Why Do We Miss Something?

The simplest possible logic behind your feelings

The human brain is a remarkable and complex entity.

As we experience life, there is a lot of activity going on inside our brain.

New braincells replacing the existing ones, biochemicals moving from one place to another with every thought process, neurons transmitting the information from one part to the other.

This activity does not go futile.

With every thought, your brain creates some neuropaths and some neurotransmitters.

All you have to do is to process this thought, or simply, let those neurotransmitters pass through those neuropaths.

However, what happens when we fail to effectively process these produced neurotransmitters in our brains?

It can lead to what we might call a “neural burden”.

In simple words, when we prepare our minds for a task, such as a project or an important conversation, and subsequently find ourselves procrastinating or unable to perform as anticipated, it creates a sense of pressure.

This pressure often arises because we have linked our happiness to the successful completion of the task.

The neurons that were initially primed for joy remain dormant and unfulfilled.

Think of these neurons as reservoirs of happiness, waiting to be tapped into but ultimately left unutilised. This is now a burden on your brain.

Let me explain it with an interesting example:

You know that overwhelming feeling of missing someone?

It’s like your heart aches, and you can’t stop thinking about them. Well, here’s the fascinating science behind it.

When you think about someone, your brain goes into overdrive, recalling all those memories and daydreams connected to that special person.

It’s like your neurons are throwing a big reunion party, all set to rekindle that warm, fuzzy feeling. Your brain is all ready to feel that feeling again.

But due to some reasons, that person isn’t there with you.

Your neurons are left hanging, unsatisfied, like a party with no guests. And that’s when it hits you: something’s missing.

That’s the science behind that “Missing You” sensation.

So the next time when you ask you relationship guru that you are missing your partner and they tell you not to think about it, do not think of hitting their head against wall.

Similarly, when we have established a routine of regular communication with someone, and that communication abruptly halts, it leaves us with unused neural connections.

This cessation often triggers excessive rumination and overthinking, further adding to the neural burden.

This happens when you are addicted to something or someone. That is not an addiction actually, that is the established neuropath in your brain that wants its needs to be fulfilled. Simple…

Now, some people start crying when they face something disturbing or unexpected, these tears are the neural burden coming out of your body. That is why they feel relaxed after crying or expressing their thoughts.

But people who pretend to be strong and prefer keeping their neuropaths unsatisfied in their brains are likely to pay the toll in the form of headache, Migraine or any other pain.

Moreover, anxiety plays a pivotal role in intensifying this neural burden.

In the language of Neuroscience, It interferes with cognitive functions, affecting our ability to think clearly.

The connection between our emotional responses and biological processes becomes apparent as stress hormones, such as cortisol, are released, further clouding our mental state.

From a biological perspective, the release of stress hormones due to anxiety can lead to adverse consequences.

Elevated cortisol levels, for example, can negatively impact our health.

Chronic stress has been associated with a range of health issues, including heart disease, obesity, and compromised immune function.

The Solution:

You must be wondering that I have explained the problem so what could be the possible solution. The solution to this neural burden is rooted in the practice of meditation and exercise, with Vipassana meditation serving as a particularly effective method.

The practice of Vipassana involves focusing on the breath — inhaling and exhaling — while intentionally directing one’s attention to the sensation of breathing, often at the nostrils.

This practice requires unwavering concentration on the breath, eliminating the distractions that perpetuate the neural burden.

Vipassana meditation offers a profound way to utilize these unused neurons by honing concentration, calming the mind, and alleviating anxiety.

By simply focusing on the act of breathing, meditators can break the cycle of rumination and provide their brains with a much-needed respite from the neural burden.

Also, ever wondered why exercise is so much stressed? Why is it strongly associated with health?

The answer is, it simply reduces your neural burden. It eliminates the unsatisfied neuropaths and carries oxygen to each and every cell of your brain and relaxes your mind.

Music, Nature, spending quality time, getting involved in positive activities that bring you joy, all these acts have proved to be very effective to make your mind healthy and positive.

So, next time when you are “missing” something in your life or you are feeling stressed, know that it’s just an unfulfilled neuropath in your brain. Nothing else… I hope it helps you to find a better way in your life.