Mindimooyenh believes this is the function of ceremony. Ceremony strengthens the prefrontal cortex — the part of the brain responsible for emotional regulation and empathy. Ceremony is not just one big dumping ground of sharing circle. It is not a performance. It is not even necessarily designed to make you feel better. It is exercise. The repetitive meditative nature. The long hours. Continually bringing wandering distracted minds back into the presence strengthens the prefrontal cortex, releases neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine and melatonin, killing anxiety, depression, addictions
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