GRAND Magazine - March/April 2018 - 15

grand living
opportunity for reflection and growth. As we open
new doors, we are adding to our perspective.
Our brains are amazingly adaptable and that pliability doesn't have to go away over time. We may
feel like our kids are faster learners or more adaptable (which is why we hand our grandkid the phone
when we can't figure out an app). But in reality, we
all grow new neurons and forge new synaptic connections in our brains throughout our lives. It's called
"neuroplasticity." The more we use specific areas of
our brain, the more we stimulate our brain's flexibility.

Our neuroplasticity doesn't
diminish with age, it declines
with lack of use.

In a classic research-based TEDx Talk, Dr. Lara Boyd describes how neuroplasticity gives you
the power to shape the brain you want.
standing up to her husband, no longer afraid of engaging in productive conflict. Both were proud of their
strengthened relationship and blossoming dynamic.
They experienced a greater depth of connection
with their children as well as with each other. They
learned new skills to connect and reflect. They felt
engaged, sharper, and more fulfilled.
They told us it was the best year of their lives.
While they both passed on within two years of
completing the Year of Transformation, their children
spoke of their renaissance and enriched experience
thereafter. What a powerful example to set.
Education is a life-long pursuit. The more we learn
15 GRAND

MARCH APRIL 2018

and experience, the sharper we become. When we're
engaged in new and stimulating experiences, we discover greater confidence and satisfaction, no matter
our stage in life.

What is "Transformational"
Learning?

Jack Mezirow, the father of Transformational Learning
Theory, posits that learning comes from reconsidering
and examining an experience, reframing that experience, then incorporating our new knowledge into our
future actions. Each encounter and interaction offers

In fact, an MRI analysis and study of taxi drivers
versus bus drivers showed taxi drivers had increased
grey matter in their hippocampus-their brains were
actually larger in volume. Even though both types
of drivers were facing the same traffic challenges,
taxi drivers had to continuously navigate and adapt
to new experiences. Bus drivers, on the other hand,
repeated the same routes over and over.
In other words, our brains grow with each new road
and every experience. If we want to keep our minds
sharp, we must continue to incorporate new experiences, learning and growth in our lives - no matter
our age.
Relationships experts, world-class
coaches, and best-selling authors,
Dr. Judith and Dr. Bob Wright
are co-founders of the Wright
Foundation for the Realization of
Human Potential and The Wright
Graduate University and authors of
The Heart of the Fight

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0994809700/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=grandmagazi0d-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=0994809700&linkId=c0cf2342749a51234e00421ef2df453e https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003B6QYSW/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=grandmagazi0d-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B003B6QYSW&linkId=74a78ba0a510c9871c2e38f745d59213 http://www.heartofthefight.com/ https://www.sharpbrains.com/blog/2008/04/25/new-neurons-good-news-bad-news/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17024677 http://www.grandmagazine.com/2017/03/clean-out-your-personal-closet32881/ http://www.grandmagazine.com/2017/03/clean-out-your-personal-closet32881/ https://www.learning-theories.com/transformative-learning-theory-mezirow.html http://www.thewrightfoundation.org/ https://www.learning-theories.com/transformative-learning-theory-mezirow.html http://www.thewrightfoundation.org/ http://www.thewrightfoundation.org/ http://www.heartofthefight.com/

GRAND Magazine - March/April 2018

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of GRAND Magazine - March/April 2018