Structural plasticity in the hippocampus of squirrels 

It was mentioned to me that some squirrels actually have an increase in volume of the brain during the winter months. They do have this change primarily in the hippocampus which is responsible for memory and spatial organization. This is amazing. The change in volume can be up to 15%. Supposedly it is because they need to find nuts in the winter months they hidden away during summer and fall. This is the cutest thing I ever can imagine, a contemplating squirrel that tries to remember where he stored its nuts. I lose my keys all the time, imagine having your life dependent on your memory and where you put them 4 months ago. The point of this is not that squirrels searching for nuts are cut, even though they are. It is the mammalian ability to change upon its necessity and carried upon responsibility. The humble shrew has the largest recorded seasonal change by 10 – 26 percent from summer to winter. And a regrowth of 9 – 16 percent in the spring.

Neuroplasticity in Humans

That the human-being can change its brain as well are becoming more and more accepted, and can be observed in the sciences. Synaptic plasticity, Structural plasticity and Activity-dependent gene expression have been observed. 

• So you’re telling me that not only the squirrel and the shrew can change their brain size and capability under circumstance. But also the human has observable changes in the structure of the brain itself, and that under different conditions can express “new” DNA. 
• What amazing creations we are. 

I think many today know this in theory, that you have the ability to change. But far fewer have a practical understanding of it. Most of those I have the pleasure to talk to agree with this notion, but they then stroll away whistling like nothing ever happened. That they do not realize that this tells us that we have scientific evidence to support our ability to be who we want to be. That the things you in your spirit know are hurting you and your progress toward your desires can be taken away and changed for something else? Is this not significant to you? That you have the biological capacity to become the person you are meant to be? 

Change from necessity

Well, it’s still a lot of work and time. – You’re busy, I get it. Who have the time to engage with changes that may impact your life, your relationships and success in a positive way. Maybe on Monday, or the week after that. Who knows. 

I’m being intentionally annoying. Life is hectic and complicated and just to find the time to unwind many times seems impossible. But the truth is, many times many don’t choose to change their behavior. Maybe because many have no reason to change identity, personality or behavior. Why is this? Probably because most do not engage in activities that create the necessity for it. We do what we always do, and we know and do what’s needed. Maybe we forget, get distracted or in the worst case, lose a sense of hope. Maybe most are not aware that a change is needed, and can’t figure out why life’s not going their way? It is a multi faceted problem.

Practical advice 

However, if you have an unwanted action in your day to day life, let’s say you swear and you see that it no longer serves a purpose. With intention, observe every time you swear. Write it down on your phone (i like pen and paper). Lets say you swear 50 times a day for you work as a pirate. You now have this noted down, you have a concrete starting point. Now you can set a goal. – Tomorrow I will only swear 49 times! Or how large a change you think you’re capable of. And you succeed, hurray! you have changed a pattern, you have started to manipulate the synapses of your brain. You are one step closer to being what fate has laid out for you. Good job!

If the want is there, you have the understanding that change is possible. Just remember that humble squirrel, if she can make a change, so can you. And who wants to be a squirrel that can’t remember where they put their nuts?