The brain: the most powerful computer in all of human existence.
~ How The Brain Works ~
~ Areas of The Brain ~
Three Brains?
1. Reptilian Brain
The reptilian brain is characterised by basic instinct and survival. The search for food, procreation or sexual desire and the instinct of fight or flight.
The reptilian brain is responsible for controlling vital functions like heart rate, breathing, body temperature and balance.
2. Limbic System or Emotional Brain
All mammals’ feelings are found in this area. In humans every emotion we experience is processed here.
The limbic brain perceives sensory information, detecting for example smell and vision.
3. Neocortex or Rational Brain
The neocortex allows for us to have consciousness, control emotions, and the development of language. This is our analytical thinking brain.
The neocortex accounts for more than 70% of the entire brain.
Read more here about the ‘three brains’.
Neurons
The three brains do not function independently, they communicate with each other through neural pathways. The human brain on average has 86 billion neurons. By learning new things connections and neurons in the brain are multiplied.
Our body has a nervous system, this system helps the body with communication between all its’ parts. These messages travel via neurons. The brain and spinal chord make up the central nervous system. The human body has a lot of neurons, not only in the brain.
Every time we wish to make a movement the brain sends a message to the body part we wish to move to carry out the action. The messages travel like electricity via neurons.
Have fun with BrainFacts and the 3D Brain
THETA 4 – 8 Cycles/ Second
ALPHA 8 – 13 Cycles/ Second
BETA LOW 13 – 15 Cycles/Second
BETA MEDIUM 16 – 22 Cycles/ Second
BETA HIGH 22 – 50 Cycles/ Second
There is a difference of opinion between scientists and researchers as to the frequencies of brain waves. The chart above is an example of the variation of brain waves according to age.
Brain Waves
The Brain is a complicated matter but the big squishy mass inside your head is mighty. Check out BrainWorks for some extra knowledge.
Chemical intervention such as medication or recreational drugs can alter brain function. But we can also change brain function for example by practising yoga, meditation or creating.
Through becoming more present in our lives, or by entering into a state of creation, we can create coherence in our brainwaves. All the different zones and components of the brain will start working together like this metronome.
Synchronicity will lead to balance and clarity.
The Brain and Creativity
Two Hemispheres
There are two hemispheres in the human brain. A lot of people tend to function more so from one hemisphere or their personality and interests are dominated by one hemisphere and not the other.
Left Hemisphere
- Logic
- Analysis
- Science
- Mathematics
- Reason
Right Hemisphere
- Creativity
- Art
- Music
- Intuition
There is now research in the field of the relationship between the brain and creativity. Through creativity is it possible to strengthen the connections in neural pathways? Is there some truth in the more creative we are the more powerful are brains? The topic is a difficult one and inconclusive.
In a pure state of creation, we pay attention to the genuine present moment, to what we are doing. Could it be that creativity has as many benefits as meditation?
What is true is that your brain needs exercising. Let’s do our brains a favour and create some new neural pathways.
Some Ideas on How:
- Dancing
- Creativity
- Crosswords
- Learning new things
- Play an Instrument
- Physical Exercise
- Meditation
- Play
- Reading
The Space 