For better or worse, we feed and otherwise tend to our bodies. For better or worse, we feed or otherwise tend to our minds. We are aware of our bodies and minds and aspire to take care of them. But we neglect the nervous system, due to simple ignorance.
The central nervous system consists of the brain and spinal cord. The peripheral nervous system includes the nerves that extend from the brain and spinal cord to all the body parts. Its job is to foster communication between the environment and the animal’s (human’s) actions. It is often referred to as the "command center." It communicates with the endocrine and other systems, which regulate the body’s functioning.
Yoga offers all the tools needed to tend to the nervous system: breathing, stretching, sitting quietly, meditation, as well as the behavioral recommendations that simmer us down. Simmering down helps us make choices and take control over our actions. Simply put, we cannot exert control over our lives if we don’t take care of the command center.
The nervous system, when left to its own devices, is vulnerable to fear, stress, anger, agitation, over-stimulation, and general confusion. By the same token, it can “need” more pleasant, fun stimulation, which may not be in a person’s best interest (i.e., unhealthy habits).
The nervous system drives the emotions, the mind, and even the body. High blood pressure is an obvious example. But there are many other examples of dis-eases of the body and mind that result from an unsupported nervous system. The nervous system either enhances or detracts from the body-mind experience. The body-mind-nervous system is the Holy / whole-y trilogy for self-mastery, self-control, and self-realization.
We have some idea of how to care for our minds and bodies, even if we aren’t always able to make the healthier choices. Ignoring the nervous system is detrimental to the whole being. It creates a downward cycle of self/Self-care. This isn’t about health, as far as living a long life, which is random and uncontrollable. It’s about the quality of life, which can be controlled to a large degree, by attention, intention, and action.
The nervous system drives the dysfunctional, destructive choices we make. In fact, when the nervous system is out of control, we don’t have willpower to make choices. We don't want to eat certain unhealthy foods, yet we compulsively do so. We don’t want to waste the precious time of our lives by staring at media for hours, yet we need the clicks. (The clicks release Dopamine, courtesy of the nervous system, which is a numbing, satisfying chemical. Dopamine is released through gambling, drugs, certain eating habits, pornography, as well as some positive activities like exercise. Dopamine creates a short-term spurt of satisfaction. Unconsciousness and poor habits create an endless, often addictive, dopamine dependence.)
The nervous system needs attention. It demands attention, through the stuffing of the face and the mind with unhealthy, unproductive options. Willpower is no match for the neglected nervous system. That’s because we are in reactive mode, vulnerable and agitated. Like a pinball bouncing off the bumpers, we are responding to the environment with no self-control and no free-will. And we don't even know it, because we are unaware of our reactivity.
A calm, comfortable, quiet nervous system supports the mind and body in making more beneficial, supportive, positive choices. It allows the mind to think clearly. It supports willpower and free-will. The nervous system connects us to the full experience of life and Self, as fully developed humans. Through the tools of yoga, we can enjoy the best, wisest, bravest, kindest, easiest life adventure.
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