Our past experiences are not simply stored in the brain—they are patterns embedded into the circuitry of our brain-body system.
 

 
For many people, their history can linger as patterns of dysregulation, stress, or a sense of being "stuck" in old reactions.
But -as you've likely heard by now... neuroscience is showing us that the brain is not completely fixed by our past.  It can be actively shaped by what we do in the present.
This is the promise of neuroplasticity. It's our capacity to rewire patterns, even those that we have adopted or been exposed to through our past experiences and our history.
 

Listen to this as a mini podcast:

 
Mindset Neuroscience on Spotify
Mindset Neuroscience on Apple Podcasts
Also as a short video snippet you can share!  Youtube.com/stefaniefaye

The Science of Neuroplasticity: How Our Brains Change
Decades of research show that our neural networks are dynamic and responsive to experience (watch my TEDx talk on experience-dependent brains 🙂
It's not necessarily an event or situation in and of itself* that determines the effects it will have on someone's brain and nervous system. It is an intertwined process of events interacting with existing neural, behavioral and social resources that a person has access to when events happen.
(*watch this video to learn more about Stimulus-Organism Responsel
Negative past events come in many forms, such as consistent exposure to chronic stress, high risk caregiving, neglect or abuse, tragedy and different events that happen in communities and in families, interpersonal violation of boundaries.
 
Our history with other humans can lead certain types of neural circuits to dominate our experience.
Sometimes, traumatic or adverse experiences within our lives can lead circuits related to fear, vigilance and self-protection, to become very hyperactive and dominant. 
And this can make it harder for some people to access states of calm and regulation and connection.
 
 
Old patterns do not have to become our destiny. 
Through intentional experiences, new connections can be forged, and old ones softened.
Research into self-directed neuroplasticity shows that when we engage in practices that combine mindful awareness, movement, and social connection and social support-seeking, we can activate our neural circuits in ways that can help us transcend our past (Fuchs 2024; Schwartz, 2005, Davidson, 2008)).
 

 
It’s not enough to simply "think differently."
Real change requires MOVEMENT and engaging the body and the senses.
This is why embodied approaches—movement, breathwork, and sensory awareness—can be effective at helping us access new states of being. In my work with coaches, leaders, and professionals, I emphasize that the nervous system must experience safety and novelty to unlock new pathways.
 
Here are a few science-backed strategies that support neuroplasticity for improved wellbeing and functioning:

* Micro-movements and sensory rituals: Gentle, deliberate actions (like slowing your breath, slowing down our hand movements, noticing the sensation of your hands,