All very informative and true, and all the dopamine, endorphin, oxytocin
and serotonin, etc. stimulations/rewards should ultimately be tied to
the innate evolutionary drive to enhance 'fitness'. (See below.)
Many Eastern Masters have asserted that their meditation practices train
the mind to be blissed out, independent of environment.
Do spiritual practices alleviate the deleterious effects of unavoidable
negative ambiance.
Will intense and continual shikantaza achieve such a state?
Does an ongoing state of kensh0-satori ensure such a state?
--ED
Definitions of 'fitness' on thhe web.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fitness_(magazine)
<http://www.google.com/url?q=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fitness_(magaz\
ine)&sa=X&ei=99d8TbPlFIq8sQOC_9y9CA&ved=0CBgQpAMoAg&usg=AFQjCNFBG4dLaC73\
fL7zfEzYmT7WB_cmRw>
* A fitness function is a particular type of objective function that
prescribes the optimality of a solution (that is, a chromosome) in a
genetic algorithm so that that particular chromosome may be ranked
against all the other chromosomes. ...
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fitness_(genetic_algorithm)
<http://www.google.com/url?q=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fitness_(genet\
ic_algorithm)&sa=X&ei=99d8TbPlFIq8sQOC_9y9CA&ved=0CBkQpAMoAw&usg=AFQjCNH\
KafnJHiNybNR4q5MyhLeUoII_xg>
* The condition of being fit, suitable or appropriate; the
cultivation of an attractive and healthy physique; the ability to
perform a function
en.wiktionary.org/wiki/fitness
<http://www.google.com/url?q=http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/fitness&sa=X&\
ei=99d8TbPlFIq8sQOC_9y9CA&ved=0CBoQpAMoBA&usg=AFQjCNEpfn9u37YCwY7UF4tBQ7\
yUOH_MkQ>
* The ability to survive to reproductive age and produce viable
offspring. Fitness also describes the frequency distribution of
reproductive success for a population of sexually mature adults.
www.csrees.usda.gov/nea/biotech/res/biotechnology_res_glossary.html
<http://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.csrees.usda.gov/nea/biotech/res/\
biotechnology_res_glossary.html&sa=X&ei=99d8TbPlFIq8sQOC_9y9CA&ved=0CBsQ\
pAMoBQ&usg=AFQjCNH090_s4Vs0VKlPKJbJqXu6H-K_WQ>
* Description: The expected contribution of an allele, genotype, or
phenotype to future generations. The fitness of genes and organisms is
always relative to the other genes and organisms that are present in the
same population. ...
ec.europa.eu/research/biosociety/library/glossarylist_en.cfm
<http://www.google.com/url?q=http://ec.europa.eu/research/biosociety/lib\
rary/glossarylist_en.cfm%3FInit%3DF&sa=X&ei=99d8TbPlFIq8sQOC_9y9CA&ved=0\
CBwQpAMoBg&usg=AFQjCNGdI0WMjI2thnJ2URqsLqIDgleaVQ>
* The reproductive success of individuals of a particular genotype
relative to the most fit genotype.
www.canine-genetics.com/glossary.htm
<http://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.canine-genetics.com/glossary.htm\
&sa=X&ei=99d8TbPlFIq8sQOC_9y9CA&ved=0CB0QpAMoBw&usg=AFQjCNH46OuYkOhatTdm\
t8PmnRTFS9nUrQ>
* A measure of an object's ability to reproduce viable offspring.
www.agsm.edu.au/bobm/teaching/SimSS/glossary.html
<http://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.agsm.edu.au/bobm/teaching/SimSS/\
glossary.html&sa=X&ei=99d8TbPlFIq8sQOC_9y9CA&ved=0CB4QpAMoCA&usg=AFQjCNF\
0kC_KbPojZcEQrY5FfXv9PTAHBA>
* The relative ability of an individual to survive and produce
offspring.
www.nativeseednetwork.org/article_view
<http://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.nativeseednetwork.org/article_vi\
ew%3Fid%3D13&sa=X&ei=99d8TbPlFIq8sQOC_9y9CA&ved=0CB8QpAMoCQ&usg=AFQjCNGm\
CV9LVEHkHDhXCsUq8HkVrdMHwA>
* The health of a species measured in terms of physiology and future
reproductive success.
www.icogitate.com/~tree/treeglossary.w06.htm
<http://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.icogitate.com/~tree/treeglossary\
.w06.htm&sa=X&ei=99d8TbPlFIq8sQOC_9y9CA&ved=0CCAQpAMoCg&usg=AFQjCNHOG0Ui\
XhWZ_aCJ8sJrKA66smNaIg>
* The average reproductive output of a class of genetic variants in a
gene pool.
nationalzoo.si.edu/Animals/Primates/glossary.cfm
<http://www.google.com/url?q=http://nationalzoo.si.edu/Animals/Primates/\
glossary.cfm&sa=X&ei=99d8TbPlFIq8sQOC_9y9CA&ved=0CCEQpAMoCw&usg=AFQjCNGZ\
7f9ybp_qvsj7NisA3r7lK5ONXw>
* Fitness (often denoted in population genetics models) is a central
idea in evolutionary theory. It describes the capability of an
individual of certain genotype to reproduce, and usually is equal to the
proportion of the individual's genes in all the genes of the next
generation. ...
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fitness_(biology)
<http://www.google.com/url?q=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fitness_(biolo\
gy)&sa=X&ei=99d8TbPlFIq8sQOC_9y9CA&ved=0CBcQpAMoAQ&usg=AFQjCNHUIWrXMB5Om\
SfcYuSant_RN0p_kQ>
--- In [email protected], Kristy McClain <healthyplay1@...>
wrote:
>
Hi Edgar, ED, and all, Thanks Edgar, for posting this. Very
interesting, and it helped me reflect back on my own experiences as
they are still reflected today in my work and personal life. When ED
wrote about stress as they relate to both expected and unexpected events
-- like what has happened in Japan and New Zealand, I was struck by how
"place" and 'stress" influences our health and our healing. While Mel &
Mike are experiencing this first-hand, it is such events that make me
think about how our "perception" literally and metaphorically shapes
how we experience stress and how we heal from such events. I watched
an interesting PBS program on the 'Science of Healing'. Having worked
with stress manangement in many venues, I found many of the point made
in the program to be particularly insightful. My own life is often
filled with long hours and unpredictable circumstances, so I found it
useful in guiding my inner awareness. The premise is "Can "place"
make you sick? If so-- can it also heal? This led to a trend in what is
called "evidenced-based design" that is influencing hospital and care
centers around the world. As Edgar's article points out-- how and what
we see, creates our experience of it. For example, living in a
structure that is near trees is associated with less psychological
aggression, less violent behavior, greater neighborly association and
mutual responsiveness. So the next question is, "How" does being with
nature heal and /or soothe? A study done some time ago, (i don't
recall the details), but it assigned patients who had the same type of
surgery to rooms in a hospital. Some had a view of a brick wall from
their window. The others had a view of a tree outside. They controlled
for all other variables--(same nurses, food, temperature, and so on).
The patients with the view of a tree left the hospital sooner, had
fewer complications, required less pain medication, and other positive
outcomes. While all our sensory skills are involved, (and this isn't
meant to be sensory neuro-science here), but to examine how we perceive
things --does indeed shape our experience of it, which does circle back
to zen. So to discuss what we see-- we can break it down so we can
"test' what is the salient factors involved. Is it pattern, color,
light and so on. There is a place in the brain that recognizes
beautiful views. Known as the parahippocampal cortex. Recognition of a
beautiful view cuts across all cultures and ages. This is where we are
indeed--all one. When we look at a beautiful nature scene, initially
--it is perceived (n the visual cortex), as a lined drawing--sort-of
like a child's coloring book before they add the crayons. But the brain
is a great animator. As the image moves fwd in the brain, it adds
color, movement, light, depth. Moreover, there is an increase in the
desity of the opioid receptors that "peak" in the parahippocampal
cortex. (So-- you're sort-of 'drunk' on the vision. (So if ladies
here want a monogamous partner--just have his parahippocampal cortex
removed;) Actually, it is posited that a woman's body is perceived as
exceptionally beautiful - because of the symetry of her curves.
(Breasts, waist, hips, buttocks, thighs and legs). If nothing else, you
now have a new piece of trivia;) But returning to zen-- "pattern" has
a distinct footprint in zen, and in visual perception. Looking at the
Japanese Zen Garden (Ryoanji Temple in Kyoto, many have wondered about
the meaning of the pattern of stones there. Chris-- are you with us;)
Here is the "fractal geometry" connection I mentioned to you. Using
fractal geometry, they have identified the spot wherein if one stands
there, they will experience a profound sense of peace and well-being.
Again--symetry. It is the spot yogis and spiritually-enlightened beings
have identified themselves -- for centuries. So yes--one does not need
science to find this spot, but having scientists discover this, helps
us understand how we perceive internal well-being, via our sensory
experience. To then replicate such experiences, thereby bringing more
harmony and peace for all. What are fractals? Fractals are repeating
geometries that are identical at every scale. Think of veins in a leaf--
leaves on a twig-- twigs on a branch-- branch on a trunk and so on.. The
same thing occurs in your cardiovascular or pulmonary systems and the
like. These patterns exist in nature --or I would argue--in all
creation. I've enjoyed the music thread here. Music is a great example
of how people are attracted to differing types of the fractal patterns
in musical categories. "Color" is a bit harder to test. Its well
known that blues /greens are calming. Red /yellows are stimulating.
There is a evolutionary theory that this is in our genes. Blues /greens
were a set trait from the beginning, but the response to red/ yellows
may well have come on-line much later-- possibly when primates began
eating fruit. "Light" has a long association with health benefits, to
include effectively treating seasonal affective disorders (SAD), and
influencing bio-markers for depression. There are studies in Italy and
Canada that demonstrate positive responses in bi-polar and major
depressive disorders. So-- in sum, "Place" can make us sick or help
us heal. It helps shape our behavior and emotions. We all know this, as
its much easier to behave and interpret events, thoughts, self and
others wisely and clearly when in our own "cushioned" and crafted
environment. Much easier to be a holy man on the top of a
mountain-type thing. But living in a world wherein we are confronted
daily with stressors, distractions, suffering--sometimes understanding
how we experience our environment, can help in choosing our responses
to it. In my capacity as a health provider, helping others experience
less suffering and more peace of spirit and even joy-- makes these
findings very helpful. Recognizing that the above will not interest
most here, I do want to say here that Esther Sternburg, MD discusses
this with sincere devotion, and I am grateful to her for her tutelage in
the above.. My best to all, Kristy
