The brain is roughly the size of two fists placed together. It is connected to, and a part of, the nervous system. Which is to say, the wiring of the human body. This wiring has two components, the sympathetic nervous system and the parasympathetic nervous system.
The sympathetic nervous system is a web of nerves that activate the famous “Fight or Flight” reaction when stress or danger is perceived. As human beings we were originally programmed so that this would only happen a few times in our life. When a dangerous animal is about to attack us. Or a giant earthquake causes us to run for cover. But as our life-span lengthened and our stressors have increased from not only physical dangers but to also include mental and spiritual risks, the sympathetic nervous system is now working overtime in most of us. Feelings of fear and or anxiety trigger the sympathetic nervous system causing increased heart rate, shortness of breath, sweating in the body. But what is actually happening, is that in a nano second adrenaline and other hormonal neurotransmitters signal blood to divert from the digestive system, namely the large intestine, to the body’s perimeters. The arms and legs prepare to literally stand and fight or flight, run away. Muscles tighten, pupils dilate and the body prepares for life threatening assault. The brain begins to race, becoming hyperaware. As it increases this awareness it surprises pain and it prepares to hyper focus on survival.
The alter-ego of the sympathetic nervous system is the parasympathetic nervous system. This network of nerves is responsible for the “Rest and Digest” response. It is becoming more and more out of balance for most of us, with today’s societal pressures. And the practice of relaxing has never been more important. The parasympathetic nervous system allows regulation of bodily functions such as heart rate, breathing , digestion and reproduction. It does this through conserving energy and encouraging healing, by quieting the mind and restoring the mind-body connection. Becoming aware of the parasympathetic nervous system is called mindfulness. And through implementation of relaxing practices like sitting in stillness, meditation, slow movement like yoga and breathing techniques, the body becomes healthier. Eating Whole Foods and sleeping regularities help, too. As do affirmations like saying out loud, “I am safe and I am loved.” The parasympathetic nervous system helps us feel centered. Calm. And from that place is where all creativity and learning flow.
During my pause I am resting. And resetting. Changing my morning procedures. Revisiting the expectations I have for myself. Reimagining a life well-lived. Writing my own story.