The Resilient Mind You’re Not Hardwired: Rewriting Trauma, Memory, and the Mind - Dr. Rahul Jandial
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Jun 2, 2025 
Dr. Rahul Jandial, a dual-trained brain surgeon and neuroscientist, shares his fascinating journey from college dropout to cancer surgeon. He discusses brain plasticity, revealing how adaptable our minds are, contrary to being hardwired. The conversation delves into trauma—both physical and emotional—highlighting its personal nature. Dr. Jandial emphasizes the evolving nature of memory and emotion in healing and coping, urging a compassionate approach. He also explores the balance of thought and emotion, offering insights on emotional resilience and intentional living.
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Brain Is Dynamic Ecosystem
- The brain is not hardwired like gears or wires but an ecosystem with dynamic electrical flows.
- Thoughts and feelings flow like a school of birds or jellyfish, enabling constant change and plasticity.
Brain Surgery Recovery Anecdotes
- Patients can have large parts of their brain surgically removed yet still recover functional abilities.
- One case involved a framer who drove despite a nail injury penetrating his frontal lobe.
Brain Plasticity: Repurposing Neurons
- Removing half a child's brain (hemispherectomy) can lead to recovery as the remaining hemisphere reorganizes.
- Neurons can repurpose their roles without new growth; brain plasticity is about adaptation not regrowth.
