From Almonds to Acorns

This original post, from November 16, 2022, seems especially apt at this moment in time.

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To fulfill the purpose of your acorn, you must overcome your almond. ("What the heck is Moe talking about this time?") Allow me to explain. While researching and gathering materials for our upcoming book launch, I discovered a few gems that sparked my imagination.

The amygdala, also known as "the lizard brain," is a roughly almond-shaped mass of gray matter inside each cerebral hemisphere. As one of the functions of the amygdala is to assess and respond to environmental threats, it has the important role of processing emotions such as fear, anxiety, and aggression.

An acorn is traditionally a symbol of growth and unlimited potential. It possesses the "oak knowledge," having all that it needs within to create the mighty oak.

The acorn teaches us about our potential - demonstrating that one acorn seed can grow into a massive oak and build an entire forest. Success in our personal and professional lives depends on learning when to discount the almond (your fears), and focus on the acorn (your potential). It's no wonder the almond is so dominant in society these days. We are born into fear.

We are raised in fear. And on one level, fear makes perfect sense. We are mortal beings. There are 10,000 nuclear warheads parked on our planet, with irrational authoritarians at the helm of governments.

The climate crisis we face is no less threatening. At some point in the last twenty-four hours, we passed a new benchmark with the population reaching eight billion. All this is true. And it is equally valid that we can create new solutions to these old problems. If we understand fear as a signal, we can respond to our emotions by fighting or fleeing. ?

The trick is to ensure that the little acorn lizard brain doesn't run the whole show all the time. Suppose we live a life with no purpose beyond the material world, no connection to our inner life, and no spiritual practice, religious faith, family, or community. In that case, we are more likely to be influenced by the fears and free-floating anxiety of the lizard brain.

When we learn how to live in harmony and peace with the people around us, we can step up and into our full potential, our acorn.

BONUS EXERCISE: How to get out of your Lizard Brain

The simplest way to conquer the effects of the lizard brain is to breathe deeply, rhythmically, and consciously.?One method to accomplish this is known as the "4-7-8 breathing method," explained below:

• Close your mouth and quietly inhale through your nose to a mental count of 4.
• Hold your breath for a count of 7.
• Exhale through your mouth, making a whoosh sound for a count of 8.
• Repeat the process for a total of 4 breath cycles.

So, what will you choose today, your almond or your acorn??

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