Science helps us understand that growth is a physical change characterized by the increase in size, height, length, and weight while development refers to changes in a physical organ or the structure that results in improved functioning of the physical organ.
The former is only quantitative while the latter is both quantitative and qualitative.
Development is a continuous process that starts from the time of conception and continues until the end of life.
Based on biological science, growth is limited to a certain age, it usually stops when maturity has been attained. These terms are independent and cannot replace one another.
Growth is important as development. When the structural frame of the brain is achieved, its functioning is paramount.
Your brain has the ability to grow and develop as you age. It has a plastic nature (brain plasticity) which enables it to change and adapt as a result of experience. I mean plastic nature by function not that it is made of plastic.
Amongst the other forms of plasticity, this is targeted at the effects of learning on the brain.
Why you should feed your brain?
The more you train your brain, the healthier it develops. Some research suggests that early childhood is a time of substantial brain development and plasticity. What happens after is dependent on the person, their experience, and how they learn.
For constant development of your brain, you must keep challenging your brain to new connections by learning a new skill, improving skills, learning a new language, reading, finding new ways to solve problems, trying a new recipe, and so on.
Unlike growth which is limited, development still occurs as you enhance. The continuous feeding of your brain is important for maximum functioning.
Feed your brain with the right knowledge and create the realities that you desire as your practice what you choose.