Leading with Emotional Intelligence: Hands-On ... - always yours

102 LEADING WITH EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE
Neuroplasticity is the term used to describe the capacity for creating
new neural connections and growing new neurons in response
to an experience we have. 22 We now know that neuroplasticity
occurs for a lifetime. We are always making new neural pathways,
and it happens with our focus and attention.
What we focus on grows connections in our brain. Siegel writes,
“The brain changes physically in response to experience, and new
mental skills can be acquired with intentional effort, with focused
awareness and concentration.” Or easier to remember is the saying
“Neurons that fire together wire together.”
Research evidence that supports this indicates that animals
rewarded for noticing sounds have growth in their auditory centers.
Similarly, animals rewarded for attending to sights have growth in
the visual areas in their brains. Researchers also report that the
hippocampus, which is vital for visual memory, is enlarged in taxi
drivers. 23
Mindfulness practice can take many forms likes yoga, meditation,
breathing awareness, Tai Chi, washing the dishes, and walking
and being aware of all your surroundings. One executive stops at
a golf driving range for 20-30 minutes before he goes home. He
focuses on his swing movement, form, breathing, and hitting the
ball without being judgmental about the results. The result is that
he has discharged the day’s stress and is ready to enjoy his family
when he gets home.
Your mindfulness practice helps you be attuned to yourself,
which helps you attune to others. The results can be more selfacceptance
and compassion or empathy for others. Practicing mindfulness
for 5 to 10 minutes a day can be what separates you from
the good to be great.