Really enjoyed reading Lizard Brain and it reinforced what I have been studying in
the book, "Awakening of the Heart" by Thich Nhat Hanh" which is his translation and interpretation of the Buddhist Sutras, one of which is called "Knowing the Better Way to Live Alone". When I achieve a deep meditative state, I feel that I am in a bubble where I am all alone and yet it expands to include everything. In this bubble I am fully present, awake and alert and there is peace, contentment, and joy.
I often seek meditation to get refuse from a state of upset and strong emotions and in the process always get a relieving insight. As I practice meditation more and more, I am able to stay alone in this delightful bubble during my work, play, sports and daily life, although it still can be easy burst. Nevertheless, recreating the bubble and having the insights is the reward.
The prefrontal cortex is unique in that it has neural pathways that connects it to every other part of our nervous system and therefore entire body/mind. I propose that when I am in this bubble all the pathways are open and I experience a wholistic (Zen) experience via my PFC. This is aloneness with equanimity and spiritual connection. Enjoying more of the comedy of life and less of the tragedy.
Just as the Solstice was happening here, I was reading your thoughtful and articulate column. It was perfect timing as I move from numbness and distractions with the grief of losing my beloved husband of 58 years to being present in the waves of darkness with the joys of the Christmas season. David died three years ago just before the Solstice, and his last words were clear and his face bright as the light toward which he seemed to be going. Thank you for helping me live with my lizard brain..
Really enjoyed reading Lizard Brain and it reinforced what I have been studying in
the book, "Awakening of the Heart" by Thich Nhat Hanh" which is his translation and interpretation of the Buddhist Sutras, one of which is called "Knowing the Better Way to Live Alone". When I achieve a deep meditative state, I feel that I am in a bubble where I am all alone and yet it expands to include everything. In this bubble I am fully present, awake and alert and there is peace, contentment, and joy.
I often seek meditation to get refuse from a state of upset and strong emotions and in the process always get a relieving insight. As I practice meditation more and more, I am able to stay alone in this delightful bubble during my work, play, sports and daily life, although it still can be easy burst. Nevertheless, recreating the bubble and having the insights is the reward.
The prefrontal cortex is unique in that it has neural pathways that connects it to every other part of our nervous system and therefore entire body/mind. I propose that when I am in this bubble all the pathways are open and I experience a wholistic (Zen) experience via my PFC. This is aloneness with equanimity and spiritual connection. Enjoying more of the comedy of life and less of the tragedy.
Just as the Solstice was happening here, I was reading your thoughtful and articulate column. It was perfect timing as I move from numbness and distractions with the grief of losing my beloved husband of 58 years to being present in the waves of darkness with the joys of the Christmas season. David died three years ago just before the Solstice, and his last words were clear and his face bright as the light toward which he seemed to be going. Thank you for helping me live with my lizard brain..
So much good here to contemplate on these long stretches of darkness. You have such a gift of expressing what we need to hear. Thank you.