Most of us are firmly rooted in our thought patterns and responses. They are our armor, our shield that we equip daily without even recognizing it. The older we get, the more hardwired our neural pathways become, which makes it difficult to have an agile mindset, to break out of our well-trodden thoughts. Fortunately, we don’t have to be stuck in this mental rut – the good news is that our brains, no matter how old we are, have the ability to build new neural connections.

The reason why might not be obvious, so let me explain: Neuroplasticity is the brain’s ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections. This process takes place by changing certain factors such as behavior or environment.

Think of it as the brain engaging in a bit of gardening – pruning the synapses, weeding or removal of neural connections that are no longer necessary or useful, and strengthening the ones that are.

Forming new neural connections allows us to rewire our brain, which means we always can develop agility. While physical agility serves us well in a game of tennis, mental agility services us well repeatedly throughout the day. Every. Single. Day. This dexterity is the seed from which authenticity can grow. This growth occurs best in a calm, peaceful mind. Calm is the nutrient-rich environment from which yields the finest fruits of our labor.