The Squirrels in my Head
Have you ever observed the remarkable agility of squirrels? These captivating creatures possess a level of athleticism that surpasses even the most skilled athletes in the world. With lightning speed, they effortlessly scale trees and navigate precarious branches as if traversing a well-paved highway.
However, squirrels are often in a state of heightened alertness, their amygdalas constantly active. I never see a relaxed squirrel, except for the flat ones that lie motionless on the road. Their amygdalas presented them with three choices: fight, flight, or freeze. Regrettably, when faced with an oncoming car, they chose to freeze.
Constantly scanning their surroundings for potential threats, squirrels are vigilant in the face of dangers such as dogs on the ground or hawks in the sky. Even during moments of enjoying a tasty acorn, their nervousness and attentiveness persist. This is why we colloquially refer to certain individuals as "squirrely"—they possess an excessive level of anxiety and tension.
At times, I find myself resonating with the squirrels' disposition. As I sit here, engrossed in one of the cable news channels, my mind consumes a steady diet of bleakness and pessimism. Reports of shootings, natural disasters, and the impending presidential election bombard me, igniting my amygdala's activity. I feel uncertain—should I fight, flee, or freeze? I’ve seriously considered all three. Should I run for office, leave the country, or just continue to do nothing and be miserable?
The world's current state fails to bring me joy, but that is my own misguided expectation. Instead of relying on external circumstances to dictate my happiness, I realize the importance of cultivating internal contentment. This is why I have turned to mindfulness and meditation, scientifically proven methods for managing the whirlwind of thoughts in my mind—the squirrels.
Mindfulness entails acknowledging how the television stirs up the squirrels in my mind this morning. Meditation is how I calm them down. I’m going on a walk in the present moment, attuning myself to the rhythm of my breath, the sensation of my feet touching the ground, and the harmonious melodies of birds. In just 30 minutes, those squirrels will find tranquility, lulled into a peaceful slumber.