ALISTAIR...Brain Gain
WEEK 2
Science was never my forte at high school. Luckily this week’s exercises to explore the power of the brain and the Senses were nothing like those from my teenage years.
The brain is a curious thing. Our thinking is done here. It’s also where chemicals such as Adrenaline (‘rush chemical’) and Dopamine (‘pleasure chemical’) reside. I thrive a bit on adrenaline rushes. I learnt this week that I need to find better ways to manage my energy levels otherwise I may risk burning out. I have always been a fan of walking and getting massages – both of these exercises I discovered are great ways to raise one’s Serotonin (‘bliss chemical’) levels.
I got my MOJO on this week. No I didn’t cast a spell or put on my personal charm. Instead I exercised my MOtivational JOLT. In doing so, I learnt how to switch my emotional state from good to great, from fear to play. This was all part of a bigger exploration of the Five Senses (visual, auditory, kinaesthetic, olfactory, gustatory).
My favorite exercise this week required me to undergo ‘The Taste Test’. I asked my mom to blindfold me and feed me a selection of different foods. Before I sampled each item, I had to savor the aroma and describe it to my mom. When I tasted the food, I found it challenging to discern the different ingredients because, in many cases, she didn’t offer me a standalone item to taste! In the end, I realized it was a fantastic way to test my sensory acuity.
Quote of the week is from Deepak Chopra: “To think is to practice brain chemistry”.