Bio,

Thanks for posting these cool links. I will have to take some time to look at the lecture series, but the book looked interesting right away from the summary. I love what it said about awakening the brain's neuroplastic potential through non-invasive ways in such as sound, light, etc. I couldn't agree more. Stimulating pathways unrelated to illness and pain really does seem to bring about a subtle healing.

I have found a couple of alternative ways into my own brain that I feel have really made a difference for me. One of them is through taking up piano about a year ago. After two+ years of foot, foot, foot; I really wanted to get my brain focused on another body part preferably while finding a way to bring more beauty into my life. Piano fit the bill. It requires intense concentration on my hands and what is in front of me and stimulates so many senses at the same time - sound, touch, vibration.... It really brings me joy (as well as occasional frustration) and I get a sense of accomplishment from it.

The other thing that's helped is to really pay attention to the light outside. Focusing intently on the quality of the light at certain times of day helps me connect with the world and gives my brain something new, beautiful and ephemeral to process every day. I pay attention to the soft diffuse rays of morning, the crucible of noontime glare and the oblique warmth of sun headed into evening. I try to notice the way the light dances on leaves in the wind and the shadows that move beneath. A few days ago, a random light rain started while it was still sunny. The drops knocked crepe myrtle blossoms down in waves from our tree while they were lit from behind. The effect was magic and I stood transfixed for moment, not thinking of my foot or anything else but the poetry in front of me.