Your Brain on “Let It Be”

When is the last time you temporarily exited from the world?

Photo by the author.

When is the last time you were zoned?

I’m not talking about your comfort zone. Nor the zone where your concentration and focus are at their peak, when you’re on a creative roll, performing better than you thought possible, and making what you do look easy. Nor the endorphin zone where a vigorous workout or beautifully orchestrated music takes you.

I’m not talking about a meditative state, although this could be the prelude to one.

I’m not even talking about the auto-pilot zone.

I’m talking about the zone that is your temporary exit from the world. A moment when you briefly shut down, when you’re not present. You’re just somewhere. Your mind has taken a break from the stress of the moment. You’re not in a relaxed state; you’re in a non-functioning state.

I don’t think it happens often. I’m remembering a time when it came over me at the end of my work day, sitting at a red light on my commute home. I must not have been completely gone because when the light changed, my brain flickered enough to let me know it was time to go.

I wonder if the zone explains why a driver fails to go at a left-turn arrow or when the light otherwise turns green. Maybe the…