new cells for the old ceremony

Scientists have been debating the issue of neurogenesis lately, on whether or not new neurons are created in adult brains. Like most, I was taught in school that we get a specific number of neurons and that's it. But new research suggest that creative, active environments do in fact stimulate new neuron growth in brains, and stressful non-stimulating environments inhibit growth and even destroy brain neurons.

I'm not surprised by this. Not at all. Having a moderate yoga practice I know from experience that my mind can be just as flexible and changing (or not) as my body. And when knitting a new pattern I do feel that those cable patterns in my dreams aren't just madness, but some new tiny piece of an everchanging puzzle settling itself into place.

So I wonder how many neurons were created while taking the Yantra workshop yesterday? I'm quite happy with my Saturn Yantra, even as I see its flaws (I'm not so focused!) I find it very harmonious as a whole. And the process of working one's own "hand" with precice geometric forms (in concentric clockwise circles as well) was a fascinating meditation in itself.