What comes first, the Brain or the Mind?
Throughout history, the brain was believed to be a fixed organ, shaped by genetics. What you were born with, you remain with! As science evolved, I find myself asking myself:
“Did we change our mind about this, or did we change our brain?”
The Historical Root of the Question!
Hippocrates, often referred to as the father of modern medicine, believed the brain was the center of the mind, the focal point for thoughts, emotions, and reason. Centuries later, William James, known as the father of psychology, expanded his ideas through his theory of functionalism, asserting that the mind was a function of the body. Both saw the mind as rooted in biology.
What We Presently Know to be True!
Over the last thirty years, research into neuroplasticity (the brain’s ability to reorganize and grow) and epigenetics (how our environment influences gene expression) has reshaped the nature vs. nurture debates. This invites you to examine the power of your mind to change your brain.
The Mind, Brain, Relationship and Interpersonal Neurobiology
Dr. Daniel Siegel, the author of some of my favourite books and the founder of Interpersonal Neurobiology work, illustrates how the mind, brain, and relationship form an integrated system that constantly influences each other.
A System Greater than the Parts:
The mind is a powerful tool made up of the sensations around us and our perceptions. It shapes how we process information and, in turn, the impact it will have on the brain. This is not a simple equation, but a unique sum of the many parts of the whole. Systems theory reminds us that the sum of the parts is always greater than the whole.
I invite you to reflect on the different aspects of your life that define the perceptions, sensations, and contextual experiences of your mind. How does this create or distract from moments of joy in your life?
The Mind as a Vehicle of Change:
Your ability to pause, reflect, and reshape how you think and feel is key to developing a resilient mindset. How do you assess the patterns and thoughts that shape your mind?
As a psychotherapist, the reflective process of helping another understand their patterns is where the work begins. If you need support in this area, head over to my resource page or reach out to schedule an appointment. I offer a 15-minute consultation to define the goodness of fit to define the relationship.
