How to become a "creature of new habits"
Trying to make green changes in your life, but it all seems overwhelming? Taking small steps could be the way to go.
Janet Rae-Dupree explores the science behind how our brain makes new habits, in the New York Times this week. Brain researchers have discovered that when we consciously develop new habits, we create parallel synaptic paths in our brain and even new brain cells. Pretty cool. The more new things we try, and force ourselves to try, the more creative we become.
Here's the key though. Don't try to kill off the old habits; once they are in the brain, they are there to stay. Instead, you have to create new habits, and new parallel brain pathways.M.J. Ryan, author of the book, "This Year I Will..." recommends a Japanese technique called kaizen, which promotes tiny, continuous improvements towards a goal. Such small steps don't set off the fear response, but keep us thinking and creative.
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Would you eat a squirrel for your country?
Why everyone is greenwashing, and why that's not so bad
EcoScopes, Week of May 12th 2008
