Ode To The Vagus Nerve

This 3-minute contemplation transforms science into poetry that allows you the space to connect to your breath and the amazing functions of your autonomic nervous system. In this Ode to the Vagus Nerve, we come to accept the evolutionary wiring and processes that kept our ancestors safe and continue to do so for us.

Transcript

Oh,

Vegas Nerve,

The wanderer.

What importance do you serve?

Thy length is great and reach so vast,

Though function quite mysterious.

Your high-speed information highway Sends me signals you observe.

Some call this neuroception.

Your keen sense of danger is fastidious.

Sometimes you signal me to run,

Others to stand and fight.

But if both options are off the table,

It's a system-wide shutdown.

I know this is pure evolution,

But in our chaotic systems,

These signals are not always so clear.

The master regulator of emotion,

You're a true biochemical delight.

When threat has passed,

You signal,

All clear,

To each organ,

From toe to crown.

And if you are well-conditioned,

That reflexive feeling of fight,

Flight,

Or freeze Will promptly disappear.

So next time you take my system offline,

I'll remember your highest intent.

To keep me safe from harm in this world,

An involuntary function I can't circumvent.

Society's One,

Two,

Three,

Five,

Six,

Seven,

Nine,

Ten!

One,

Two,

Three,

Five,

Six,

Seven,

Eight.

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