Product DescriptionIn this fascinating and far-reaching book, Newsweek science writer Sharon Begley reports on how cutting-edge science and the ancient wisdom of Buddhism have come together to reveal that, contrary to popular belief, we have the power to literally change our brains by changing our minds. Recent pioneering experiments in neuroplasticity–the ability of the brain to change in response to experience–reveal that the brain is capable of altering its structure and function, and even of generating new neurons, a power we retain well into old age. The brain can adapt, heal, renew itself after trauma, compensate for disabilities, rewire itself to overcome dyslexia, and break cycles of depression and OCD. And as scientists are learning from studies performed on Buddhist monks, it is not only the outside world that can change the brain, so can the mind and, in particular, focused attention through the classic Buddhist practice of mindfulness.
With her gift for making science accessible, meaningful, and compelling, Sharon Begley illuminates a profound shift in our understanding of how the brain and the mind interact and takes us to the leading edge of a revolution in what it means to be human.
“There are two great things about this book. One is that it shows us how nothing about our brains is set in stone. The other is that it is written by Sharon Begley, one of the best science writers around. Begley is superb at framing the latest facts within the larger context of the field. . . . This is a terrific book.” –Robert M. Sapolsky, author of Why Zebras Don’t Get Ulcers
“Excellent . . . elegant and lucid prose . . . an open mind here will be rewarded.” –Discover magazine
“A strong dose of hope along with a strong does of science and Buddhist thought.” –The San Diego Union-Tribune
Customer Reviews
Average Rating:
Rating: - Great Book - Well Written - Powrerful Information
Love from Both Sides: A True Story of Soul Survival and Sacred Sexuality I'm a writer and a working hypnotherapist, and I recommend "Train Your Mind, Change Your Brain" to all my clients, because it helps them understand the power they have to change their own sabotaging thoughts and behaviors. Sharon's clear, succinct writing style makes it seem easy to learn how to focus attention on the present moment, i.e., become aware of what you're actually thinking, then learn to control thought patterns ... Read More
Rating: - This Book Is a Worthwhile Read
Firstly, I would like to say that I was impressed with the research mentioned in this book. I have an acquaintance who suffered a stroke, for whom, I believe, this book will be very useful.
However interesting and useful the information in this book is, I do think that it suffers from some defects that make me reduce my rating to 4 stars from 5.
1) I think that the author creates a lot of straw men that she then destroys. Here are some examples: She talks about how neuroscience ... Read More
Rating: - A New Scientific Approach to Human Development
Begley, the well-known science writer from Newsweek and the Wall Street Journal, is a genius at translation. She has the ability to go from scientific research to the application of that research to life. Typically, scientists stick to their science, and practitioners stick to their professional practice. Begley has a near-unique ability to make the successful translation between the two disciplines.
She's also an interesting--even fun read. This book, among the first to show the practical ... Read More
Rating: - The Method is everything
Train Your Mind Change Your Brain is a very insightful book and has special meaning for me because I started my career as a nurse working in medical neurology. For me, probably more than for most readers, some of the old mantras about damage to the nervous system are familiar, since I worked with stroke and accident victims, among others, who were told they would only recover the function that arose after the edema from the incident subsided. In the old days, rehab was initiated more to facilitate the patient's ... Read More
Rating: - Begley's Excellent Job Describing the Budding relationship between Buddhism and Neuroscience
For many of those interested in the brain, questions linger about the relation between the brain and the mind. While science typically avoids dealing with the philosophical and religious implications of this dichotomy, this book explores head-on the relationship that has been growing between the new discoveries in neuroplasticity and the ancient traditions of Buddhist meditation practices. I hope to provide a brief overview of Train Your Mind Change your Brain and describe what a fantastic job Begley does of presenting ... Read More
- Great Book - Well Written - Powrerful Information
