Nourishment for the Mind, Body, and Spirit!

A unique Free 10-minute a week Newsletter aimed at developing all of You: ​ 🧠 Mind 🧬 Body 🕊️ Spirit!

MIND

We typically don’t think of our brain as a muscle in the strict sense, yet it benefits from demands placed on it akin to a muscle. According to studies led by Professor Eleanor Maguire at University College London, London taxi drivers have more gray matter in their posterior hippocampi than people of similar age, education, and intelligence who do not drive taxis. For reference gray matter is a nerve cell in the brain where processing takes place. The hippocampus plays a key role in memory and spatial navigation, which would be useful to a London cab driver.

But what caused this phenomenon in London cab drivers in the first place? For one, they spend three to four years driving around the city on mopeds, memorizing a labyrinth of 25,000 streets within a 10-kilometer radius of Charing Cross train station. This constant demand on the brain produces changes in the structure, but how does all this happen:

1. Your brain is a lifelong sculptor:

• It’s not a rigid organ, but rather one that constantly rewires itself throughout your life.
• This process is called neuroplasticity, and it’s like sculpting clay – your experiences, thoughts, and actions shape the connections between your neurons, making you who you are.

2. You can actually grow new brain cells:

• While most neurogenesis happens in early childhood, it continues in certain areas of the adult brain, like the hippocampus, which is crucial for learning and memory.
• This means you can keep building your brainpower even as you age.

3. Your environment shapes your brain:

• It’s not just about your genes. The world around you plays a huge role in sculpting your brain.
• Challenging yourself with new tasks, learning new skills, and even exposure to different cultures can all strengthen neural connections and boost your cognitive abilities.
• So, keep exploring and keep learning – your brain will thank you for it.

Relevant quote: “Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow. The important thing is not to stop questioning.” – Albert Einstein

BODY

Just like your brain can grow, so can your belly if you don’t exercise it (lol)! Anyone who reached 50 years of age might have noticed some subtle changes in the metabolism.

Here are some fun metabolism facts to fuel your curiosity:

1. The Downhill Slide: It’s true, after 50, your metabolism slows down by about 1-2% per year. This is partly due to a decrease in muscle mass, which burns more calories than fat. But don’t fret, it does not have to be downhill.

2. Spicy Spark: Capsaicin, the compound that makes chili peppers hot, can actually boost your metabolism for a short time. How I am comforted by this metabolism hack, especially after living in Mexico for 6 years! But it does not have to be chili peppers; adding spices like ginger, cinnamon, and turmeric to your food can not only enhance flavor but also help regulate your blood sugar and potentially boost your metabolism.

3. Sleep Matters: Skimp on sleep, and your metabolism suffers. Aim for 7-8 hours a night to keep your calorie-burning furnace stoked.

4. Snack Smart and Often: Frequent small meals throughout the day can help keep your metabolism humming. Think protein-rich snacks like nuts or yogurt instead of sugary treats. Accompany the snacks with water since this is your metabolism’s best friend. Staying hydrated keeps things running smoothly and can even give your metabolism a slight temporary boost.

5. Muscle Magic: Building muscle, even after 50, can be a game-changer. Muscle burns more calories at rest, giving your metabolism a long-term boost, so make it a New Year’s resolution to hit the gym not for cardio but for anaerobic muscle-building exercise. The secondary benefit of exercising is the offsetting of chronic stress, which can wreak havoc on your hormones and metabolism.

6. Laughter is the Best Medicine: Not only does it feel good, but laughter can also burn a few extra calories and boost your mood, which indirectly helps regulate metabolism. It is good for the mind and good for the body.

Relevant quote: “Man adapts himself to everything, even to hanging.” – Fyodor Dostoevsky

SPIRIT

There is a moral obligation to care for the body since it is a gift from the Lord. The body is referenced directly and indirectly in scripture as the “tabernacle”. Moreover, the concept of the tabernacle holds significant meaning in the Bible, appearing throughout both the Old and New Testaments. Here’s a breakdown of its various interpretations:

In the Old Testament:

• Physical Tabernacle: In the book of Exodus, the Israelites are instructed by God to build a portable tabernacle as a dwelling place for His presence during their wilderness wanderings. This elaborate structure housed the Ark of the Covenant, representing the sacred covenant between God and His people. It served as a central point for worship, sacrifices, and rituals, emphasizing God’s closeness and guidance.
• Symbolism: The tabernacle transcended its physical form to symbolize several profound concepts: God’s Dwelling: It represented God’s desire to dwell among His people, fostering a close relationship and demonstrating His active presence. Holiness and Separation: The specific design and rituals associated with the tabernacle emphasized the sacredness of God and the need for separation between the holy and the profane. Redemption and Access: The sacrifices and rituals performed within the tabernacle offered atonement for sin and provided a means for the Israelites to approach God and seek forgiveness.

In the New Testament:

• Jesus as the True Tabernacle: The New Testament reinterprets the concept of the tabernacle through the lens of Jesus Christ. The book of Hebrews describes Jesus as the ultimate High Priest who entered the true tabernacle, not made with hands, offering a perfect sacrifice for the sins of humanity. Jesus himself is portrayed as the embodiment of God’s dwelling among humankind, fulfilling the symbolic purpose of the tabernacle.
• Believers as Temples: The Apostle Paul expands on this concept, describing believers in Christ as the temple of the Holy Spirit. This signifies that God’s presence now resides within each individual who has accepted Jesus, making them a living tabernacle carrying His holiness and love.

Relevant quote: “Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?” – 1 Corinthians 3:16

Thank you for reading, I hope you the material and I pray you will be blessed on your personal journey!

Please note on Sunday morning (US-ET) I send an email with the “Weekly Recap”, which includes the blogs which range from 1500 words to 3000 words, more meaty but really good material, along with a copy of the weekly Newsletter.

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Edgar S. Martinez