Blog Post 3: 10% of the Brain and Out of Body Experiences

The myth that humans only use 10% of their brain has persisted for over a century, despite being debunked by neuroscientists. This idea likely originated from a misunderstanding or misrepresentation of neurological research in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, but it continues to fuel curiosity about the brain's untapped potential. In reality, modern brain imaging techniques show that nearly all parts of the brain have identifiable functions, even when we're at rest. Every region of the brain is active at different times, supporting everything from basic survival functions to complex cognitive processes. However, the notion of unused brain capacity feeds into the fascination with heightened mental abilities, such as those sometimes associated with out-of-body experiences (OBEs). OBEs, where individuals feel as though they have detached from their physical bodies, have been reported across cultures and often occur during extreme physical or psychological stress. Some researchers suggest these experiences may be related to disruptions in the brain's processing of spatial awareness, such as those caused by certain neurological conditions or during near-death experiences. While the 10% myth has no basis in scientific fact, it reflects a larger cultural curiosity about the limits of human consciousness and the possibility of unexplored mental powers.