The vagus nerve, also known as the tenth cranial nerve or cranial nerve X, is a critical component of the parasympathetic nervous system, which oversees a range of involuntary bodily functions (heart rate, respiratory rate, and digestive processes), reflexes (coughing, sneezing, swallowing, and vomiting). It is the longest cranial nerve, extending from the brainstem through the neck and thorax down to the abdomen, innervating multiple organs (adding additional nerves) along its path. It delivers information from these organs to the brain. Keeping this nerve healthy and stimulated (belly breathing on Ujjayi, heart opening asanas with chest opened up) keep the respective organs optimized.

Vagus nerve

While listening to podcast interviews I noticed a lot of "morphic" words being thrown - anthropomorphic, theomorphic, etc. What exactly does that mean? ChatGPT provides the answers. "morphic" means in the shape or form of....

1. Anthropomorphic - Attributing human characteristics or behaviors to non-human entities, such as animals, deities, or objects.
   e.g. Aesop's fables are full of anthropomorphic animals that talk and wear clothes.
2. Zoomorphic - Having or representing animal forms or gods of animal form.
   e.g. The Hindu god Hanuman has the zoomorphic facial features of a monkey.
3. Biomorphic - Resembling or suggesting the forms of living organisms.
   e.g. The Strandbeest of the Netherlands has biomorphic limbs that allow it to walk on sand wih just a gust of wind.
4. Geomorphic - Relating to the form or surface features of the Earth and not any other celestial body.
   e.g. The geomorphic features of the region include rolling hills, deep valleys, and rugged mountain ranges.
5. Isomorphic - Having the same or similar form or structure, especially in biology or crystallography.
   e.g. When frozen, pure water's molecular structure is isomorphic to that of a snowflake.
6. Polymorphic - Occurring in several different forms, especially with reference to species or genetic variation.
   e.g. Cranial features within the great ape family including gorillas and humans are polymorphic.
7. Dysmorphic - Characterized by malformation or abnormality in the shape or size of a body part.
   e.g. The dysmorphic features of the circus clown's face was highly assymetrical.
8. Ectomorphic - Having a lean, slender body build with little body fat or muscle mass.
   e.g. Her ectomorphic physique made her look like a lanky school boy from the waist up.
9. Endomorphic - Having a body build characterized by a high proportion of body fat and a soft, round physique.
   e.g. His endomorphic physique made him look like the Michelin Man.
10. Mesomorphic - Having a muscular or well-built body type with a high metabolism and responsive muscle cells.
    e.g. All these body builders are mesomorphic even without the steroids.
11. Heteromorphic - Exhibiting diversity of form or appearance, especially in different stages of the life cycle.
    e.g. As she got older, her clothing choices became heteromorphic from 'girl' to all the characters in the Village People.
12. Homomorphic - Having the same form or appearance; exhibiting similarity in structure.
    e.g. Even after a hundred years, the vortex in Jupiter, has remained homomorphic.
13. Actinomorphic - Having radial symmetry, as in flowers that can be divided into equal halves along multiple planes.
    e.g. The mandala is actinomorphic with its round shape adorned with geometric figures and shapes.
14. Anamorphic - Producing, relating to, or marked by intentional distortion of an image.
    e.g. His caricature illustration was a brilliant anamorphic virtuosity.
15. Trimorphic - Occurring in or having three distinct forms.
    e.g. Brahman is expressed by the trimorphic Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva.
16. Theomorphic - Having the form or likeness of a deity.
    e.g. Theomorphic young girls in Nepal resembling the goddess Kumari, are revered and made to live in temples, to be worshipped.
17. Pseudomorphic - Having an irregular or deceptive form.
    e.g. "Fool's Gold exhibits a pseudomorphic resemblance to real gold."

An archetypal experience is a deeply emotional (awe, fear, joy, or deep introspection) and meaningful human experience that is universal to all (tapping into the collective subconscious). We've all had that experience regardless of religion, culture, race or time frame. This is a shared experience in the human narrative. This experience can be expressed in a personal narrative, myths, dreams, religion or art and expressed as a form of symbols (the ring, symbolizing a very corrosive and corruptive power, like being in politics), patterns or themes (Hero's Journey).

Archetypal Experiences are important because they provide a sense of purpose and help individuals feel connected to something larger than themselves. Artists, writers, and thinkers often draw on archetypal themes for inspiration. Archetypal experiences can emerge in therapy (Jungian analysis), during meditation, psychedelic journeys, deep introspection, or even through storytelling and myth. They resonate because they are woven into the fabric of human existence, making them both deeply personal and universally human.

1. Encountering the Hero’s Journey - A person feels they are overcoming insurmountable odds to achieve a significant transformation in life, such as battling addiction, surviving a life-threatening illness, or pursuing a meaningful life purpose.
   
   Archetype The Hero
   
   Why Archetypal
   This experience mirrors the universal narrative of facing trials, enduring a dark night of the soul, and emerging transformed.
   
   Sentence:
   "Reading 'The Lord of the Rings,' one can't help but notice how Frodo's adventure mirrors the classic Hero’s Journey archetype."
2. Near-Death Experience - Someone undergoes a near-death experience and feels enveloped by a radiant light, encountering a loving presence or a review of their life.
   
   Archetype The Light or the Divine
   
   Why Archetypal
   This resonates with universal themes of death, rebirth, and connection to the transcendent.
   
   Sentence:
   "After surviving a severe car accident, she recounted her near-death experience, describing a profound sense of peace and a vision of a bright light."
3. Shadow Confrontation - Facing one’s deepest fears, repressed emotions, or destructive tendencies, such as confronting guilt or jealousy in therapy.
   
   Archetype The Shadow
   
   Why Archetypal
   It’s a universal human experience to wrestle with the darker aspects of oneself to achieve wholeness.
   
   Sentence:
   "Beowulf's tale is a classic example of overcoming the monster, as he defeats Grendel to protect his people."
4. Connection with Nature - Feeling an overwhelming sense of unity while gazing at a starry sky, meditating in a forest, or swimming in the ocean.
   
   Archetype Mother Earth or the Cosmic Order
   
   Why Archetypal
   This reflects the timeless human reverence for nature as nurturing, powerful, and interconnected.
   
   Sentence:
   "During his retreat in the mountains, he developed a deep connection with nature, finding solace in the rustling leaves and the songs of the birds."
5. Symbolic Death and Rebirth - Going through a life-altering experience such as losing a job, ending a relationship, or surviving trauma, and emerging with a renewed sense of purpose.
   
   Archetype Death and Rebirth
   
   Why Archetypal
   This reflects the cycle of endings and beginnings that is fundamental to human life and transformation.
   
   Sentence:
   "After facing numerous trials, the character's spiritual rebirth signified a new beginning."
6. Dreams of a Wise Figure - A person dreams of meeting a sage or wise elder who imparts profound advice or guidance.
   
   Archetype The Wise Old Man
   
   Why Archetypal
   The dream represents a connection to inner wisdom or the collective knowledge of humanity.
   
   Sentence:
   "In times of uncertainty, she often had dreams of a wise figure who offered guidance and clarity, helping her navigate life's challenges."

More Examples:

1. Transformation - "The protagonist's transformation from a naive youth to a wise leader was central to the novel's theme."
2. The Quest - "In many myths, the hero embarks on a quest to retrieve a sacred object that will save their homeland."
3. Rags to Riches - "Cinderella's story epitomizes the rags to riches archetype, rising from servitude to royalty."
4. The Journey - "Homer's 'Odyssey' details Odysseus's long journey home after the Trojan War."
5. The Fall - "The tragedy of Macbeth illustrates the fall archetype, depicting a nobleman's descent into corruption."
6. The Return - "The hero's return to his village brought peace and prosperity after years of conflict."
7. The Sacrifice - "In many legends, the hero's sacrifice ensures the safety and future of their community."