Ego, Fear and Neuroabsurdism 

Your brain just changed after seeing that image

The mind is trained to seek logic and order, and it’s just been caught off guard by something absurd.  

This tiny disruption, this crack in seriousness, has already lit up neural circuits, briefly shattering the rigid mental patterns that paralyze us—and without you realizing it, it’s primed you for a new way of thinking.  

This is the foundation of Neuroabsurdism.  

When you see an image like this, your brain, in its attempt to process the incongruity, releases a fascinating cocktail of chemicals that directly impact your mood and perception.  

Dopamine: The Novelty Trigger  

Dopamine is the most released substance. The brain has a "prediction system" that seeks patterns and logic. When it sees a sage in a meditative pose (a familiar pattern) with a shoe on their head (an absurd, unexpected element), the pattern breaks. This surprise or novelty instantly activates the brain’s reward centers, releasing dopamine—the same chemical that sparks curiosity, interest, and the urge to find an explanation.  

Serotonin & Endorphins: The Feel-Good Wave  

Serotonin is linked to mood regulation and happiness. The humorous or intriguing effect of the image can boost serotonin, creating a sense of well-being. And if the absurdity makes you smile or laugh, endorphins—the body’s natural painkillers—kick in, delivering euphoria and melting stress away.  

Cortisol: The Stress Pause 

By focusing on the absurd, the brain takes a momentary "pause" from its habitual thought patterns—often tied to worries and stress. This tiny break can lead to a temporary drop in cortisol, the stress hormone. That’s why humor and absurdity are such powerful tools for managing anxiety.  

In short, the image is a perfect "neurochemical detonator." It uses absurdity to disrupt mental routines, release dopamine to spark curiosity, and flood you with endorphins for instant joy.  

But there’s more:  

At the root of fear, anxiety, and procrastination lies the vulnerability of our existence—or our identity.  

In that context, the ego’s final hiding place is a "spiritual self"—just the mind disguising itself yet again, this time as an "enlightened" or "correct" image.  

This is why visualizing yourself in lotus pose with a shoe on your head shatters the last defense of our "spiritual identity" and the underlying fear.  

Even more powerful? Do it physically.  

Sit. Place the shoe on your head.  

And feel... what happens?