Mind the gap

The fundamental unit of the central nervous system is the reflex arc. This consists of a sensory feed, the sensory neuron (the afferent), an interposed connecting neuron (the interneuron) and the motor neuron, innervating the motor response (the efferent). The simplest form of this configuration is seen in the spinal reflex – a sensory stimulation such as pain applied to the hand followed by the triggering of a motor action, the withdrawal of the hand. As one ascends to more complex levels in the nervous system, we observe more complex interneuron influences. At the higher level of neuropsychological function, the interneuron configuration incorporates cognitive function together with emotional influences. The pinnacle of this interneuron influence is awareness which is the product of reasoning (working memory).

And so we can recognize that there are multiple possibilities which may influence that simple reflex of sensory triggering and subsequent motor responses. If left unmodulated, motor responses remain stereotypically predictable. It follows then that the more complex the interneuronal network is, the more variation will emerge regarding the motor response. The interneuronal network supports our subjective world view which has evolved from nature-nurture influences together with our ongoing engagement and experiences within the extended environment.

Effectively, the interneuron configuration represents a potential ‘gap’ that separates the perception of the world from our engagement and action within that extended environment. It is the space that we are responsible for. How we conduct ourselves in the gap will directly affect us as well as the environments in which we find ourselves. The gap is the market place where we sell our creative wares. We create thoughts, actions and artifacts. And all of these reflect us. We are manifest in the ‘doing’ - our subjectivity, warts and all!. From the 'doing' we experience the dopamine high of personal gratification and achievement. And so we offer it up for sale to the passing trade. And there are those in the passing kaleidoscope of humanity who will warm to our wares and purchase them. And this will add to our dopamine gratification. And then there are those with whom we will connect and engage at a higher resonant level, human to human. Through a sensitivity of the other, we establish a non-judgmental dialogue (we feel what it is to be the other). This connection will trigger the release of oxytocin (through mirror neuron activity) in addition to ongoing dopamine. It is this level of rapport that opens the channels for truly exposing our wares and inevitably enhances the probability of the ‘sale’. But even if there is no concluding sale, the mutually gratifying engagement will have enhanced both and predisposed to future mutually enhancing interactions.

The gap therefore is the space wherein we have opportunity to evolve personally as well as contribute to the promotion of evolution within the greater environment. It is also the space for which we will be held accountable. To evolve personally implies to ensure that we perceive the broadest spectrum of the environment and thereby develop a greater awareness through reasoning and understanding. We need to become aware of our limiting beliefs and then transcend them. In this way we become more authentic in regard to the ‘universal’ territory and are no longer limited by our subjective map. Indeed we become the best that we can be. It follows also that if we apply the principles of engagement with the extended environment incorporating non-judgmental sensitivity and real dialogue, we contribute an evolutionary component to the collective which reflects back positively upon us in that it becomes an extension of our motor creation and achievement. The converse of this approach reflects the stark reality and consequences of aggressively and destructively challenging the environment. The fight-flight-freeze response of the resulting amygdaloid hyperactivity stifles reason and gratification and invariably triggers reactionary behavior. The consequences are a loss-loss situation in which both agonist and responder are diminished.

And so I put this out there as my subjective contribution, for better or for worse. I would however remind you to ‘mind the gap’ for ye shall be held accountable....

Further reading:

http://www.pninet.com/articles/Memory.pdf

                                                 Copyright reserved - Ian Weinberg 2017