– By Shashank R Joshi

In an era where technological advancements surge ahead at exponential rates, human biology lags behind. We as a species are remarkably similar to our ancestors from 1,000, 10,000, or even 100,000 years ago. Our core motivations are still rooted in the intricate dance of hormones within our bodies.

And yet, our understanding of these bodily processes has significantly improved. The convergence of spirituality, science, and technology has given rise to the study of BlissTech – developing systems and processes that enable individuals to attain a sustained state of bliss.

At the heart of BlissTech lies hormone management. Hormones, the body’s chemical messengers, orchestrate every action we take. They influence our emotions, behaviours, and perceptions.

Our minds possess a unique ability to optimise for information or actions that promise maximum pleasure. Many hormones are released based on anticipation, expectation of favourable outcomes, and rewards. This principle underpins many systems and experiences in our modern world.

Consider TV shows that often employ cliffhangers – a storytelling technique that ends episodes at moments of heightened tension or suspense. These generate stress and a cocktail of chemicals, from dopamine to adrenaline. This emotional rollercoaster keeps audiences engaged, rooting for outcomes, and craving resolution.

Similarly, various life scenarios elicit distinct hormonal profiles:
● Election results: The anticipation of election outcomes can induce high cortisol levels due to stress and uncertainty, adrenaline from suspense, and moderate dopamine if one is hopeful for a favourable result. Oxytocin levels may remain low unless the experience is shared within a community, and serotonin levels can fluctuate with mood swings.

●First date: The nerves of a first date can cause moderate cortisol levels. Excitement and attraction trigger high adrenaline, while the anticipation of pleasure boosts dopamine. Physical or emotional connections elevate oxytocin, and confidence in social bonding raises serotonin.

● Reuniting with parents: Meeting parents after a long time typically results in low to moderate cortisol (indicative of reduced stress), moderate adrenaline from anticipation, high dopamine due to joy, very high oxytocin from emotional bonding, and elevated serotonin associated with happiness and nostalgia.

Each of these scenarios underscores how anticipation and the expectation of favourable outcomes drive our hormonal responses.
BlissTech proposes striving for neutrality and centrism in our perspectives. By detaching from biases and emotional investments in specific outcomes, we can achieve resilience, composure, and calm – a step towards spiritual enlightenment often described as ascending to Vaikunth, a state of ultimate bliss in certain traditions.

Imagine two individuals at a horse race: Person A has placed a bet on a horse. Their experience is dominated by hormones associated with anticipation, expectation, and the potential reward or loss. The outcome directly impacts their emotional state. Person B, however, is merely a spectator with no bets placed.

They watch the race for the sheer enjoyment of the sport. They remain unaffected by the outcome, appreciating the experience in its purest form.

BlissTech invites us to reconsider how we engage with our experiences. By cultivating neutrality and managing our hormonal responses through mindful detachment, we can reduce stress and enhance well-being.

Achieving this state of bliss doesn’t require abandoning our passions or interests. Instead, it encourages a balanced perspective – appreciating the journey without becoming entangled in the highs and lows dictated by outcomes beyond our control.

The writer is a leading endocrinologist

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