Neuroplasticity (Synaptic Pruning)

Your brain is like a giant, magical forest with billions of paths. When you learn something new, you build a path; when you stop using an old habit, the brain prunes or cuts away that old path. This death of old connections is actually great because it makes your brain faster and smarter. It clears out the clutter so the most important thoughts can travel quickly. Your brain is constantly dying and being reborn so you can keep learning and growing every single day. It is how you get better at video games, music, or math!

When you struggle to learn something, that stretch in your mind is old paths making room for new ones. The struggle is the death. The understanding is the rebirth. They are the same moment.

Synaptic pruning removes extra neurons and connections to increase efficiency of neuronal transmissions. Most prominent between childhood and adulthood. This cellular death is essential for rebirth of a more refined cognitive architecture. Subtraction is often a form of addition in biological systems: fewer paths, faster signals, sharper mind.

SOUND: The click of a puzzle piece fitting perfectly.

SMELL: Sharp scent of a new box of crayons: fresh pathways.

TASTE: The zing of peppermint that helps you focus.

TOUCH: Smooth piano keys or a guitar string under your fingers.

SIGHT: A bright lightbulb moment when you finally understand.

BODY: That woah feeling when you first find your balance: old paths dying, new paths firing.

Music: A Hard Rain's A-Gonna Fall by Bob Dylan

Music: Candle in the Wind by Elton John

Part of Death & Rebirth — MYTHOLOGY — Education Revelation