The brain is like a garden
Just Like the Gut Flora, the Brain Can Be Compared to a Garden
Just as we can compare the gut flora to a garden, we can think of the brain in similar terms. In this unique garden, however, synaptic connections between neurons grow instead of plants. These connections form pathways that neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin use in the brain.
The Brain's Gardeners
Glial cells are the brain’s gardeners. They have various roles; think of them as the brain’s sanitation workers and recyclers, cleaning up weeds, insects, and dead leaves from the brain's “garden.” Microglial cells are the specialists at trimming and pruning.
These cells maintain the connections, keeping the system organized, pathways clear, and preventing uncontrolled growth. This approach leaves ample room for the brain to establish new connections and strengthen existing ones, enabling you to acquire new knowledge and retain what you already know.
A Clear Head
This pruning happens while you sleep. The refreshed feeling after a good night’s sleep is directly connected to this process. A well-maintained “garden” provides more space for growth. If you are sleep-deprived, it can feel as if you’re hacking your way through a sticky jungle—everything slows down, and each thought takes extra energy.
For the same reason, a short nap can boost cognitive function. Just 10 to 20 minutes is enough for the microglial “gardeners” to clear a substantial amount of clutter, optimizing brain functions.
Use It or Lose It
Unused connections are cleared away, while frequently used connections are kept clean and nourished. A good example is a language you were required to learn in school. Remember? There was a time when you could speak French. Today, you may still understand it, but speaking it might be challenging. Those connections were pruned over time due to lack of use, and rebuilding those pathways takes effort.
Our current thought habits also influence which connections are retained. Do you find yourself dwelling on a recent conflict rather than generating new ideas for work? You might be training your brain for resentment and righteousness, which can inhibit innovation.
The Wisdom of the Cherokee
This idea aligns with an old Cherokee wisdom about the two wolves that reside in each of us.
“One evening, an old Cherokee told his grandson about a battle that goes on inside people. He began: 'My son, the battle is between two wolves inside us all. One is Evil. It is anger, envy, jealousy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego.'
The other wolf is Good. It is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion, and faith.” The grandson thought about it and asked his grandfather, “Which wolf wins?”
The old Cherokee replied, “The one you feed.”
If you want to use this natural mechanism positively, focus on things that matter to you. This strengthens the connections in your brain, while unimportant connections, the “weeds,” are trimmed and kept under control.
Stimulating Your Brain in Practical Ways
You can also easily boost your brain function by as much as 14% today. How? Just try turning upside down. Dr. Robert Martin discusses the benefits of inversion therapy in his book, The Gravity Guiding System: Turning the Aging Process Upside Down.
Hanging upside down can benefit not only those with back issues. It can also improve mood, enhance sleep, and reduce the stress hormone cortisol. You don’t need to buy an inversion table for this. Try a yoga headstand (Sirsasana or Shirshasana), or lie down with your head lower on a stairway. It works just as well.
Ideally, aim for two 15-minute sessions daily, but start slowly. With consistent practice over a few months, you should be able to manage 15 minutes continuously.
