Morality, The Nervous System, and The Prefrontal Cortex.
Though some would suggest that morality, or the understanding of "right" vs. "wrong," is merely an abstract thoughtform made up of varying religious or philosophical beliefs, it is, in actuality, a physiological phenomenon.
While there are more than a few culprits when referencing the brain that can be associated with higher functions, such as morality, I would like to first focus on the prefrontal cortex, as it is under direct attack in most individuals.
Located in the frontal lobe, the prefrontal cortex is responsible for quite a bit! Some functions include, but are not limited to; the ability to process logic, memory, impulse control, decision-making, emotional regulation (which includes stress capacity,) making moral and social judgments, development of self-awareness, etc.
When an individual is traumatized, the prefrontal cortex is one of the first things to respond, and it usually responds by shutting down. This means we lose access to most (if not all) of the above functions! Considering much of society is currently in survival mode, one doesn't have to imagine the personal and societal implications of the loss of these functions...we don't have to imagine because the impact is everywhere we look.
It is not just that, as a society, we are emotionally traumatized...it then becomes a very real, very physical trauma that causes significant damage to the frontal lobe, as well as the nervous system. That being said, frontal lobe damage can also be caused by the nervous system! When the nervous system is in a state of dysfunction, important anatomical structures, such as the prefrontal cortex, are greatly impacted. While saying that the prefrontal cortex "shuts down" is more metaphorical than literal, it is the simplest way to describe changes in chemical structure from a neurobiological perspective.
As I have previously stated, a healthy and resilient nervous system is our key to developing psychically, connecting with higher worlds, and evolving spiritually, which includes the attainment of higher moral function! (Specifically, the vagus nerve.)
While the vagus nerve and the prefrontal cortex are not directly anatomically connected, they are both involved in bidirectional communication that affects the same cognitive functions and communicate directly through neural pathways. The loss or dysfunction of either of these functions is detrimental, not only to the physical form but ultimately, to the Soul.
With that understanding in mind, let us look at some factors, events, or substances that trigger dysfunction in these systems! Most people have not suffered from a traumatic brain injury, and yet, many people are suffering with symptoms as if they had. One of the largest contributors to dysfunction of the prefrontal cortex (and nervous system) is toxins. Chemicals in our food, our shampoo, our deodorant, our toothpaste, our water, our sky. Heavy metals, mold, pollution! In 2024, these things are nearly impossible to escape. The best thing one can do for themselves is to live a healthy, balanced, and intentional life to the best of one's ability.
Pharmaceuticals fall into this category (chemicals), as well, specifically psychiatric medications which are riddled with neurotoxins and have been known to create all kinds of biochemical imbalances.
The news, and social media, are other large contributors designed to dysregulate the nervous system while simultaneously instilling fear and black-and-white thinking. Cognitive distortions are not only the result of a traumatized and dysregulated brain and nervous system, but they also aid in creating these traumas! In this way, it is like a vicious cycle.
In our efforts to regain widespread social understanding of morality, beyond religious dogmas or abstract philosophies, we must prioritize not only our spiritual health but also our physical health. It is not a fantastical statement to suggest that chronic dysfunction of the brain and nervous system, a dysfunction that dissociates one from logic, reason, and self-awareness, will be our collective downfall if we continue on the way that things have been.
In truth, there is no spiritual health without a certain level of physical health. This does not mean that we must be perfectly healthy, or that birth defects or physical ailments beyond our control somehow disqualify us from spiritual advancement! It simply means that each of us has some level of choice regarding how healthy we choose to be with the template that we have been given, and our choices will directly impact our spiritual evolution.
I would also like to clarify that I am not suggesting this merely in terms of diet. While diet matters to an extent, it only matters as much as its impact on our overall organ, brain, and nervous system health. I am far more concerned about the impact of certain chemicals, technological frequencies, and religious or political ideologies!
There is an element to these exposures that is inescapable for now, as it is just the direction that society has been heading in. However, I suggest none of this to fear-monger. Instead, I share this because building resilience within the nervous system will not only aid in the cultivation of higher moral principles, but will ultimately act as our greatest protection against technological, biochemical, and ideological warfare.
