SMART SOFTWARE Go From Densa To Mensa

SMART SOFTWARE" by Haakon Rian You might think that "software" is something that you only use with a computer. I disagree. Without software for our brain, how boring would life be? Books, conversations, a beautiful sunset- all are things I consider software for the brain. After this introduction, I am sure you understand that I will not speak mainly of computer software in this month's column. Have you ever heard of the amygdala? Those of you who have seen the latest Star Wars movie might think it is a princess- which is a bit off the mark. No, the amygdala is an almond-sized part of your brain, one in each hemisphere. According to Neil Slade, you can mentally stimulate the amygdala. So what? I mentally stimulate parts of my brain 24 hours a day. (Ok, subtract a few hours when I vegetate in front of the TV.) So what is the big deal? The big deal is that the amygdala acts like a switch between your reptile- and your forebrain. By clicking it backwards, your reptile brain is in charge, and your brain is charged for fight or flight, attack and defense. When you've clicked your amygdalae forward, however, you brain is primed for creativity, pleasure and intelligence. http://www.neilslade.com/Papers/mensa.html

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