3-D Behavioral Science: "The Element of Freedom" and the Driver of Passion

3-D Behavioral Science: "The Element of Freedom" and the Driver of Passion

Once in a while, I deviate from my analysis of the body to go into the mind and spirit. I think as a movement therapist, we have a duty to focus on all three but unfortunately, we can miss the opportunity.

Recently, I was found myself in the Verizon Center in Washington, DC at the concert of Alicia Keys. I have been following Alicia since she debuted many years ago with "Songs in the key of A minor" and went to one of her first concerts. Throughout these many years, I have been able to go to a few of her shows in large and small venues, and I can honestly say that this is an artist who has grown artistically.

Alicia released "The Element of Freedom" in December of 2009. I've had the album for a while, but I had not listened to it. I believe that things come to us when we are ready to receive them. In December, I was not ready to listen to her CD. However, now I found myself feeling grateful for her contribution.

At her concert, it was obvious that she was passionate about this new album. What her passion for music translated to was an amazing album where it seemed she departed from "standard" fare of what albums should be to an ablum where Alicia fully expressed herself. That's a weird place for many people. Personally, I believe that "place" is way outside of their comfort zone, but unfortunately, it's where their MIND/BODY/SPIRIT greatness lie.

What drives us to that "place"? I believe that the driver of PASSION takes us there and this is what this post is about.


One of the Principles of Function is that Function is Driven. Something moves us from one place to the next. I've already discussed DRIVERS in my post Focus on Drivers,  but I wanted to focus on the driver of passion in the sense of motivation, desire, etc and not on the amorous sense. (I'll save that for another post).


CHAIN REACTION NEUROLOGY

If we talk about motivation, we have to talk about the brain. It's very easy to dive into the complexities of the brain but fortunately, the brain has a very simple side as well.

Motivation is not an emotion but it is a driver that stimulates emotions to action. As the conductor of emotions, it determines the amount of energy and attention that the brain and body assign to an action. This can be a thought coming in or a situation that confronts one. Because of this, MOTIVATION is essential to survival.

In the Incentive Theory of Motivation, we realize that incentives are external stimuli that pull the person toward them in some way- everything from a ripe piece of fruit to the prospect of a payraise. But, whatever theory we use to explain motivation, we know that MOTIVATION is the pressure to act. Because motivation is the driver of all goal-directed behavior, multiple levels of the brain are involved in the process. We know that the brain is the organ of that body that must perceive and assess both internal and external action from the senses. It is also the location for all memories which is also part of the motivation process so that it can be compared with similiar or different actions. Finally, within this process, the brain must emotionally label the situation so that we can determine if we act toward or away from it. The part of the brain that is primarily responsible for this ability is the EXTENDED AMYGDALA, which is the primary emotion center. The resulting chain reactions that occur in the brain propel us to action. According to Dr. Jonh Raney of Harvard University, "because motivation is tied to physical behavior, the structures that produce and maintain it are closely related to those that regulate motor function and movement."

Because we are talking passion in a positive sense, we must discuss happiness, joy and pleasure which is its own incentive. In the 1950's, research by James Olds and Peter Milner revealed the process of happiness. In their experiments, they placed an electrode on the hypothalamus of a rat (remember: we share at least 95% of our DNA with rats). When the rat pushed a bar connected to the electrode, the hypothalamus was stimulated. The researchers noted after 4,000 times in an HOUR of the rat pressing the bar that this sensation was pleasurable and that the rat would allow itself to starve rather than stop. Since then, research has found that the hypothalamus was just one of several pleasure centers of the brain, amongst them the septum and nucleus accumbens.

Talking about structures, we most also talk about some of the neurotransmitters and endorphins that play key roles in pleasure. Dopamine is a key factor because each of the pleasure centers use it as a trasmitter. If the same rat in the above noted experiment were given a dopamine blocker like pimozide or haloperidol, the rate will stop pushing the bar. On the opposite and dangerous side, drugs like amphetamines and cocaine stimulate dopamine levels and usually have it's user heavily addicted.  If dopamine or any of its artificial substitutes reach high levels, hypomania or even mania can result.

On the other hand, pleasurable experiences are reinforced by dopamine and sealed into the memory as something that we enjoyed and that we want to do again

"Passion" as an element of freedom
What does this have to do with PASSION!?!?! Well everything really. If we have little to be passionate about or nothing that drives us toward happiness, we fell unnmotivated and have that "spinning wheels" feeling. We will not act. We will feel as though we are standing and in worse situations, like we are "sinking" or falling.

For instance, Alicia Keys admitted in an interview that in 2006 she nearly suffered a breakdown after her grandmother died and her family was heavily relying on her. She said that her recent album "The Element of Freedom" reflects that she "finally found the key, and that is to allow yourself to be free With this album I found such a balance and I took things in that inspire me, which can come from anywhere. It just helped me enjoy the process first and foremost." (Read more)

I am not going to turn this into an album review, but I will say that I heard new musical themes and colors from her album that revealed her maturation through her life experiences. The subtlties and textures within the music reflect a person who has had sadness, pain, etc that took her deeper into soul but also paved the way for a joyful return. Luckily for us, Alicia has expressed this in her music and those who have experienced simiiliar situations can relate to her. For some, this music will resonate and others, it will not. It is definitely a divergence from her earlier albums. I see it as 3-D Artistic Development.

Using the Driver of Passion
Recently, I have been able to talk to a number of former students who are graduating from college and about to enter the "real world "(whatever that means). Interestingly, the majority of them do not know what they are going to do. Some are taking a year off. A few are going back to school to get a masters. A few have made decisions to pursue post graduate work like medical school.

As I question them, I inevitably ask them "What makes you happy?" Unfortunately, many do not have much to say. The first thing I suggest is to explore that question and get back to me.

Sometimes our passion can lead to a wonderful career that is fulfilling as well as profitable. However, what I think what many do not anticipate is the work and dedication that goes with that passion. It's not just enough to be passionate about something, and that's the cosmic paradox. Our passions that we want to develop are usually the most difficult tasks that we must face and because of this some may opt for an easier (not easy) path. However, if we understand the science as well as the art of passion, we will see that we will find joy and happiness on that path. If we do not enjoy it or think it's fun, then we will not do it (i.e no dopamine).

On the first track of "The Element of Freedom" album, Alicia Keys states:

And the day came

When the risk it took

To remain tight and closed in the bud

Was more painful

Than the risk it took bloom

 

This is the element of freedom

I could not agree more with Alicia Keys. I think there comes a time in many peoples lives where the they feel as though they are "closed in the bud" but to take a risk and free yourself to your passion and do what makes you happy will inevitably liberate you.

If you have something you are passionate about, go toward it. The process and journey will be worth it and you will be free. You will have experienced the element of freedom.

I have included a full concert that Alicia Keys recorded. It has many of her older songs but it has many of her new songs. To me, Alicia seems right in her element of sharing her music with audience. Take the time to let the music play and enjoy.