Beyond Neuroscience

 

 

 

Neuroscience is the scientific study of the structure and functions of our nervous system. The nervous system is basically divided into two parts central and autonomous. The central nervous system consists of the brain, spine and nerve cells. The autonomous nervous system controls the automatic and involuntary activities of the body like breathing, heartbeat, digestion, blood circulation, etc. The autonomous nervous system has two divisions- sympathetic and parasympathetic. The sympathetic nervous system is associated with the fight and flight syndrome and remains active when we are working. Overstimulation of the sympathetic nervous system leads to stress and anxiety problems. On the other hand, the parasympathetic nervous system is the rest and digest mechanism of the body. It relaxes and calms down our psychophysical system. Overstimulation of the parasympathetic nervous system leads to depression. As per the medical science, the proper homeostasis of the body and mind is achieved in case of the harmonious and balanced working of both the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. Both these systems work as the see saw. If one is active, another is passive and vice versa.

 

In other words we can say that at the same time we can’t relax and work also. In 1991 in their book Making Connections, Renata and Jeoffrey Canei first used the word Relaxed Alertness in context of the learning skills of students. A student can learn the skills to remain relaxed and calm even in a challenging environment. It relates to being aware with confidence and motivation even in stressful situations. When one is threatened, one’s frontal lobe shuts down and one is not able to think clearly and logically. As a result one becomes nervous and the cognitive faculty is clouded. This is the neurobiological condition where the emotional brain paralyses the rational brain. There was a time when experts were of the opinion that this neurological condition is irreversible and nothing can be done about it. But the theory of plasticity of the brain gaining ground in the nineties, a new paradigm shift occurred and it was found that it is possible to build resilience of the rational brain.

 

As a result of these new discoveries in the field of neuroscience, the concept of Emotional Intelligence came into being. As a part of the training of Emotional Intelligence, many social and psychological skills were developed to harmonise our intelligence with emotions. The training of Emotional Intelligence focuses on self regulation and restraint which ensures the stability of the human mind. The Indian mind culture collectively known asYoga is already seized of this mental training. The concept of Sthitaprajna of the Geeta is the highest level of mental stability and resilience achieved throughYogic practices of self control and mind culture. As a result of the training and counselling by Lord Krishna, Arjuna remains calm, cool , composed and aware even on the battlefield. Indian seers have visualised a state of consciousness where there is no mind or thoughts. This is called the Unmani or Turiya state of consciousness. This is beyond neurobiological reach of the human brain. Research has found that regular practice of Yoga generates self awareness, the key component of Emotional Intelligence. The formal training of Emotional Intelligence has breathing exercises and meditation as the components of its curriculum.Prolonged and sustained Yogic practices lead to the achievement of that Fourth State of Consciousness.