Your Inner Space

By Scott Allen, MD, Medical Director, Satori Health and Wellness

Space, as the saying goes, is the final frontier of human exploration. Astronomers have replaced the Hubble Telescope with the more-powerful Webb Telescope, permitting us to gaze far further—and more accurately—into the depths of outer space. This may allow us more insight into the origins of the universe, perhaps answering some of the fundamental questions of existence.

While most of us are fascinated by the grandeur of outer space, equally magnificent is our inner space. Within each of us are nearly as many neurons (brain cells) as there are stars that exist in the Milky Way galaxy. Each neuron can be connected to as many as 10,000 other neurons. This creates an almost infinite number of neuronal combinations.

That’s why humans are so creative! We have the ability to dream up an unlimited supply of new ideas, which translates into art, music, literature, and invention. In addition to ideas, we have an infinite capacity for emotional states.

Emotional states are often positive or negative in direction, and they carry a certain amount of energy. Positive emotions tend to be short lived, and because we have a negativity bias, negative emotions stay around for a while if we continue to feed them.

Our inner space has a quality of “spaciousness.” Ideas and emotions tend to arise from the deep space of our minds. And if we let them, negative emotions will dissipate back into that same spacious void.

In a moment, I’m going to ask you to stop reading this article and pay attention to your thoughts and feelings for one minute. Go ahead and set a timer on your phone. While your attention is turned inward, try to identify where the thoughts arise from and where they go. Stop reading now and start your timer.

Where did your thoughts come from? Did they have a beginning and an end? As you watched them, where did they go?

My guess is that you won’t be able to find the origin of your thoughts, but you’ll notice that they have a definite beginning and end, especially if you don’t latch onto a particular thought. If you do this often enough, you become part of the experience of the world and not subject to experiences happening around you. It’s freedom!

Repeat this practice periodically throughout your week. Each session can allow you to have momentary freedom from negative emotions and help you fully enjoy positive emotions. Have fun exploring your mind!

About the Author

Dr. Scott Allen is a St. George-raised, board-certified anesthesiologist. He has specialty training in transplant anesthesiology and currently practices with Mountain West Anesthesiology at St. George Regional Hospital. He is also the medical director of Satori Health, an integrated ketamine clinic (www.theketamineclinic. com). Dr. Allen is the current president of the Washington County Medical Association. With his deep roots in Utah, he has a special passion for improving the mental healthcare of his friends and neighbors in the community. Dr, Allen enjoys outdoor pursuits with his family and communing with nature. He’s doing his best to stay grounded in the moment!