Did you ever hear the proposition that we only use 10 percent of our brains? That theory has floated around for as long as I can remember. Of course, now, with modern technology, MRI’s, Pet scans and a myriad of other tests and technology, we know that this is false. We use most of our brain, most of the time. But, there is a new theory out there, and here comes our old 10 percent figure……we only use 10 percent of our DNA. Yep, that’s right, now the new theory of record is that 90 percent of our DNA is “junk” DNA. Why is it always 10 percent that we use? Is this a conspiracy that has been fostered by our old friend Dewey to keep people using decimals or the old musical theory that less is more? Back when we believed that we were only using 10 percent of our brains, there were many who started searching for ways to expand our usage. Some looked to the ancients, who used natural chemicals, such as Ayahuasca, Psilocybin mushrooms and Peyote. Others thought to expand on natures ideas and create synthetic hallucinogens like LSD, Ecstasy and methamphetamine. It would have been great if one person somewhere, using any of these things, could have come out of their self-induced euphoria and said “eureka! I’ve found it”. The “it” being, unlocking the full potential of this fantastic computer we call our brain. Then we could have a world full of Einsteins, battling it out over using this new found power for good or evil. Well, as far as I know, that never happened, or if it did, it is a deeply guarded secret. I have always been fascinated by the concept of mind expansion. I guess everyone secretly harbors a desire for some kind of a “leg up” or magic formula that will fuel their success or fame. Coming from a background in Information Technology, I always notice parallels in computer characteristics and human characteristics. I have read that anytime we experience something new, our mind does expand a little in order to record the new experience and data. If that is truly the case, we can start giving ourselves upgrades then, right? For example, if you have a friend named Jane and you haven’t talked to her in a long time, by calling her and getting updated on all things Jane, then you have just upgraded your file on Jane from 1.0 to 1.1 right? Using this logic, we can keep ourselves updated on all things we do know. Now, how about things we don’t know. The only way we can do this, is to expose ourselves to new experiences and new people on a consistent basis, read, watch, observe. If you are doing the same things everyday, taking the same route to work, talking to the same people, watching the same TV programs, going to bed at the same time, then you are certainly not expanding much at all. So, mix things up every now and then. Eat something different. There are some who say that food is information. Certainly there are foods that we know are good for brain health. Some foods can have a profound effect on our sleep patterns and circadian rhythm. We’ll talk more about that in our next post! Bon Appetit!!
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Hello world!
Welcome to The Curious Cajun!! I am very excited to have an outlet to share my passion for Cajun history and all things Cajun. I am a Cajun of course and have traced my lineage back on both sides of my family to Nova Scotia. I have a few writers in my family who have gone before me and written some really good books on Cajun Culture and Louisiana. One being my Great Uncle Chabbie Guidry from Montegut, La. He has authored such works as “Le Terrebonne”, “The Land of the Houmas”, and “Xplorin’ Terrebonne”. I hope I can continue the Tradition!! Stay tuned!!