Speaker Helen Beckingham

Rotary club of Stirling meeting of 10th February 2017.

President Alan welcomed our speaker Helen Beckingham to the meeting.  
The first round of the Primary school quiz organised by the Carse of Stirling club will be on 2/3/17 at the High School of Stirling, and we hope to provide some help in the running of the event.  Our visit to Castleview school will be on 21/2/17.

Our speaker Helen Beckingham, spoke on neuroplasticism and the brain.
It appears that the functions of the adult brain are not fixed, and that new pathways and skills can be developed. You can teach an old dog new tricks! In her work, Helen aims to help individuals to open their minds to new opportunities and develop new ways of thinking. We operate using established neurological pathways in the brain, but in the right conditions alternative pathways can be opened up and unhelpful patterns unlearned. It is important to direct your energy to what you want to change. The process is helped if you are physically fit, sleep well and have a trusting relationship with your teacher. Helen discussed the functions of the various parts of the brain, the underlying purpose being to minimize threat and maximize reward. In reply to a question Helen agreed that, use it or lose it, can often be true.  The vote of thanks was given by Jan Anderson.  For further info www.stirling.rotary1010.org

Next meeting 17th February, Speaker's host Fay McPherson, Visitor's host Jane Wilson.

Ian Richardson