Dr Arien van der MerweMBChB NHA ASCHP MISMA

www.DrArien.co.za

Life was never meant to be a struggle. Just a gentle

progression from one point to another, much like walking

through a valley on a sunny day – Stuart Wilde

Neuroplasticity

applied to Practical

Stress Management &

Youthful Living

www.DrArien.co.za

Expectations for today: Why am I here, now?• Calming my busy, loud, endlessly

ruminating lower mind?• Finding my way back to stillness

and quietness?• Responding to deeper, persistent

longing to experience my soulSelf, my heart?

• Overwhelmed and confused byworld?

• To reflect on my life, my path, myheart, my purpose?

Let’s breathe…..In journal: Commitment to self1. Body2. Mind3. Emotions4. Soul

If shallow or fast, we know that is a signal to slow and deepen the breath as a gift to the overstimulated nervous system.

Can we breathe slowly and more peacefully becoming calm from within, instead of waiting for the world to become peaceful first?

Let us anchor a deep breath of "All is Well" and let’s send that out so that the world and all around us feel what that feels like.

www.DrArien.co.za

1st brain Reptilian: reflex / instinct – based on memories from past – replaying in present, projecting into futureFunctions, basic drives:

• Survival – instinctual awareness of danger

• Approach / avoidance

• Hormonal control

• Temperature control

• Hunger / thirst

• Pain / pleasure

• Reproductive drive

• Respiration and heart rate controlwww.DrArien.co.za

2nd brain Limbic system: hindsight – past experiences – survival emotions brought into present combined with 1st brain, decisions/actions based on that, then projected into future – stuck record of memories replaying

Functions, basic drives:

• Emotions to ensure survival – sense of sadness, joy

• Territoriality

• Fear

• Anger

• Maternal love

• Social bonding

• Jealousy

3rd brain Neocortex: foresight & insight –actions/behaviour based on SQ – basis for SM – 1st step: awareness of own triggers – where do I lose my power to react from reptilian/limbic brain. Brain as receiver and transmitter for SC/Higher Mind guidance

Functions, higher control – deeper link with others:• Self awareness of thoughts and emotions

• Ability to choose appropriate behaviour

• Self reflection, thinking

• Problem solving

• Goal satisfaction

• Conscience

• Superconscious mind – frontal and prefrontal cortex – link to emotional centre – spiritual level of decision making and choice

• Integrative power of SC Mind to brain – ‘seeing’ differently (pineal gland) – neuroplastic ability of opening connection, new ‘elsewheres’ of thought to re-open dormant networks and spiritual DNA: prefrontal cortex to limbic brain – managing emotions to master Love, highest function

Definition: Neuroplasticity

www.DrArien.co.za

• Brain's ability to form new brain cells and neuralconnections throughout life. Neural stem cells.

• Neuroplasticity allows neurons (nerve cells) in brain tocompensate for injury, disease, to adjust activities inresponse to new situations or to changes in environment

• Umbrella term: lasting changes to brain throughout anindividual's life course. Behaviour, beliefs can change ineveryone! Stroke, depression, all diseases – mind to body!

• Neurorigidity!• Brain can change, heal itself in response to mental

experience & ongoing challenges• Known since 1800’s, but confirmed with latest technology

(e.g. MRI scans – using magnets and radio waves)

Neural networks, brain patterns of habit and neuroplasticity

60 000 / day; 98% repeats of old thoughts, own beliefs mostly based on others’ beliefs, mental interference – TV, action, drama; even if headlines –newspapers. Most important: our own old story dramas – this is not who we are!

Past, future (elsewhere): be here NOW! (exercise to experience all senses incl. core self) – start refiring in new networks of thought

Premise for neuroplastic re-wiring: we can guard our thinking far better than we do at present. How well would you say you do this? In other words, how well do you strike a balance between consciously watching your mind and rejecting egoic (i.e. wrong-minded or loveless) thinking?

Mind-set – key change for neuroplasticity

• Natural age: 120 years (200!)

• Damage

• Stress, lifestyle, free radicals

• Stuck emotions of bitterness, resentment, unfinished business

• Think, believe in the marrow of your bones: young, vigorous, alive, joyful

• Key: willingness to change – mind training

Human beings can change their lives by changing their

perceptions, attitudes, thoughts & limiting beliefs

www.DrArien.co.za

Adapted iceberg model

Spiritual being, meaning Source of Wellbeing/God/Higher Self/Christ Mind/FiP

All encompassing Love – as default vibration / frequency: Joy/Peace

Habitual thoughts & emotions; beliefs

Lifestyle & behaviour

Physical state of Health / Wealth / Happiness

Epigenetic Realm

Unconscious/Sub

conscious mind

Metagenetic Realm

Superconscious

Mind to Miracle Mind

Conscious mind

The body is the barometer of the soul. The body becomes the battleground for the war games of the mind.

The body is the subconscious mind, an expression of my thoughts (beliefs) and feelings over time

Epigenetics• ‘Epi’genetics - ‘above’ or ‘over’ the genetic

information encoded in the DNA

http://drarien.co.za/timelessdna

Epigenetic Structure

Genetics, epigenetics, cell membrane

• ‘Biology of Belief’ - Bruce Lipton (Geneticist)

• Epigenetic environment – around cell membrane (true ‘brain' of cell) – within our control, willingness to

manage for our own health and wellbeing – mind to body:

➢Water

➢Oxygen: Breathing

➢Nutrients, micronutrients

➢Hormones, communication

➢Thoughts, emotions: vibration of ‘Molecules of Emotion’ Candace

Pert (Neuroscientist)

Thoughts & feelings

• Emotions: only 2

• 60 000 / day; 80% Θ

• ‘Neuro’ peptides: information substances. Thoughts, words:

chemical messenger molecules of emotion, via bloodstream &

matrix (connective tissue) to every cell

• Networks of habitual thoughts, feelings, beliefs, behaviour

• Neuroplasticity: new networks

• Heart as brain

thought

Emotion

expressed in

physical body

feeling

http://drarien.co.za/timelessdna

Emotional positioning system: EPS

1. LOVE, joy, knowledge, empowerment, freedom, appreciation, inner peace

2. Passion, wisdom, understanding, forgiveness

3. Enthusiasm, eagerness, happiness

4. Positive expectation or belief

5. Optimism, courage

6. Hopefulness

7. Contentment

8. Boredom

9. Pessimism

10. Frustration, irritation, impatience

11. Feeling overwhelmed

12. Disappointment

13. Doubt

14. Worry

15. Blame

16. Discouragement

17. Anger

18. Revenge

19. Hatred, rage

20. Jealousy

21. Insecurity, guilt, unworthiness

22. FEAR, grief, depression, despair

Relaxed, aware, creative

brain wave frequencies:

vibrations to every single cell

and its receptors – through

thought and emotion –

molecules of emotions / IS:

informational substances –

reprogramming, defragging!

Heart rhythm patterns & emotions

Cortical Inhibition

(chaos)

Cortical Facilitation (coherence)

HeartMath Institute: www.heartmath.org

https://i0.wp.com/www.teachersofgod.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/brain-waves.png

Relaxation training: integrates L & R brain for

whole brain functioning

Cognitive functions of the L & R hemispheres of the brain

L brain functions: Ego. β & high β R brain functions: Soul. α, δ, τ

Analytical skills Synthesis skills

Judgmental skills - discernment Accepting, receiving nature

Time consciousness Non-time consciousness

Verbal acuity Symbolic imagery

Linear thought progression Non-linear thought processes

Rational thought process Non rational thought process

Math acuity Intuition, imagination

Spatial orientation

Music appreciation

Humour, creativity, art

Stress

• Survival response

•Moving from survive to thrive

1. Fight-flight (fear, anger, hide). Challenge: imagination

2. Tend-befriend

3. Excite-delight

4. Thrive, flow, flourish

www.DrArien.co.za

Well balanced life: 3 sides triangle - equal length, importance: all in balance - good health, sense of wellbeing

Main purpose balanced health and wellbeing: remain relaxed, calm, centered, in good spirits even with all the pressures of daily life

Side 1. Physical: breathing, relaxing,

healthy eating, enough water, sleeping,

resting, moderate exercise, nature

Side 2: Mental-emotional. Psycho spiritual: thinking,

feeling (e.g. laughter, joy, happiness, peace),

spiritual connection

Side 3: Social: others, work, environment

Integrative Approach Emotional Wellbeing, Resilience

Inner Locus of Control

• Caring body: fun exercise (e.g. yoga, tai ‘chi, dance), food toenhance mood, nutriceuticals, herbal remedies, anti-inflammatorydiet, breathing techniques

• Re-training, re-programming, caring mind, brain: mindfulness,mantra meditation, visualisations/mental imagery, creativeactivities, news breaks, connection nature. Brain is neuroplasticity -old brain patterns can be changed and trained into new networks,new ways of thinking and feeling. Epigenetics -more than genes orgenetic programming. Genetic expression can be changed throughbrain re-patterning and emotional wellbeing techniques.

• Spirituality, emotional wellbeing – caring, food for soul: nature,connection caring, positive people, beauty, empathy, compassion –self, others, forgiveness, laughter, quiet, silence. Learnt newbehaviour: openness/willingness, 3P’s

Biomedical model, mental-emotional, psycho-spiritual aspects of every human being – inner drive to connect with

superconscious mind/Higher Self/God

www.DrArien.co.za

‘To pay attention: this is our endless and proper work’ – Mary Oliver.

In stillness and in quiet listening

www.DrArien.co.za

• Premise: thoughts (ruminating, beating same drum,repeating same patterns) create my reality over time –world I perceive and experience. 3P’s, 1 GNF

• Theme: to perceive, experience new world, have tochange old thoughts, trapped emotions, mentalconstructs – reprogramming, rewiring, reconnecting toHS

• Purpose: we do have a purpose in this life – allowingmore joy! True measure of success in life: how muchjoy experienced. Incl. playfulness, fun, peace, LOVE

Neuroplastic Epigenetic RestructuringFor Stress Management and Youthful Living

The 3 R’s: Release, Reprogram, Right thinking• Left and right brain thinking – whole brain, even more• Releasing trapped emotions to create inner peace, joy,

playfulness and serenity (Heart-Brain-Body Sweep)• Changing limiting beliefs and behaviour, combined with

willingness to change, will trump genetics when it comes to influencing how you will age

• Reprogram for optimal health, perpetual optimism and youthful living

www.DrArien.co.za/timelessdna

Heart is a brain, seat of soul & emotions…..Learn how to love yourself first - activate the mind-

brain-heart connection in practical ways – extending to all your cells and all around you

www.DrArien.co.za

Healthy eating & food supplements

Low blood sugar and

dumpingSuperfoods: plant your own/buy organic

Feel good: Serotonin,Dopamine

• Rice, potato, pasta

• Bananas, hot peppers, berries

• Legumes/beans

• Nuts especially for the brain?

• Sesame, pumpkin seeds

• Negative ionizer bedroom

• Exercise

• Making love (sexual intimacy)

• Kissing (17 seconds!): oxytocin (bonding)

• 10-20 minutes sunlight per day -early am, late afternoon

• 5 HTP, St John’s wort

• Oils: lavender, rose, orange blossom

• Feelings of peace, joy, bliss

Memory & Mood

• Ginkgo biloba

• Ginseng, grapeseed extract

• Antioxidants, B-vitamins, zinc

• Omega 3, 6, 9

• CoQ10

• Phosphatidylserine (soy lecithin)

• Alpha lipoic acid

• Essential oils – to balance mood

www.DrArien.co.za

Herbal helpCulinary, * medicinal, aromatic plants

Basic kit:

• Garlic, ginger, turmeric, thyme, rosemary,

basil, sage – food * recipe

• Rosemary: anti-infl, stim effect CNS

– memory, concentration

Others:

• Lavender, camomile, rose geranium, orange blossom – relaxing oil mix, tea

Echinacea, garlic, golden seal liquorice root, chamomile, sage, thyme, calendula, rosemary

• Ginkgo biloba

• St John’s Wort

• Valerian, Hops, Passionflower

Food for Thought

• Lifestyle: active, moving, fun -challenging ourselves with new creative work, skills, hobbies

• Vagus nerve stimulation: breathe (5:4:8), meditate, doodle, daydream, sleep, power naps

• Eating mindfully: not while doing other things – taste, texture, really hungry and for what?

• Food choices: from berries, nuts and other superfoods to specific herbal remedies

www.DrArien.co.za

Basic 31.Heart-Brain-Body

Support – super antioxidant

2.Calcium and Magnesium –amino acid chelate + Vit D, C, boron, potassium

3.Omega- 3,6,9

Support Physiology

Optimal Nutritional Function

Insurance premium top up!

www.DrArien.co.za

Heart-Brain-Body Support

• Resveratrol, CoQ10

• Astragalus membranosis

• Gingko biloba

• Increase serotonin, dopamine

• Lower cortisol levels – sleep 8 hours quiet and darkness, deep relaxation, meditation,

• Exercise

• Vitamin D – 20-30 minutes sunlight early morning, late pm or 10 minutes 12h00

www.DrArien.co.za

Fun Fitness

• Movement for the joy of living in

your body

• To meet the needs of your lifestyle

with ease

• To release stress chemicals

• To increase your energy

• Healthy spine, core: pelvis, chest,

head

• Crossover movements: new

networks - neuroplasticity

• Dance, yoga, walking

Fun, laughter, move the body….dance, play, be sociable! Change daily routine – challenge

Creativity, new hobbies, memory games, mindfulness in nature

Restorative sleep

• Quiet

• Darkness

• 8 hours uninterrupted

• Bed: mattress

• Colours

• Distractions – TV/computer/cell phones

• Sleep preparation

• AVOID: using stimulants to stay awake

• AVOID: using alcohol to help you fall asleep; it induces sleep onset but disrupts sleep later on

Spread this true love from deep

within you to all around you,

blessing your world today and

every day.We can never truly love another, if we

don't love ourselves first

www.DrArien.co.za

As for me, I’m turning my cheek toward joy, toward peace of mind, toward the idea that all of us can be free and abundant and living

lives of insatiable wellbeing – Pam Grout, Eᶟ

Youthful Living – a daily choice!• Healthy eating

• Moderate, enjoyable exercise

• Regular contact with nature

• Meditation, affirmative or positive prayer to reconnect on a daily basis to your true, authentic self

• Reconnect: play, have fun, enjoy life, not looking for, but finding, ‘sweetness in life’ – the mental emotional underlying issue in insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome.

• Joy, playfulness, having fun and experiencing inner peace, while being fully and vibrantly alive, are all aspects of our ultimate purpose as human beings (rather than human doings) in this lifetime!

Relaxation exercise: Peace begins with me

‘I believe the more we choose to run the inner

peace circuitry of our right hemispheres, the more peaceful we will

become, and the more peace we will project out

into the world’.

www.DrArien.co.za

Support: www.DrArien.co.za

• Consulting: Dr Michelle Emett, Tel. 028 3164122

• Talks, workshops

• Books, CD’s, Health Coaching: real time & online

• Nutriceuticals, herbal remedies, serum

Books /

Relaxation

CD / Online

Health

Courses