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"/>Intellectual vs Visceral - Part 3 - Ann McMaster M.A., L.P.C.

LIFE AS IT IS

Intellectual vs Visceral – Part 3

The scientific medical community has discovered that "thinking neurons," previously believed to exist only in the brain, actually exist around the heart organ, as well as in the gut.

The internal conflict between my mind and my heart/gut is the dispute/war that is important for me to win – not just the war, but each battle that wins the war. As a non-medical, non-scientist person, but operating from my experience, it seems to me that the thinking neurons in my mind are largely associated with fear: figuring out what I should do to get what I need, in order to make sure only 'good' things happen or to avoid 'bad' things.

On the other side are the thinking neurons around my heart that evoke connection to this moment and to the world around me; while the thinking neurons in my gut seem compelling – requiring me to be or do something that, intellectually, may not make sense (moving to Africa when I was 50).

Growing up, I relied mostly on my intellect. As I've gotten more experience in learning how to BE
Imgres mySelf, noticing that many of my previous convictions are baseless in fact, I've developed more trust in those thinking neurons surrounding my heart and in my gut. It's a bit scary at times, until I exhale; then it becomes exciting to trust, to have faith that my heart/gut know things that deepen or defy my intellectual understanding. 

My choice: either override/ignore input from my heart/gut and move forward based on decisions made by my mind … or follow my heart/gut, using my intellect to strategize how to make it happen.

Either way, there will be consequences. Either way there are no guarantees. One way is more fun than the other.

5 Responses

  1. Heartfelt vs Headstrong! We need a negotiator or do we? (I like “… or follow my heart/gut, using my intellect to strategize how to make it happen.”)
    I recall when pondering whether to plunge or enter slowly in a heated outdoor pool one November, my big toe assumed a decision making role. Actually if my head had processed all the steam arising, it would have been a no-brainer and I wouldn’t have shivered on the edge of the pool while I awaited the decision of a toe.
    Weeks later, on the Monday before Thanksgiving, I left the dressing rooms quickly and dove into the pool with confidence until my mind asked, “Where is the steam?” The heat had been turned off the previous Friday.
    Following a very bracing dive, I enjoyed one of the best swims ever.
    I love your current subject and thank you for allowing me to dance on your stage….a lot of magic and creation are going on here.