Neuroplasticity and Buddhist Nuns: Finding the Power to Show Up
I have two passions: reading life lessons from Western Buddhist nun Pema Chödrön and learning about how our brains work. So you can imagine my delight when these two passions converged during my morning reading of Welcoming the Unwelcome by Pema Chödrön.
In a chapter about the Buddhist idea of virtue, Pema writes about neuroplasticity—the brain’s incredible ability to rewire itself. Forgive the long quote, but she says it best:
In brain science, there’s a lot of talk these days about neuroplasticity. Our habits are like grooves in the brain, which get deeper and deeper as we follow our usual thought patterns. There’s no way out of the habit as long as we keep following the same rut. But when we interrupt our habitual behavior or go against our propensities, we start to establish new pathways in the brain.
This scientific view is very similar to the Buddhist idea of Karmic seeds. With our actions and thoughts, we are constantly sowing seeds in our unconscious that will eventually bear fruit when the right conditions come together. . . Whatever your reaction, it sows more seeds in your mind, which bear more fruit in the future, and so on.
I love when the spiritual and the scientific support each other. While I’m not a practicing Buddhist, Pema’s teachings often give me tangible direction on how to be a better human. When these two spheres align, something in my brain lights up. Over the past few years, as I’ve focused on being a better human, I’ve found wisdom and comfort in both neuroscience and Pema’s interpretations.
Ruts in the Noodle: Why We Struggle to Change
Years ago, I asked my brother—someone who has battled long-standing destructive habits—“Why can’t I just walk away from [bad habit X]? Why do I keep doing something I know isn’t good for me?”
His reply: “’Cause you’ve got ruts in your noodle.” That’s it. The grooves in our brains are like well-worn trails in the snow, and we tend to follow the path of least resistance. This is exactly what neuroscientists and Pema are pointing to: our brains have default settings.
The exciting news? We can change those ruts. It’s slow, demanding work, but it’s possible. I’ve seen it in my own life. I’ve created new ruts by changing how I eat, committing to exercise, and changing my relationship with alcohol, which no longer served me. I’ve learned to be less reactive, less prone to depression, and more thoughtful and kind than I ever thought possible.
Slipping Back and Choosing Again
That doesn’t mean the old ruts disappear. Especially during tough weeks, I’ve felt myself sliding back into familiar grooves:
Us vs. them thinking
Turning to food for comfort
Choosing inertia over action
Reacting with meanness instead of thoughtfulness
But here’s the difference now: I see those thoughts coming. Instead of resisting or giving in, I follow the basic instruction to acknowledge them: “Hello, Anger. Hello, judgment. Hello, quick comfort at the expense of long-term well-being.”
Acknowledging these feelings without judgment has been transformative. I may still have those old ruts, but I’ve also created newer, kinder ones. Every day, I have the power to choose which path to travel.
The Power to Rewire
Rewiring our Brains
Neuroplasticity reminds us that we’re never stuck. Whether I live another year, another decade, or thirty more years, I can keep forging new pathways. With the luxury of being in my 60s, I’m choosing to use that power. Why? Because in a chaotic world, this is something I can control. I am capable of being a better human, and I intend to exercise that capability every single day.
They are my ruts, my noodle, and my choice. I’m going to use them for good, not for harm.