Thought of the week:
“Perception is negotiable” Dr. Andrew Huberman.
I hate and love this thought. I wish more would negotiate with their perceptions and it wouldn't be so difficult to agree on what's real.
I’d like to lighten up the theme this week addressing reality (HA). I’m writing this the day of the election and everyone is fighting about what reality should look like. It’s exceedingly challenging to dictate where reality lies especially in the age of misinformation. It’s especially important for me to take hold of the aspects of life I know to be real. I’m writing this on election day because I feel like reality is a bit of a toss up moving forward from here (and I don’t intend to edit after this point since I may want to actually avoid reality).
Whether or not we’re in the matrix - we’re here. And busting the matrix wide open is certainly not something of which I’m on the precipice. But take comfort in the following thoughts:
Everybody poops. There’s nothing more real than your morning dump (REMEMBER THE BIDET). But in all seriousness - focusing in on the very tangible things my body does and reacts to is sobering. Also if this is the matrix, what an odd programming preference.
Smarter people than I are in the pursuit of understanding the elements of our existence in mathematical, proven out terms. While I find the density of science very overwhelming I have a deep appreciation for those that dumb it down for my lower processing abilities. It offers a resounding peace of mind when components of life are explained in concrete terms.
There’s little better than a good meal. It seems weird, right? But when I enjoy something delicious I’m brought to the present. I can focus in all of my senses to enjoy it while appreciating the creativity of wild flavor combinations and textures.
Nature. It’s pretty neat. Being outside, inhaling the air, watching the birds, and moving through it works wonders. But how am I to manage when it’s freezing?! (winter is coming)
With that - here are the things of interest this week that I found edifying in regard to navigating reality:
Neuroscience
Dr. Andrew Huberman is excellent at taking the components of neuroscience and offering their very practical uses in our day to day life. How can you change your perspective during an argument? How can you learn a new skill or change your brain? He talks a lot about dopamine - its true operation beyond the simple reward system we tend to think it is. Dopamine can really come into play when we get into states of focus - like my writing this newsletter. My dopamine surges in the process of writing this - not merely in the send or feedback state. Here are a few clips to give you a taste of what he’s teaching:
You might have a neuron specifically devoted to Jennifer Aniston
Emotional Contagion and projection in relationships
Learning new skills as an adult
Deoxyribose Nucleic Acid
Consider streaming Human Nature on Netflix. What is more real than DNA? The literal building blocks of every living organisms' existence are wrapped up in these miniscule double helixes. The documentary lays out DNA’s base components which naturally stears into more complicated discussions surrounding our future colliding into some sort of GATTACA reality. But regardless of those unknowns, it’s incredible to see the continued discovery work behind the components that make us, us. If you watch it, please commiserate with me in the awesomeness that is Fyodor Urnov’s enthusiasm and passion on the subject.
Eat some sourdough (sorry gluten intolerant friends. I can’t help you)
I’m pretty sure at this stage in quarantine most of us are at least 7 degrees away from someone who makes this delicious bread. So even if you don’t know how to make it, do yourself a favor and ask a friend to make some for you. I guarantee they will be delighted to share with you.
Here’s me sharing a loaf I made with you (it’s not as effective virtually but maybe it’ll inspire you to visit me or get your own)