I write Down The Rabbit Hole. This newsletter is your weekly window into wonder.
Can't miss gems of the weird and wonderful
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π€Colorblind "Cyborg Artist" can hear color through an antenna implanted into his head.β
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π24 "Super-Habitable" planets potentially better than Earth identified.
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This photo appears to be one type of tree on top of another. It actually depicts the ancient Japanese foresty technique "daisugi" that can be used to produce lumber without cutting down trees. The upper section has been pruned to grow straight and uniform. This section is eventually cut down but the bottom section is left intact.
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Most people aren't aware of how brilliant octopodes are. In a conversation with Eric Weinstien, Joe Rogan asked "They all sort of came from mollusks right?" To which Eric replied, "This is the craziest thing in the world right. I mean we're not guaranteed to meet an alien intelligence during our lifetimes but the idea that such genius exists in mollusks where you least expect it. Yeah, it's probably the closest we're ever going to get to aliens."
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For instance, the mimic octopus can fool predators into thinking it is a more deadly species by changing it's color, shape, and movement. It's believed it can transform into 15 different disguises including venomous fish and sea snakes.
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Scientists are still learning about these fascinating creatures. Although we're separated by over 500 million years of evolution, researchers have discovered they respond to MDMA in a similar fashion as humans:β
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"They have this huge complex brain that they've built, that has absolutely no business acting like ours does β but here they show that it does. The fact that they induced this very sort of gentle, cuddly behavior is really pretty fascinating."
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If you want to learn more, I highly recommend watching "My Octopus Teacher." This documentary chronicles the relationship a South African diver forges with an octopus as he witnesses both the beauty and brutality of the natural world. It is a visually stunning work of art and allows for an unprecedented up-close look at these spectacular animals.
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When we think of art we often think of the common examples of painting, film, music or the written word. But there are so many other avenues and mediums a person can explore to express their creative genius. Here are 3 examples of unconventional art forms we think you'll like:
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π‘Light Painting
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Stunning imagery is created through the use of a "light painting kata." What you see above is from a series called The Sacred Garden. β
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πSacred Geometry Glass Art
I have no idea how this is done but these artists create gems made of glass with embedded sacred geometry that almost appear to be hyperdimensional.
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πKinetic Sculptures
These sculptures rely on movement to create a hypnotizing visual display. Just watch this quick video to see what I mean.
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MAGNANIMITY, n. Greatness of mind; that elevation or dignity of soul, which encounters danger and trouble with tranquility and firmness, which raises the possessor above revenge, and makes him delight in acts of benevolence, which makes him disdain injustice and meanness, and prompts him to sacrifice personal ease, interest and safety for the accomplishment of useful and noble objects.
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A hand-picked classic HighExistence article
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Check out our collection of articles for inducing altered states including lucid dreaming, Wim Hof breath, sensory deprivation, and more.
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Altered States Collection |
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We hope you enjoyed this issue of Down The Rabbit Hole. Feel free to reply and tell us what you think.
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With Wonder,
Mike & The HighExistence Team
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P.S. Did a friend forward you this email? Sign-up to receive future issues here: https://highexistence.com/rabbitholeβ
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I write Down The Rabbit Hole. This newsletter is your weekly window into wonder.
β‘οΈ Enlightening Bolts βοΈ Zen and Now: A 1969 short film narrated by Alan Watts that discusses the Zen philosophy of living for the present, developing sensory awareness, and appreciating the beauty of nature. Watch it here. π¦ How to Pay Off Your Emotional Debt: A toolkit for navigating stressful experiences and cultivating emotional mastery. Read it here. π§ Life's Infinite Paths: Uncertainty, maximizing, and the paradox of trying to live the best possible life. Read it here. π Image of The...
β‘οΈ Enlightening Bolts π Reality has a surprising amount of detail: Reality contains many small but critical elements that are initially invisible; to make progress on difficult problems and avoid stagnant thinking, you must continually seek out and perceive aspects you have not noticed before. Read it here. πThis Past Weekend: Comedian Theo Von and podcaster Duncan Trussell covered topics ranging from aliens to addiction recovery in a thoughtful discussion about finding inner peace. They...
β‘οΈ Enlightening Bolts βπΌ Devote Yourself to the Cause of Your Life: What if your daily grind is destroying your soul? This writer shares his journey from meaningless corporate work to finding purpose as a writer, and challenges you to re-examine how you spend your time. Read it here. π§ Change Your Brain w/ Neuroscientist Dr. Andrew Huberman: This mind-expanding conversation provides powerful tools anyone can use to transform their mindset and take charge of their mental fitness. Watch it...