by Patt Lind-Kyle. Santa Rosa, California: Energy Psychology Press; 2009. The book has 263 pages with 32 illustrations; it is in hardcover at $26.95 and shipping; paperback is $17.95 and shipping; and Audio CD, Kindle Edition, or MP3 Download is also available as well as companion meditation CDs or MP3 downloads of meditations. ISBN: 978-1-60415-056-8, and ISBN: 10: 1-60415-056-4. In 2010, the book received the Independent Publishers Gold Award in the health/wellness category.
Neuroplasticity is the ability to rewire the brain. In Heal Your Mind, Rewire Your Brain: Applying the Exciting New Science of Brain Synchrony for Creativity, Peace, and Presence, Patt Lind-Kyle clearly integrates the concepts of scientific brain-mind knowledge regarding neuroplasticity with specific instructions for mind training through meditation to reduce stress. This well-articulated passion combines her master training in East/West psychology with her experience as a therapist, trainer, and longtime meditator.
One of the strongest sections in the book appears in the second part. She explains the 4 brain waves and neurotransmitters and the importance of nutrition for the best functioning of each one. For example, she discusses what happens to each brain wave and neurotransmitter when a person consumes either too much or too little of a given substance. Specifically, [alpha] waves can be enhanced by replenishment of acetylcholine with a variety of high-fat foods ranging from avocados to ice cream.
Aimed at seekers of self-help, this book offers practical instruction in meditation as a way of rewiring the brain and reducing stress. Unfortunately, although she references a variety of religious ideas and schools of thought, she fails to address the more global approach of spirituality. Spirituality, as opposed to religious belief, seems more necessary for improving the long-term effects of meditation. St. Germain, for instance, argued that too much meditation without contemplation may, in fact, lead to a negative result.
Unique about this book is Lind-Kyle's presentation of the new knowledge about neuroplasticity. Her explanations of how to apply new brain knowledge to meditation are clear and useful. In addition, her inclusion of the availability of meditation CDs will enable some people to use her information to help themselves out of their own physical and emotional pain.
The fundamental concept here is neuroplasticity, the rewiring of the brain. Lind-Kyle recommends repeated daily meditation as the means to this end. She also highlights the practical application of 4 mental tools: intention, attention, receptivity, and awareness. She further suggests the use of the Enneagram (p. 116) as a means of identifying personality type for understanding personal barriers to meditation. Through meditation, one develops gamma brain waves; however, these come through spirituality, not stressed enough in this book.
This poorly referenced book should not be perceived as a textbook on neuroplasticity. It is a guide to rewiring the brain through meditation, but it does not connect the ideas of spirituality to the overarching function of rewiring the brain. It is yet one more step on the road to enlightenment; however, unlike, for example, The "I Am" Discourses, it is not the answer.1Heal Your Mind, Rewire Your Brain is reminiscent of transcendental meditation of the 1970s-one piece of the puzzle, but not the whole picture.
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