Your Brain Changes Based on How You Live
In this brief talk, David Perlmutter expands on the Dalai Lama’s insight that the brain we develop mirrors the life we lead. He explains that our moment‑to‑moment choices of what we focus on drive neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to rewire itself. By deliberately directing attention toward lifestyle habits that nurture the prefrontal cortex—such as empathy, gratitude, and especially empathy toward one’s future self—we can let trauma‑related pathways weaken. Perlmutter highlights brain‑derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) as the key chemical that enables new neural connections, and he identifies exercise as the “Miracle‑Gro” that boosts BDNF production. The talk concludes with a practical prescription: combine regular physical activity with daily acts of gratitude and empathy to cultivate a healthier, more resilient brain.
