The Elevener - Vol. 3
A collection of interesting things I saw, read and listened to. In this edition we’ll talk about biology, meditation, framing, diet, journaling and creativity.
5 Interesting Things
The Social Benefits of Getting Our Brains in Sync
Humans have always been understood as social animals, but the COVID-19 pandemic offered a stark reminder of how profoundly we rely on social interaction. When these connections are restricted or severed, the psychological consequences are far-reaching. Recent research into the limbic system underscores that our social nature isn’t just cultural—it’s deeply embedded in our biology. Thriving in groups has been an evolutionary advantage, first as a survival strategy and later as a means to dominate our environment. The article “The Social Benefits of Getting Our Brains in Sync” delves into a fascinating facet of this social wiring: interpersonal neural synchronization. This phenomenon occurs when people’s brain activity aligns during collaborative tasks, fostering enhanced problem-solving, learning, cooperation, and even altruism. Emerging studies suggest that this brain-to-brain synchrony isn’t just a byproduct of good teamwork—it actively improves social performance. Never has the phrase “we’re on the same wavelength” been more literal. Unlocking the secrets of interbrain synchrony could revolutionize how we think about communication, optimize educational settings, and build more effective teams. It’s not just about understanding others—it’s about literally being in sync. (Quanta Magazine)
How One Question Transformed My Life
Some truths feel obvious only after someone articulates them with clarity. Ozan Varol has a rare gift for doing just that—bringing the obvious to the surface and turning it into something actionable, empowering, and alive. In this brief yet powerful reflection, he explores how the way we frame our thoughts and questions can reshape how we experience reality. He shares a simple yet profound shift in perspective that breathed new life into his daily experiences. Instead of the routine question, “What do you want to do?”, he and his wife began asking, “How do you want to feel?” This change led them to choose activities that aligned with their desired emotions, transforming mundane evenings into meaningful adventures. Varol notes that this approach not only enhanced their personal lives but also influenced his creative work, allowing him to produce content that resonated more deeply with his intentions. The message is clear: never underestimate the transformative power of asking the right question. It can turn the mundane into the meaningful, the ordinary into the extraordinary, and give you a profound sense of agency over your emotional state. (Ozan Varol)
Advanced Meditation Alters Consciousness and Our Basic Sense of Self
Meditation is often associated with relaxation and stress relief, but advanced meditation practices go far beyond. In their article “Advanced Meditation Alters Consciousness and Our Basic Sense of Self,” Matthew D. Sacchet and Judson A. Brewer explore how deep meditation techniques can fundamentally transform our understanding of reality and ourselves. The authors highlight how these practices influence the brain at both functional and structural levels, reshaping neural pathways tied to self-awareness, perception, and the sense of “self.” Advanced meditators often report states of consciousness where the boundaries between self and the external world dissolve, offering profound insights into the nature of existence. But this isn’t just philosophical musing—scientific research is beginning to catch up. These altered states of consciousness, achieved through meditation, hold promise for treating mental health conditions and deepening our scientific understanding of the human mind. By exploring how meditation changes the brain, we are uncovering new ways to redefine the self, break free from habitual patterns, and engage with life more fully. The article emphasizes a simple but transformative idea: meditation isn’t just about calming the mind; it’s about discovering new dimensions of consciousness, unlocking the profound potential of the human mind. (Scientific American, $)
The Simple Diet of Those Who Live to 100
There’s been a lot of discussion about how low-resource diets are associated with better overall health and increased longevity. These claims are supported by various rigorous studies—and others that, to put it kindly, are “a bit less rigorous.” A key book that brought this topic to the mainstream is The China Study by T. Colin Campbell and Thomas M. Campbell II. The book highlights how low-resource diets, like those in rural Asian regions, are linked to a lower incidence of Western “diseases of affluence,” greater longevity, and improved general health. This video focuses on the Mediterranean diet and the findings of the Seven Countries Study. The diet discussed in this study emphasizes simplicity, with a predominantly plant-based approach. It discourages the daily consumption of meat—especially red meat—and highly processed products. These recommendations are encapsulated in the “Mediterranean Diet Pyramid,” which provides a clear guide to this lifestyle. Not only is this diet associated with significant health benefits, but as the author highlights, it also offers notable environmental advantages. For instance, in regions like the Mediterranean, the diet could ideally rely entirely on regional or national production, reducing the ecological footprint while promoting sustainability. (Barbascura eXtra)
A Journal Can Change Your Life: Why and How to Start Journaling
Among the many self-improvement techniques that consistently find their way into discussions and advice columns, keeping a personal journal is a perennial favorite. From apps to physical notebooks, workshops to online articles, countless resources promise to turn journaling—something many associate with childhood—into a transformative habit. What’s often overlooked, however, is that journaling doesn’t need to be complex or ritualized. At its core, it’s simply about putting thoughts to paper: reflecting on how we felt during the day, processing a situation we’ve experienced, or just letting our mind wander onto a blank canvas. It’s a moment of introspection, a space for meditation that reconnects us with ourselves and helps us become aware of the inner currents shaping our days. All you need is a pen, a blank page, or even a simple digital tool (like Apple Notes) and the willingness to invest a little time in yourself. That’s it. Yet, there are certain practices you can adopt to make journaling even more powerful and meaningful, turning it into a tool that truly serves your growth. In this video, Rick DuFer shares practical tips on how—and why—you should keep a journal. Whether you’re a seasoned journaler or just considering starting, this video is worth your time. It’s straightforward, impactful, and might even save you a lot of money on other self-help strategies. (Rick DuFer)
3 Suggested Contents
Mat Fraser (IG) on the art of creating intentional asymmetries: success in any area of life often requires the deliberate choice to prioritize one domain over others. By consciously tilting the balance, we can channel focus and energy into what matters most in the moment, accepting that true growth often stems from this uneven distribution. It’s not about neglecting other areas but embracing the inevitability of trade-offs as a path to mastery and meaningful progress.
2 Songs
This song has always struck me for how it captures the essence of the creative process. It portrays the artist “withering” under the overwhelming force of their own creation, surrendering to the reality that creativity both gives and takes. The lyrics evoke the profound truth that the only way to truly harness this power is to become a vessel for something greater than oneself—a conduit through which inspiration flows. “Wither” masterfully conveys the vulnerability and transcendence that define the act of creation, where the artist’s ego fades, leaving only the raw, unfiltered expression of something almost divine. (Dream Theater, “Wither”, Black Clouds and Silver Linings, 2009)
Arion, “At the Break of Dawn”, Life is Not Beautiful, Spotify, 2018: some pure energy to start off the week.
1 Photo
