We’ve spoken recently about ignorance. Ignorance, simply put, is a lack of knowledge or understanding. We come to Satsang for understanding. One of the most interesting oversights I’ve encountered with students is an oversight of something fairly obvious when pointed out – the importance of our body and mind’s chemistry.
Our brain and body are a largely one big chemical interaction. When a doctor takes your blood or does other similar tests, he is looking at your chemistry. When your chemistry does not align with normal ranges they know that something is not working properly and typically know where to look from the test results. Generally speaking, they will either attempt to fix the issue directly (i.e. bring an organ that’s not functioning back to working order) or supplement/simulate the chemistry that the body needs to create but cannot through the use of medicines (i.e. thyroid medication). Our chemistry is very important not only to our health but the way we perceive. Sometimes even the most subtle fluctuations can effect our state of mind profoundly.
The brain has a delicate chemical balance that needs to be maintained. When we talk about chemistry, the effects are easier to see in regards to the brain. When people are clinically depressed they are given, “Antidepressant Medication”. What this medication does is alter the chemistry of the brain. The commonly prescribed antidepressants are called, “Selective Serotonin Re-uptake Inhibitors”. What this means is that the body biologically produces serotonin. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter or “chemical messenger” that is widely believed to create a feeling of calm and well being. SSRI’s block the reabsorption (re-uptake) of serotonin in the brain making more serotonin available thus easing the depression.
The difficulty with medications is that they cause side effects. One must weigh the potential benefits against the potential side effects. My point of view – and I’m not a doctor – is that medications are necessary when a person is struggling to function. If they can’t get out of bed or go to work and so on, the chemistry has clearly gotten so far out of balance (for whatever reason) that this person requires a more drastic and immediate assistance. There could be genetic factors that can make depression a chronic condition but for the purposes of this conversation we are concentrating on the general depression that we all experience from time to time.
The first part of this discussion is only intended to demonstrate our chemistry and how it works. Many of us have been unwittingly managing our chemistry via the medical industry without having a clear understanding of what we were actually doing. In other words, the doctor says, “Take this pill” and we take that pill without really understanding why.
Why would we be discussing this at The Peaceful Minds Center? Because many times we are looking for cognitive answers to chemical questions. What I mean by that is we can become infatuated with the figuring out of things and look right past the obvious answers. If your chemistry is off you will not be able to think yourself into a peaceful state. Managing your chemistry is a significant part of your daily practice that is too often overlooked.
How do I manage my chemistry? First and foremost, everything you put into your body affects your chemistry from the moment you ingest it. The foods you eat, the liquids you drink, alcohol, cigarettes, sugar, the air you breathe and so on, all change the chemistry of your body and mind immediately. It may take some time for you to notice the effects. Nonetheless, the wheels are set in motion. My hope is that this understanding will help you see the profound significance of what and when you eat and drink. Your peaceful mind depends on your chemistry being balanced. Your chemistry is delicate and easily thrown out of balance. Great discomfort and challenges arise not only from your chemistry being off, but the decisions that you make when your chemistry is off. It can become a self sustaining cycle that is difficult to stop.
This understanding, as all understandings at The Peaceful Minds Center, point to the incredible importance of your daily practice. This understanding could truly help your clarity about, and devotion to, your practice. Practice is not just meditation. It’s the way that you eat, drink, sleep, exercise, keep your house clean and so on, All of these affect your chemistry. A big part of your practice is staying balanced chemically and understanding clearly how to do that. Your mind/body is a complicated machine rooted in chemistry and is giving you this experience. It must be taken care of with urgency. Why urgency? Because when you are not mindful of your chemistry, you are the cause of your own suffering. Your misunderstandings and lack of devotion are causal in suffering. You cannot allow that to happen. Your practice balances your chemistry and that is a big reason you feel better.
When you notice your chemistry is off be still and don’t act from that blind place. Get back to your practice and you will feel better as you chemistry changes as a result of your practice. Then, act and choose from clarity and peace.
That doesn’t mean you can’t have fun! There are times when we want an unhealthy snack just for enjoyment. Doing it for enjoyment is ok. Doing it to numb or escape leads to addiction. Be aware of the pitfalls of this action and be prepared for the adverse effects. Don’t allow yourself to develop these behaviors into habits. They will take you away from your practice. Every now and then it’s ok to do something for a moment of enjoyment. Just do it consciously and get back to your practice. Lastly, there are many things that are both healthy and enjoyable. It’s a win – win situation. I encourage you to find those!
With Love & Kindness,
Tom Notarianni Jr.
The Peaceful Minds Center
* This paper is not intended as medical advice. Always refer to your doctor before making any changes or stopping medication.