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I come from a very strong belief that the mind is separate from the brain, and that the mind can control the brain.  My proof?  I've experienced it through mindfulness meditation like many other meditation practioners.  Throughout the discourse of this class, the compelling evidence that all thoughts and actions are manifestations of the brain and central nervous system are enlightening in their own right and have made me even more interested in neurobiology.  But, it hasn't changed my opinon on the mind and the brain.  I refuse to believe that only the brain controls the mind and not vice versa!  Perhaps, I'm overly optimistic...  but, I believe the mind can change the brain with focused thought processes, make the brain calmer and  function better, and improve our overall well-being.  Essentially, I believe we all possess the "will" to change how our brains work.  It's a difficult position to proove in a materialistic world.  The mind has no substance, location, or tangibility, and as a result "scientists" are less likely to acknowledge it.  But, I have to say this class has continually challenged me to try to prove otherwise, and I've loved it!   

As a post-bacc, I'm continually asked what speciality I'm leaning towards, and my answer often included 5 different fields.  However, Professor Grobstein's questions and all of your responses have made me more focused on the field of neuropsychiatry.  It combines my interests in integrative medicine, Buddhist philosophy, and psychiatry to name a few.  So, thanks guys, for helping me figure out how to combine all of my interests into one.  Even though the semester is over, everything we've learned is in my mind, to be continued...