Learning Windows in the Brain - On Being Podcast
I listened to a podcast this morning that I just had to share as widely as possible. I know that there are less than 10 people who read this Blog, but I don't want you to miss out on this.
Krista Tippet interviewed Gül Dölen: https://psychology.berkeley.edu/people/gul-dolen
She is an MD/PhD from Brown University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
This is the podcast: Psychedelic Science and Radical Healing.
https://onbeing.org/programs/gul-dolen-psychedelic-science-and-radical-healing/
This is the podcast: Psychedelic Science and Radical Healing.
https://onbeing.org/programs/gul-dolen-psychedelic-science-and-radical-healing/
I found it amazing, opening doors in my brain.
Since 1930 we have known that brains have "learning windows" that open and then close.
Baby geese imprint on their mom - or whatever or whomever is caring for them, or is just around them for the first few days of life - then that STOPS.
Humans have a learning window in our first few years to easily learn multiple languages. Painlessly. After that it is MUCH harder.
People who suffer a stroke, seem to have a narrow window open where their brain can train some other neurons to take up the some of the speech or movement they lost.
AND . . . now we have discovered various chemicals - mostly psychedelics—that seem to open new learning windows for all manner of things: addiction, PTSD, depression. Instead of temporary relief with meds, this is a permanent shift in the brain. Best done with some professional guidance.
Since 1930 we have known that brains have "learning windows" that open and then close.
Baby geese imprint on their mom - or whatever or whomever is caring for them, or is just around them for the first few days of life - then that STOPS.
Humans have a learning window in our first few years to easily learn multiple languages. Painlessly. After that it is MUCH harder.
People who suffer a stroke, seem to have a narrow window open where their brain can train some other neurons to take up the some of the speech or movement they lost.
AND . . . now we have discovered various chemicals - mostly psychedelics—that seem to open new learning windows for all manner of things: addiction, PTSD, depression. Instead of temporary relief with meds, this is a permanent shift in the brain. Best done with some professional guidance.
Some substances seem better than others at different "windows" and professional assistance is very helpful. Do NOT try this at home. OK!!
I found it fascinating and you might as well.
I know this is too much to ask, but we might find one of these chemicals that can replicate what mindfulness does and teaches people HOW TO THINK! You know, REFLECT, etc. One can only hope someone is working on that.
I know this is too much to ask, but we might find one of these chemicals that can replicate what mindfulness does and teaches people HOW TO THINK! You know, REFLECT, etc. One can only hope someone is working on that.
