Tuesday, April 3, 2012

Processing

The point in question is how come the brain can move at lightening speed and yet it takes me minutes, hours, and sometimes days to get all my thoughts in order. I mean see below for the numbers to prove how fast the human brain processes information...or skip to the last sentence in quotes to be quickly amazed. 

      " There are several ways to answer the question about how fast the brain processes information.
       The best answer for this question can be obtained because we have good estimates for the three main variables that enter into it: how many neurons (brain cells) we have, how fast a neuron can fire, and how many cells it connects to. A human being has about 100 billion brain cells. Although different neurons fire at different speeds, as a rough estimate it is reasonable to estimate that a neuron can fire about once every 5 milliseconds, or about 200 times a second. The number of cells each neuron is connected to also varies, but as a rough estimate it is reasonable to say that each neuron connects to 1000 other neurons- so every time a neuron fires, about 1000 other neurons get information about that firing. If we multiply all this out we get 100 billion neurons X 200 firings per second X 1000 connections per firing = 20 million billion calculations per second."

Now, considering that why oh why does it take me so long to surf through the evidence, or lack thereof, when in conversation or debate? How come it is so easy for me to let the heart dictate what comes out of my mouth whether it is a good response or not?  For example: When questioned about the weather and I clearly don't know the answer I will tend to make 1 of 3 decisions. Response 1: I don't know. 2: looks like sunshine. 3: how about you look out the window and why are you asking me!?
Clearly answer 1&2 are pleasant, but 3 is what I want to say 88% of the time. 
Maybe, just maybe, my brain processes just fine, but my emotions and weaknesses and failures and hurts affect the process to such a degree that I need to wade through the filth, murk, even undue positive emotions to find the best most truthful answer. 
Maybe I am not perfect and neither is the other party. Maybe we all have a lot to learn and the 93% of communication that happens non-verbally is contributing to the show as well. Well, hey, whatever the reason thank the Lord for the gift of fast processing because with all the input it would be impossible to get through a day with all that junk floating around or lost in transition without it. 
I think the most appropriate prayer at this juncture is: Dear Lord: please help me to 

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