiences. New behaviors, learnings and physical injuries can stimulate the brain to create new neural pathways and/or reorganize existing ones, altering or adjusting the way we process information. So we don’t have to settle for “as is”.
I suggest doing some practical everyday exercises that have worked for many brains, including mine:
1. Take a brain break. Do something you don’t usually do. Take a little time from your ordinary routine. It will likely improve memory and brain function.
Much of our time is not spent using our wonderful brain’s potential. Why? Because of automated patterns, like driving, shaving, brushing our teeth, dressing; anything we do without thinking. They have become unconscious or other than conscious. This does not use the brain’s potential.
2. Incorporate a little disorder in your life. It helps us outgrow old patterns and build new ones. When you brush your teeth, shave, comb your hair…....switch hands. It may seem strange at first, but you are actually activating your brain.
3. Move your waste basket to a different location. The moment you catch yourself aiming at the old familiar location, notice it and redirect your actions. Your brain’s increased alertness to a new situation and the beginnings of a new series of instructions has entered your mental program. Our brain likes sameness (because it’s effortless and easy), but learns by difference.
We know that we have a conscious and unconscious or Other than Conscious™ mind. So focus on what you want and program your mind for success. I simply focus on activating my brain and improving brain function, especially memory, focus, attention, and cognition.
4. Aerobic exercise like walking stimulates circulation, jumpstarts the brain, assists in the healing process and eases or mutes discomfort. So exercise for brain health and comfort.
5. The internet has many resources for brain training and games to enhance your brain function in areas like Memory, Focus, Attention, Organizational Skills and Problem Solving. They are fun to play and very helpful.
6. Before sleep, tell the other than conscious part of you what you want in the most positive language you can use and let your OTC™, who is on the job 24/7, assist you in your goals. Remember….. What you want, not what you don’t want. By doing this you are actually programming your brain without conscious resistance. Your conscious mind is sleeping. I do this every night and have for over 45 years. I use the original Beach Trip by my life/professional partner, Dave Dobson, PhD as a guide and have recorded my own for my personal use.
And my work and beliefs have been validated! No matter your age, you can keep your brain flexible and young. There are more, simple, practical resources in upcoming articles. Meanwhile, continue Enhancing your Brain!
©Barbara J. Stepp
At 75 years of age a, Barbara Stepp is noted for her enormous energy, playfulness, and outgageousnes. John LaValle says "Barbara is vivacious, determined, funny and energetic. She's sort of like the little pink bunny with the drum, she keeps on going and boy are we glad! She is a trainer who will make you laugh and feel good about yourself, and will latch on to a problem and not stop until you solve it."
Barbara is a licensed Society of NLP Master Trainer of NLP™ and DHE®, a Master Hypnotist, Brain Trainer and Premier coach. She especially enjoys private work with clients. Her coaching practice spans over 40 years. She has a 40 years experience as a corporate trainer as well as teaching Hypnois and using it with cleints.
She was the life and professional partner of Dave Dobson, PhD. and is now the heir/caretaker of his life's work and intellectual property, Other-Than-Conscious-Communciation and No Fault Psychology.
For more information on Barbara and her services visit: www.excelquest.com