Page 53 - TA Magazine Winter 2022

Your brain, your consciousness, your choice, by DR. ILENE S. RUHOY
mind, body,

and soul connection

I am a neurologist and as such use terms that describe consciousness
in a clinical manner. These terms include obtundation, coma, cata-
plectic, akinetic mutism, and vegetative. They are descriptors of de-
pressed or lowered states of consciousness, yet there are also elevated
states of consciousness that bring us closer to the deep truth of who
we are. For example, meditation, which helps us find those higher
states of being, has been proven to also have positive effects on the
brain. Studies on regular meditators have shown increased volumes vorite is the claustrum, held within the
of the temporal lobes that are involved in memory, focus, sensory neocortex, with wide-ranging connectiv-
22 processing, and more. ity, which functions as a relay station of
sensory integration. I see the claustrum
Y ANDERSON WINTER 20 accomplished with regular meditation. In getting to know and understand ourselves form the foundation for the neural locus
as the conductor of the symphony of our
Our health can improve when we find our way to these elevated states
brains, it allows signals and messaging
them in establishing a mind-body connection, an integral part of healing. Accessing
anatomical regions of our brain. It has
been argued that the claustrum might
states of consciousness for heightened awareness and a mind-body connection can be
48 of being. I often lead patients in guided meditation during a visit in order to aid flow in and flow out to engage various
of consciousness.
at our core—beyond our surfaces and facades—we are allowed to have a deeper con-
versation with ourselves so we can make better and healthier decisions.
decades but over the years my medita-
personal awareness of our connectedness in this universe. This personal
tion looks differently. These days, I med-
C Consciousness is not only a mind-body connection but also a state of I meditate regularly and have for many
TRA awareness of who we are allows us to ground ourselves and see through the modern itate when I exercise. I find that when I
and cultural norms that have led us astray from our own inner power. And it is this do, I better enjoy the run, the walk, the
inner power—that inhabits our consciousness—that motivates us to see who we real- dance—and at the end, I have a renewed
ly are and how we are connected to the universe. It is this power that rights our paths sense of purpose and meaning in this
and helps us find our way. It is the source of our truth and being in that truth helps world. I also still meditate at night before
us make better decisions in our lives. bed to ground myself from the challeng-
es and lessons of the day. I will sit and
The brain is complex and quite amazing. Its ability to transcend what we breathe any time I feel overwhelmed,
believe to be rational is often beyond comprehension. I have patients with synesthe- indecisive, or not grounded. I will allow
sia whereby sensory pathways are crossed and so they may see numbers as colors myself to feel deep because it is within
or objects as sounds. Some patients experience aphantasia where they are unable to that depth that true love and knowing is
visualize objects or events in their head. Seizure patients tell me stories of heightened found and there is no room for reactive
experiences and a feeling of higher consciousness during seizures. decisions full of fear or full of judgment.

We are not all the same. Our brains differ—just as no two individuals hold I want to empower you to use medita-
the same pattern of fingerprints. Anatomically, the cortex, the thalamus, and the tion as an important tool for your health.
forebrain have been implicated in the experience of consciousness. My personal fa- Meditation is important for the health
of your brain but also to access a state
of consciousness that syncs your mind,
body, and spirit and it is in that place
that the benefits to our health and well- Cozy Knit Short Robe
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