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Big Picture

“The big picture doesn’t just come from distance; it also comes from time.” – Simon SInek

Ever get lost in the details? The speed of life is accelerating. With it come the challenges of living a life amidst all of the technological advances of modern living. The beauty of human genius on display in any direction of view. Yet, with all advances comes a price. Generally speaking, as a species we have set our gaze on the need to achieve as a primary mode of internal value. However, what is the cost of such an approach to life?

They say it is difficult to appreciate the sun as a star if you are too close to it. There is a beauty to living that goes far beyond action. Action-oriented behavior dominates the human experience mainly due to a molecule called dopamine. Dopamine has been tagged the molecule of more because it drives the brain’s pursuit of rewards, novelty, and the anticipation of future possibilities. Dopamine is responsible for narrowing the view of the human experience. 

The visual system is directly related to pursuit and achievement. When we are focused on cognitive work the parvocellular pathway becomes engaged. This pathway is composed of cells that are highly sensitive to color, texture, and high-resolution details. It processes information more slowly than the magnocellular pathway but provides the fine detail necessary for tasks like reading, recognizing faces, and perceiving color and intricate patterns. 

The magnocellular pathway could be considered the “big picture” view of the visual system. Magnocellular vision refers to a visual processing pathway in the brain that is specialized for detecting motion, depth, and broad outlines rather than fine detail. This pathway, known as the magnocellular pathway, is composed of large cells that respond rapidly to changes in the visual field, making it crucial for perceiving movement and spatial orientation. 

The magnocellular pathway processes information quickly and is less sensitive to color and fine details, which are instead handled by the parvocellular pathway. Magnocellular vision plays a key role in tasks like tracking moving objects, navigating through environments, and detecting changes in the periphery of our visual field. So how can we utilize this pathway to recover between bouts of achievement-oriented behaviors?

It has been documented that Albert Einstein experienced many “eureka moments” when taking his afternoon walk. Turns out that when one is entrenched in the busy work of achievement the neural networks involved can become fatigued from prolonged use. This fatigue occurs as a result of the exhaustion of neurochemistry in the region of use. By taking a moment to “walk away” from the work these areas can receive the critical rest required for recovery. However, there is more. 

When you take a walk, you’re not just giving your overworked neural circuits a break; you’re also activating the magnocellular pathway in a way that allows your brain to shift into a different mode of processing. This mode is less focused on the fine details of a specific task and more attuned to the broader environment. This shift can foster creativity and problem-solving, as it allows your brain to make connections between disparate ideas that might not have been apparent when you were hyper-focused on a single goal.

Walking also engages bilateral brain activity, meaning that both hemispheres of the brain are stimulated. The rhythmic, repetitive movement of walking helps to synchronize the activity of the left and right hemispheres, promoting a state of balance and integration. This can be particularly beneficial after intense cognitive work, which often heavily engages the left hemisphere (responsible for logical thinking, analysis, and detail-oriented tasks). The bilateral stimulation from walking can help “reset” the brain, making it easier to transition back into a more relaxed, creative, and expansive mode of thinking.

In addition to balancing brain activity, walking also promotes the release of certain neurochemicals that are associated with relaxation and well-being. One of the key players here is serotonin, a neurotransmitter that contributes to feelings of happiness and calm. The rhythmic movement of walking, combined with the sensory input from the environment, can increase serotonin levels, helping to counteract the stress and anxiety that often accompany achievement-oriented behaviors. This release of serotonin can make it easier to return to your work with a renewed sense of focus and positivity.

The magnocellular pathway also contributes to the regulation of the autonomic nervous system, which controls the body’s stress response. By engaging in physical activity like walking, you activate the parasympathetic branch of the autonomic nervous system, which is responsible for “rest and digest” functions. This activation helps to counterbalance the sympathetic nervous system’s “fight or flight” response, which is often triggered during periods of intense focus and achievement. The result is a reduction in stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, leading to a calmer, more centered state of mind.

Walking in natural environments can amplify these benefits even further. The natural world provides a rich array of stimuli that engage the magnocellular pathway, from the movement of trees in the wind to the play of light and shadow across a landscape. Studies have shown that spending time in nature can significantly reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and improve mood. This phenomenon, known as “biophilia,” suggests that our brains are wired to respond positively to natural environments. By combining walking with exposure to nature, you can enhance the recovery process and promote a deeper sense of relaxation and well-being.

Another important aspect of engaging the magnocellular pathway through walking is the opportunity it provides for mindfulness. As you walk, you can practice being present in the moment, paying attention to the sensations in your body, the sounds around you, and the sights in your periphery. This mindful engagement with your environment can help to quiet the mind, reduce mental chatter, and bring a sense of clarity and focus. Mindfulness has been shown to have numerous benefits for mental health, including reducing anxiety, improving emotional regulation, and enhancing cognitive performance.

Ultimately, the magnocellular pathway offers a way to balance the demands of achievement with the need for recovery. By understanding how this pathway works and incorporating practices like walking into your routine, you can create a more sustainable approach to success. Instead of constantly pushing forward, you can learn to pause, reset, and return to your goals with renewed energy and perspective.

Incorporating regular breaks that engage the magnocellular pathway is not just about improving productivity; it’s about fostering a healthier relationship with achievement. It’s about recognizing the importance of balance in your life—between work and rest, focus and relaxation, striving and being. By embracing this balance, you can achieve your goals without sacrificing your well-being, and ultimately, live a more fulfilled and harmonious life.

Alex
August 12, 2024
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