I love how neurology today is continuing to scientifically and physically show us what we’ve intuitively and experientially known already for so long. Here’s another delightful finding on running and human life. Click here for the article, and read on for my take on it. This one comes to us from New York Magazine's Science of Us.

Neurogenesis is the generation, or creation of new neurons. As recently as 15 years ago we still believed that a person starts out with a certain number of “brain cells” and that’s all one got—use them, lose them, burn them, fry them; if you run out then you’re done. Now we’re seeing that specific activity can actually grow new neurons. Yes, we can grow them ourselves! Through “vigorous aerobic exercise” we can trigger neurogenesis. In fact, that’s the only activity we know about so far that does so. 

Now consider this: We quite literally have the power to create new neurons, stronger more developed brains, by choosing to do an action. Theoretically, we can actually use our wills to promote evolution in our species. “Evolution” and “human species” and generations too much for you right now? Well, there's still really good news. The research shows that there are even immediate and short-term benefits to going for a 30-minute jog just once. One time.

So, go for a run. If it’s not or can't be running for you, find yourself another vigorous aerobic activity—swimming laps, tennis, dance, water aerobics, cycling, wheelchair basketball, jumping rope, triathlon, farming land, hiking/backpacking--and happy growing! 

Thank you science. Long live mystery! Take good care.

It's never too late to reverse the script--to change how we act, what we do, the thoughts we believe--to approach our selves, others and our lives in a different way. You might like the results.

As soft in heart as he is on the eyes, BJ Miller explores with us parts of his own personal and professional journey encountering death and loss. Grief is a powerful human experience and an usher toward a threshold through which our lives change; transformation. Thank you, BJ for your courage, confidence and service.

Here's some compelling evidence for what kind of power our thoughts could have. Keep in mind that our human bodies are approximately 60% water (according to H.H. Mitchell, Journal of Biological Chemistry). Our brains are 70% water. Babies being born have little bodies made up of about 78% water. Furthermore, it's estimated that 71% of the Earth's surface is covered by saltwater--not including the freshwater and glaciers, and water in the clouds and atmosphere.

This clip comes from a movie titled, What the Bleep Do We Know!? I usually enjoy a good review of quantum physics, neurobiology, psychology, and philosophy all rolled up into one captivating production. I thought this one was well done and put together particularly nicely. For me, it was a timely reminder to widen my gaze and open again to the infinitely broad range of possibility. To relax again into the mystery and not-knowing.

In this rare clip from 1972, legendary psychiatrist and Holocaust-survivor Viktor Frankl delivers a powerful message about the human search for meaning -- and the most important gift we can give others.

Neurologist and psychiatrist Viktor Frankl pioneered an approach to psychotherapy that focuses on the human search for meaning.