The Power of the Nervous System: Sensation, Perception, Feelings, Thoughts, and Actions
An Overview of the Nervous System
The nervous system is responsible for everything that happens to us from the time we're born until the time we die. It can be broken down into five main components: sensation, perception, feelings, thoughts, and actions.
Sensation: Taking in the World
Sensation is the process of taking in information from our environment through our senses. This includes sight, hearing, smell, taste, and touch. Our sensory receptors, located in our eyes, ears, nose, mouth, and skin, allow us to perceive physical entities in the world.
Perception: Organizing Our Experiences
Perception involves the organization and interpretation of the sensory information we receive. It is influenced by our thoughts and memories, as well as our existing knowledge and beliefs. Perception helps us make sense of the world around us.
Feelings: The Emotional Response
Feelings are our emotional responses to the stimuli we perceive. They can range from joy and excitement to fear and sadness. Our feelings are closely tied to our thoughts and perceptions.
Thoughts: Interpreting Our Experiences
Thoughts are the mental processes that involve interpreting and making sense of our perceptions and feelings. They often rely on our existing knowledge and memories. Our thoughts shape our understanding of the world and influence our actions.
Actions: The Result of Our Thoughts
Actions are the behaviors and responses we generate based on our thoughts and feelings. They can be reflexive, like breathing and heartbeat, or voluntary, like making a conscious decision to do something. Our actions shape our experiences and interactions with the world.
The Brain's Language of Abstraction
The brain has a unique language of abstraction. It creates abstract representations of the external world and our internal experiences. Every circuit in the brain has a push and pull mechanism, where certain actions and stimuli are rewarded, while others are punished.
The Reward and Punishment System of the Brain
Nature has designed the brain to reward behaviors that promote general adaptation and wellness, and to punish behaviors that go against its rules. For example, viewing bright lights in the middle of the night, during the dark phase of our circadian cycle, triggers a suppression of dopamine, the feel-good molecule associated with growth mindset and well-being.
Growth Mindset and Reward Systems
Growth mindset involves attaching our reward systems to the effort and friction process, rather than solely focusing on obtaining external rewards. By rewarding the effort process and celebrating milestones along the way, we can build neural circuits and tendencies that allow us to overcome challenges and pursue goals with unlimited energy.
Harnessing the Power of Dopamine
The key to harnessing the power of dopamine is to pause and reward ourselves at each self-designated milestone. By acknowledging that we are heading in the right direction and making progress, we can release dopamine, which buffers against the draining effects of adrenaline and fuels our motivation to keep going.
The Importance of Internal Rewards
While external rewards are important, learning to control our internal reward schedules is essential. By rewarding incremental steps and embracing the effort process, we can build resilience and perseverance, allowing us to push through challenges and achieve long-term success.
The Power of Positive Thoughts
Our thoughts have a significant impact on our actions and overall well-being. By introducing positive thoughts and celebrating small victories, we can replace negative thoughts and reinforce a positive mindset. Thoughts are like physical actions and can be consciously controlled and manipulated.
Rewiring the Brain through Hypnosis
Hypnosis involves entering a state of deep relaxation and focus, where our analysis of space and time is slightly altered. It combines relaxation with heightened attention, leading to rapid changes in behavior and brain rewiring. Breathing and physical actions, such as exercise and movement, also play a crucial role in rewiring the brain.
The Power of Bright Light Exposure
A simple yet powerful step to optimize our nervous system is to get 2 to 10 minutes of bright light exposure first thing in the morning. This exposure helps organize the nervous system and promotes overall health and well-being. Ideally, sunlight is the best source of bright light, but even exposure through a window can be beneficial.
