Our lizard brain

And the alternative / Issue 1,146

Oh, hi friends!

My friend Janine used the term “lizard brain” last night, and I thought: How perfect. 

A word that encapsulates the sluggish feeling when synapses aren’t firing as quickly.

When we’re kinda going through the basic motions.

When goals become pale shadows of themselves.

When idle chatter is turned up to 11 and the quiet voice — yours — is dialed down to zero.

He may look cool, but trust me: he’s barely hanging on.

Lizard brain! 

But what’s the opposite? 

I’m calling it “bee brain.” 

That’s when you feel active and industrious.

When you’re collecting ideas (ahem, nectar) and bringing it back to your hive. 

When you’re working with others, buzzing around, quick and light on your little feet.

Sooo the brain might be small, but it’s moving!

It’s not easy to just say “Hmm, I wanna switch brains now.” 

But even acknowledging how you feel — and where you are — seems like a good first step.

Other small ways to move from lizard to bee brain:

• Reading something weird and challenging

• A screen-less evening

• Having a short chat with a stranger

• Setting a small deadline

• Dancing

• Trying a new snack

• Finding the answer to a question

• Doing the tiny thing on your list

Bzzz. Bzzz. Bzzz.

I bee-lieve in you.

(Sorry.)

(But I really do.)