Optimal Being

 A volley of new insights reignites the debate over whether our choices are ever truly our own. You ’ re thirsty so you reach for a glass of water. It ’ s either a freely chosen action or the inevitable result of the laws of nature, depending on who you ask. Do we have free will? The question is ancient — and vexing. Everyone seems to have pondered it, and many seem quite certain of the answer, which is typically either “ yes ” or “ absolutely not. ” One scientist in the “ absolutely not ” camp is   Robert Sapolsky . In his new book,   Determined: A Science of Life Without Free Will , the primatologist and Stanford professor of neurology spells out why we can ’ t possibly have free will. Why do we behave one way and not another? Why do we choose Brand A over Brand B, or vote for Candidate X over Candidate Y? Not because we have free will, but because every act and thought are the product of “ cumulative biological and environmental luck. ” Sapolsky tells readers that th...

Have you ever wondered if the place you call home is truly conducive to your overall well-being?   Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine, suggests that the climate of your surroundings can significantly impact your health. In essence, the location you choose to live in can either support or hinder your journey to a balanced state of well-being. Ayurveda emphasizes the connection between climate and the three doshas—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha —each of which represents a unique combination of the five elements (earth, water, fire, air, and ether). Your current state, known as vikruti, plays a crucial role in determining the ideal climate for you, while your natural tendencies, or prakriti, also hold significance in this equation. Let’s delve into Ayurvedic wisdom to explore the best climates for each dosha: 1. Vata Dosha: Ideal Climate: Warm, moist, and not too windy. Best Locations: Tropics with lush growth; avoid windy islands or cold, dry, windy plains. For those with a pred...

  Summary:  A neuroimaging study on house sparrows reveals changes in the dopaminergic system could be a physiological mechanism underlying the negative behavioral effects of chronic stress. The findings shed light on stress and resilience in wildlife and humans. Source:  Louisiana State University A biologist at Louisiana State University conducted a pioneering research study that could help us to better understand the role of dopamine in stress resilience in humans through analyzing wild songbirds. This study could lead to increased prevention and treatment of stress-related disorders. Dopamine is a chemical in the brain that is important for learning and memory. Department of Biological Sciences Assistant Professor Christine Lattin, and colleagues conducted this study of wild songbirds showing that dopamine is important in responding to chronic stressors, which can help wildlife conservation efforts in response to environmental stressors such as habitat destruction, na...

  Summary:  Withdrawal from psychostimulants including methamphetamines, cocaine, and nicotine, produced restructuring of brain regions and major increases in functional connectivity, a new mouse study reveals. Source:  UCSD Addictive psychostimulants, from nicotine in cigarettes to illicit drugs like  methamphetamine and cocaine, affect different regions of the brain. The same  is believed true during withdrawal; finding a common brain pathway has proved el usive.  In a new paper, publishing September 27, 2021 in the journal  eNeuro , a multi-institution team of researchers describe how withdrawal from nicotine, methamphetamine and cocaine altered the functional architecture and patterns in the brains of mice, compared to control animals.  They found that each drug produced a unique pattern of activity in the brain, but that mouse brains in withdrawal shared similar features. Perhaps more notably, the researchers said all psychostimulants shared ...

Researchers have unearthed a significant factor in personal goal achievement: the phenomenon of “shared reality” with instrumental others. These findings, published in the  Journal of Personality and Social Psychology , offer fresh insights into the age-old question of why some individuals attain their objectives more readily than others. Shared reality   refers to the perception of sharing inner states – feelings, beliefs, or concerns – with others regarding the world. This concept goes beyond mere liking or closeness in relationships. It involves creating a common understanding of external events, people, and objects, which is crucial for navigating and succeeding in the world.   Instrumental others   refers to individuals in our lives who significantly aid or facilitate our ability to achieve our goals. These can be mentors, colleagues, friends, family members, or any other key figures who actively contribute to our journey towards success.   Traditionally, p...