Niel V.

A change of pace

August 25, 2023

Hello keyboard. Iv’e been using my devices; I just haven’t written…not because I’m not pulled to. Life has just been so busy. I’ve had this statement in my mind “follow the feeling”. I felt that need to write so here I am. The summer is winding down by now; for me it’s really been the season where…if I think about it…is where I get to really allow my life to sink in. Where I am in this moment in time. 


I embarked on a trip to Arizona with the family. In the short time we had… (three days give or take) I had the realization of how much plasticity we have…especially when it comes to our perspective. When I say plasticity; I am referring to the brain. I know generally it’s said that travel helps alleviate negative feelings; but I find that those words are not enough in grounding my understanding; so allow me to to express my take on neuroplasticity. 


Neuroplasticity, as defined by the National Institute of Health; “the ability of the nervous system to change its activity in response to intrinsic or extrinsic stimuli by reorganizing its structure, functions, or connections after injuries.” It has become a norm to have such a high amount of external stimulation. Our access and convenience to things has deprived our ability to take in what is in front of us. 


Deep hues such as red, orange, and yellow were displayed throughout Arizona’s landscape. The area of Sedona was very inviting. The people inhabiting the area were so calm, always had a smile, or reminances of a smile radiating off their aura. Almost as if everything was working together to allow this energy to thrive throughout the atmosphere. The pace of life, quaint town, and how people behaved with each other was enriching to experience. My exposure to something new allowed me to look back into myself. Challenge the way I interact with my environment…my surroundings. In the moments I have time to reflect; I’m able to conjure different paths and ideas. In love. This train of thought has led me to define Plasticity; which “is the capacity to be shaped, molded, or altered”


The most effective visual I can use is a tree; and how it establishes itself through strong roots. Overtime, if the tree is in a suitable environment…It has the ability to grow branches. The studies display substantial evidence; evidence that the brain is able to improve itself throughout the course of someones life. As said in an article by Psychology Today; “The importance of neuroplasticity can’t be overstated: that is means that it is possible to change dysfunctional patterns of thinking and behaving and to develop new mindsets, new memories, new skills, and new abilities.”


Travel can promote growth, in a collection of ways. Our brain forms new connections to our neurons when we subject ourselves to change. I would attribute common sayings such as “face your fears” or “traveling without a plan” as simple examples to this complex system we have within us. It’s more important than ever to challenge ourselves in this ever changing world; to find common ground, a singular thing we can grasp in order to ground ourselves. Rather than flooding our senses with mindless stimuli. Which can lead to various negative pathways.  I wish to break down the mechanisms within us to prove that everything we need, anything you would want out of your reality is in arms reach. It just starts with what we tell ourselves; and the brain will follow. Embracing the resistance, the new feelings, and the challenges that build resilience. It raises our perspective.


The same way when I was a child; and you receive a new toy. You are flooded with immediate fascination. Touching, interacting, and attempting to understand the object in all its entirety. Moving the toy slowly in your hands; making sure your eyes see every inch of it. Is the same feeling I get when experiencing different parts of the world. Every single time I travel it’s as if this kid has received a new way in how to look at the world as a whole. My truths are redefined.

Arizona is known to be one of the few places in the world to have “energy vortexes”; which are areas that hold a significant source of energy. Other locations that experience this phenomenon are; The Stonehenge in Wiltshire, England; Haleakalā Volcano, Hawaii; and Matchu Picchu in Peru just to name a few. 

In the rabbit hole that I found myself in when reading up about energy vortexes led me to two conclusions about Sedona. The history within the land, commingled with the respect given to the nature has forever changed the character in the area…so as long as it’s maintained and honored. The natives that first stepped foot on the land have already regarded this as a sacred space; as it specifically stated in an article by Trillst; “…a place of great spiritual significance, beloved to be where the great spirit mother gave birth to the human race.” It is also said that there is a strong magnetic field all around Arizona. Which would make activities such as meditation, prayer, and all methods that involve the spirit can be done here on a consistent basis. The pace is much slower than what a city would provide. Thankfully, I was able to notice the consideration people had for one another. A gesture that’s often overlooked.  For instance, upon us finishing walking the strip of Sedona; we were beginning to back out of our parking spot with our huge vehicle; when the random gentleman in the car next to us began assisting us in backing up safely. The embarrassment one feels when you bring your obnoxious city viewpoint into a space that is different in so many ways. The kindness was apparent in the short time I was there. Especially toward the nature, as of this writing; there are currently 22 federally recognized tribes in Arizona. The respect, or at least taking a step in the right direction is what is great to witness. 





Apart of the undeniable beauty; it was the people, the family I had the chance to reconnect with. My goodness the power of interaction. I find interactions to be precious; the more people you surround yourself around..the more complex it gets. The more minds you have to account for. In our case we were a group of nine. We had an amazing experience with all of them; but it was after the fact that I really appreciated the presence we had with each other. It is increasingly more and more difficult to corral our loved ones together thoughtfully; and to collectively be present in that moment. As I noticed our efforts to stay in connection was disrupted by each of our complex lives…I found myself asking important questions. After the initial thoughts in my mind, trying to answer my feelings… “why the time we shared doesn’t connect with how we interact after”. I found that the change I would like to make both physically (through my actions) and neuropathically is the strength of my relationships. The love that I give at any given time. I find myself not stopping myself when I have the opportunity. Inquiring with myself if my actions were my best effort. 


“The way your mind is structured will determine the person you will become, the life you will live, and the fulfillment you will realize. When you modify your mind, you make changes to the operating system at your core and change your personal trajectory. And when you make a persistent occupation of this endeavor, you become the architect of your own character.” 
― Designing the Mind, Designing the Mind: The Principles of Psychitecture






Watch the video log I have up here on my YouTube Channel.


References:


travel neuroplasticity Arizona
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