Jelly Zen - Immortality

The real-life Benjamin Buttons of this world are the jellyfish species, turritopsis nutricula, who are thought to be immortal. “The jelly reportedly can play its lifecycle in reverse, transforming from an adult medusa back to an immature polyp” (Smithsonian). When in crisis, it regenerates it cells, essentially becoming sperm and egg, and starting over again. 

“Their regeneration only occurs after sexual maturation, therefore they can succumb to predators or disease in the polyp stage. But because the jellyfish are the only known animal with this “immortality,” scientists are studying them closely, with the hopes of applying what they learn to issues such as human aging and illness.” (MNN).

See a “smack” of mortal jellyfish in their hypnotic dance live at the Vancouver Aquarium cam. 

Zen Den Friday

Escape the noise. Come into the Panda lair - also known as the zen den. 

Here’s a few words of wisdom from Thich Nhat Hanh: 

~ “Enlightenment is always there. Small enlightenment will bring great enlightenment. If you breathe in and are aware that you are alive—that you can touch the miracle of being alive—then that is a kind of enlightenment.” ~

~ “Mindfulness helps you go home to the present. And every time you go there and recognize a condition of happiness that you have, happiness comes.” ~

~ “We have to continue to learn. We have to be open. And we have to be ready to release our knowledge in order to come to a higher understanding of reality.” ~

Keep learning. www.explore.org