Intention, Motivation & The Learning Brain

Working document
Recent conversations with Dr. Maggie Martinez concerning ongoing unpublished brain research have focused on the following key points.

1. There is a brain 'cocktail' that is required for the brain to best make new synaptic connections.
2. This cocktail is affected by emotional states. Stressors inhibit the cocktail from having the correct balance and learning cannot occur.
3. The 'button' that is 'pushed' releasing this cocktail is under volitional control.
4. This control is learned during early infancy, so early in infancy that awareness of the 'button' is not conscious at later developmental stages. One aspect of meditative practice is recognizing that we do have conscious control of that button.
5. Play, fun and pleasure all contribute to the formation of the 'cocktail'.
6. more forthcoming...