Re-wiring the Brain, Re-Shaping the Mind

Re-wiring the Brain, Re-shaping the Mind: An Integral Approach to Transformation

Why is it that sometimes we are able to be compassionate, empathize
with the suffering of strangers, and offer loving support to partners, family, and friends, while at other times we lash out or withdraw, straining the relationships that matter most to us? And if we all have the potential to be smart and thoughtful problem solvers, why do we sometimes respond effectively to challenges but become paralyzed or mired in anger and blame at other times?

To answer these questions, one needs to step into the world of
neuroscience and explore the neural mechanisms that shape and maintain our perceptions, feelings, thoughts, and behavior. One will learn for example that the human brain is wired to conserve energy. This is accomplished in part by automating our everyday feelings, thoughts, and actions. To achieve this, the brain generates myriad fixed neural pathways—neural “routines”—that offer quick and low-cost means to deal with our environment, which includes the way that we communicate with each other. This has a direct consequence: once a certain pattern of behavior, thought, or emotion has been established, it becomes very difficult to change it. Fixed neural pathways are ingrained in us very early in life. They quickly become second nature to us. Thus, an integral
approach to transforming human behavior requires a deep appreciation for the workings of our brains.

On May 21st, Ronit Herzfeld and Helen Kramer (50 years of combined
experience in counseling individuals, couples and families) will share with
Integral New York their innovative work, integrating neurology, psychology and spirituality. They will present a step-by-step process that allows individuals to transform any behavior they wish to change by overriding fixed old patterns and replacing them with new desired ones.

Ronit Herzfeld, M.S.W., is a spiritual psychotherapist and social activist. Ronit has worked closely with Ken Wilber and is one of the cofounders of the Integral Institute. She also worked with the European Parliament and His Holiness the Dalai Lama to alleviate the plight of the Tibetan people. She has recently developed a mobile application, AWARENESS, to help people become more mindful in their daily lives. AWARENESS has been featured on CNN, CBS and ABC.com.

Helen Kramer is a prominent author, therapist, educator and lecturer. She has developed a unique and comprehensive approach to change that is based on cutting edge brain research. Her work focuses on teaching people the emotional skills people need to be more compassionately connected to themselves and others. Ms. Kramer has worked as a consultant to Sixty Minutes and 20/20 and has appeared on over 40 radio and TV talk shows across the country including Oprah, Today in NY and Good Day New York.