Pulse: the rapid and transient change from a baseline

The sensory deprivation of winter

As a scientist, I have noticed that cyclicity (the quality of something to recur at regular intervals) or periodicity (the quality or character of being periodic; the tendency to recur at intervals) is the rule for living organisms.

At the level of a single cell, signaling pathways have to “pulse” in order to support the proliferation of the cell. Once the pulsatile characteristics disappear, life ends. A stable increase or decrease of a signaling pathway is a sign of approaching demise.

Cyclicity/periodicity is also required at the level of the organism. Our higher functions and biological needs are normal only if they obey to cyclicity. Interruptions in cyclicity results in health problems. Of course, we have buffers (our biological range of resilience) to withstand deviations from the pattern of cyclicity, but eventually these “buffers” are depleted.

The theme of cyclicity continues throughout our lives. We cannot appreciate something, if we have not experienced the opposite of this something (e.g, we appreciate the day after the night).

Spring is appreciated after the sensory deprivation of winter.

Financial independence is enjoyed after frugality and avoidance of “gratifications”.

Love is appreciated after emotional deprivation.

Satiety feels good only after starvation.
 
Satiety (emotional, material, financial, or physiological) has never resulted in anything great or creative. The best works of art have been the result of cyclicity. I have previously written about intermittent fasting and its amazing restoring and healing benefits. However, the other types of “starvation” can also kick-start life and creativity.

Learning how to live through periods of deprivation and discomfort allows us to fully appreciate life.

Best appreciated after a long and cold winter