Brain Damage
Back in 2013, a relentless pursuit of proving my value and worth in a job that had lost its luster led me to burnout. Days stretched to 16 hours, nourishment became a forgotten concept, and my nervous system bore the brunt. Coughing up blood marked the climax, prompting me to question the sacrifices made in the name of professional validation.
My narrative echoes a familiar tune—a relentless drive that many share. The battle between my mind and body, characterized by self-sabotaging narratives, played out relentlessly. The solution, then, seemed clear: divorce myself from the once-beloved work, an eight-year journey that had lost its meaning.
In 2014, I took the plunge, quitting my job, embracing coaching, traveling the world, and finding fulfillment in life's simple nuances. However, despite this transformative journey, a mere three years later, a different set of symptoms emerged, signaling a haunting recurrence. Why hadn't I noticed the pattern earlier?
THE BRAIN IN MY BELLY- LET YOUR "HARA" BE YOUR GUIDE
What if the key to inner harmony lay not in the head or heart but in the profound connection between oneself and the stomach—the often overlooked "second brain"?
Beyond the single brain we recognize in our heads, an unassuming contender exists—the Enteric Nervous System (ENS), colloquially known as the second brain. With over 100 million neurons in the small intestine alone, the gut becomes a barometer of emotional states.
While scientists globally debate the second brain's role in our genetic makeup, its influence on overall emotional well-being is undeniable. Butterflies in the stomach, gut instinct, and the lump in our throats—these are not mere metaphors but manifestations of the intricate interplay between the upper and second brain.
For the most part, the second brain can act independently, often influencing our emotions beyond our conscious awareness. However, when needed, much of this connection doesn't surface in our consciousness. Factor in the potential interference from the upper brain, and a healthy ENS becomes critical, impacting more than just indigestion.
UNLOCKING THE POTENTIAL OF THE SECOND BRAIN USHERS IN A LONG LOST RECONNECTION—WITH YOUR INNER TRUTH
Haragei
In Japan, the ancient art of Hara, or "The Art of the Stomach," permeates their culture. From martial arts to alternative therapies, the Hara is considered the center of true knowledge. Unlike the Western inclination to view the head as the source of knowledge, the Japanese regard the Hara, housing 90% of serotonin, as the epicenter.
Centering the Hara purportedly leads to serenity, profound awareness, personal power, and balanced action. Every connection, according to this ancient art, originates from the Hara—an umbilical cord linking us to a fount of internal and external knowledge.
Recently, as I meandered home from dinner, a chance encounter on the street compelled me to tap into my own center of inner knowledge—the Hara. Initially, like those around me, I walked past a young man selling insights for a euro each. However, a potent gut instinct urged me to retrace my steps, sparking a powerful connection.
Diarmuid, living with Ankylosing Spondylitis, a spine-affecting arthritis, embodied a deep curiosity in navigating life. His approach resonated deeply, highlighting a skill I, as a coach, was familiar with but had somewhat lost touch with in my own health journey. Diarmuid's curiosity and inner knowing had propelled him into a spiritual practice, breaking free from crutches to live in harmony with mind and gut.
His story resonated, emphasizing the need for self-care, inward exploration, and heartfelt conversations with the belly. It was time to accept the strain, heal the Hara, love the belly, and reconnect with the nourishing wisdom within.