Back in Beta Blast Off Mode

“During the first 18 years of life, one should learn the rules of society. And, for the rest of life, one should ‘unlearn’ society’s rules.” – Chinese Proverb

Children are ensconced in alpha mode; they swiftly absorb information, learn quickly, and rapidly adapt but are not necessarily nimble or coordinated. Most adults are entrenched in beta mode, where thoughts move rather slowly, however, cohesively and, perhaps, methodically.

In alpha mode, time dilates – that is – 5 minutes is an eternity. On the other hand, in beta mode, adults experience time in “discrete chunks” so that months elapse quickly and, as one ages, years pass faster and faster as thoughts and responses become increasingly circular, habitual, and often sterile.

During the past two months (la vacanza or the vacation), I did not drive because everything – the road, the trees, other cars, drivers in cars, planes in the sky, building architecture, pedestrians, even squirrels – relentlessly absorbed my attention. At times, I could not write legibly or even type because a torrent of thoughts overpowered any sense of coordination.

I still haven’t figured out how to switch between alpha and beta mode at will. However, experiencing alpha mode in tandem with the breath of experience is like existing as a perceptive child without apprehension, tempered by a modicum of wisdom. Now, unfortunately and rather luckily, the ogre of responsibility beckons . . . .