Introduction to Brain Function and Neural Connections

Brain's Connection-Making Ability

• The brain creates firing patterns and mental maps.
• Survival Benefit: Helps in learning, creativity, analysis, and problem-solving by keeping parts of the brain clear for new information.
• Quiet Mind: Important for creativity; packs information into deeper brain areas like the basal ganglia where habits form.

Formation and Durability of Patterns

• Effortless Patterns: Once formed, patterns make complex tasks easier and free the mind for new data.
• Innate Patterns: Few are hardwired at birth (e.g., fear of snakes, falling); personality traits are not hardwired.
• Impact of Early Environment: Can overwrite early predispositions.
• Durability: Existing patterns are hard to get rid of and can resurface, especially under stress.

Overwriting Old Wiring

• Creating New Highways: New neural pathways can overwrite old ones through continuous use.
• Learning New Skills: Initially uncomfortable; requires repeated action to establish new pathways.
• Metaphor: New pathways are like neural highways that need to become broader with use.

Mental Maps and Coaching

• Extension Over Creation: Easier to extend existing mental maps than to create new ones.
• Coaching Implications: Giving advice from our own maps may not connect with clients' existing maps; requires processing through the prefrontal cortex (analytical, inefficient).
• Insight Formation: Occurs when existing maps connect or extend into areas of concern, often with emotional charge.

Insight and the Aha Moment

• Nature of Insight: Connection of independent mental maps leading to new knowledge and significant emotional charge.
• Research: Studies by Richard Bis and others show coaching creates durable changes in brain structure and function.
• Coaching Impact: Helps clients change brain morphology and function, supporting desired behaviors in life.