Center Of Gravity (Aum)
Acrylic on watercolor board, 22" x 35"
An object's center of gravity is the spot where weight is evenly distributed, promoting perfect balance. Flamingos have remarkable balance, perhaps the most pronounced of any animal on earth. Recent studies measuring the electrical activity of their brains show heightened alpha wave states when balanced on one leg. Of the five common types of brain waves - alpha, gamma, delta, beta, and theta - alpha waves are dominant when the brain is calm and relaxed . . . centered. Regular meditation - employing techniques like deep breathing and closed-eye visualizations - have been shown to increase alpha waves in humans. Besides relaxation, alpha waves also enhance creativity, thereby acting as a natural antidepressant by promoting the release of the neurotransmitter serotonin. It stands to reason that calm, focused, relaxed humans - whose mental ‘centers’ are balanced and open to creative problem solving - would make for the most highly effective citizens.