I love it when science catches up with ancient wisdom and makes wisdom "evidence based." This brain function information is so very important for eating disorder recovery.

Brain Function Research Findings

The research findings are not just about the aging brain. They also applies to brains that have gotten stuck in rigid thinking and have been deprived of nourishment on every level.  Every person who has struggled with an eating disorder can give themselves a recovery boost by honoring and nourishing the physicality of their brain.  And that means eating enough nourishing food and giving yourself nourishing mind experiences.

To keep your mind functioning well, to bring up to speed a rigid and limited mind set, to break the "spell" of outmoded regimented thinking or obsessive thoughts, wisdom of the East has told us for thousands of years, go to beginner mind.

Beginner Mind

Beginner mind?  Yes. It doesn't mean to become a child.  It means to start fresh with no acquired knowledge and let yourself develop.  Your development will probably occur in new ways and lead you to new ways of thinking, relating, problem solving and creating.

If you are a dancer and want to be a better dancer, learn to sculpt.  If you are a writer and want to be a better writer, learn to dance.  Start anything at all where you have to learn from the beginning awkward stages and you will improve your brain function and your mind's ability to think and create.

The article in the New York Times, "How to Train the Aging Brain" spells the process out nicely and in easy to understand detail.

(mind)...stretching is exactly what scientists say best keeps a brain in tune: get out of the comfort zone to push and nourish your brain. Do anything from learning a foreign language to taking a different route to work.

 

How To Grow Your Brain and Stretch Your Mind

Examples that are easy to bring into your life:

Brush your teeth with your other hand.

Flip your mouse to your non-dominant hand

Switch your kitchen drawers around so dishes, pots and pans and silverware are in different places

Hold your phone with your other hand

More Challenging:

Draw with your non-dominant hand

Write with your non dominant hand

More challenging:

Take a class in something you are interested in but know nothing about

Learn math

Study the geography of where you live or where you were born

Even More Challenging:

Go to a lecture or event where you know in advance you disagree with the major premise

Read an article or book all the way through where you disagree with what the writer is saying

Grow:

Without anger, accusations, name calling or glittering generalities, write a clear, thoughtful and honest comment on blog posts, youtube showings, website articles, newspaper articles in which you disagree and present your position.

Give your brain cells the opportunity to stretch and grow.  They will help you stretch and grow into eating disorder recovery - a very nice place to be.

Please share your experience with mind stretching!

Exercise 1

At least three times a day – upon rising, mid day and before going to sleep say aloud
three times or more:

Coping with the pain and turmoil in a life governed by an eating disorder can tempt you into making to do lists.  You want positive change in your life. Why not just make a list of what you want to change, and follow your own directions in an orderly manner? A "To Do" list can seem like your solution. Can it work, or is it a set up for failure?

Eating Disorder Recovery Key Questions

How do you take effective action that will create a solid recovery path?

How do you maintain your sense of purpose so you keep to your recovery path despite painful challenges?

These are two vital questions I keep in mind about eating disorder recovery.

Terror and Hope in First Psychotherapy Session

I remember my first psychotherapy session with the psychotherapist who led me through the first years