Three Visions of the Afterlife: Church Fathers, Scripture, and NDE Science

Subconscious systems (often referred to in research as nonconscious or automatic processes) play a dominant, constant role in regulating physiological functions, but they are not the 

only controlling factor, as conscious intervention can override some of these systems. 

Key Aspects of Subconscious Physiological Control

1. Constant Regulation: The subconscious mind is responsible for managing vital, involuntary functions 24/7, such as heart rate, breathing, digestion, and hormone release.
2. Survival Mechanisms: Subconscious systems (like the brainstem and hypothalamus) act as the primary operator for survival, functioning faster than conscious thought to handle emergencies, such as immediate pain withdrawal reflexes.
3. Automaticity: Many complex physical actions become automated through the subconscious, requiring little to no conscious awareness once mastered. 

Limitations and Interplay with Consciousness

1. Conscious Override: While many functions are fully automatic, some (e.g., breathing, blinking) can be overridden by conscious, voluntary control.
2. Interaction: Conscious and unconscious processes interact in daily actions; for instance, the brain often initiates decisions unconsciously before they reach conscious awareness.
3. Not Exclusive Control: The "conscious" mind can influence the subconscious mind through methods like meditation or intentional training to alter habits or physiological responses. 

In summary, the subconscious is the primary, continuous operator of involuntary physiological functions, but it does not have exclusive, absolute control over all bodily processes at all times. 

Yes very limited and temporary conscious control.

Could you decide to never blink again.

If we had real control, we would be able to cure ourselves of cancer and be able to live forever.

The idea that "real control" would enable humanity to cure cancer and live forever 

reflects a desired, rather than current, reality. While modern medicine has made significant strides in managing cancer as a chronic illness and extending human lifespan, curing all cancers and achieving immortality remain scientifically elusive for several fundamental reasons. 

1. The Challenge of Curing Cancer

Cancer is not a single disease but an umbrella term for over 200 distinct diseases. The difficulty in curing them lies in their complexity, adaptability, and diversity: 

1. Genetic Complexity and Evolution: Cancer is caused by DNA mutations that cause cells to grow uncontrollably. As tumors grow, they evolve and develop resistance to treatments, often making them harder to treat over time.
2. Tumor Heterogeneity: Even within a single tumor, cells can have different genetic mutations, meaning a treatment that kills some cells might not affect others, leading to recurrence.
3. Immune Evasion: Cancer cells are adept at hiding from the immune system, making it difficult for the body to recognize and destroy them.
4. Metastasis: The ability of cancer to spread to other parts of the body makes it much harder to eliminate completely. 

While some cancers are highly treatable or preventable, a universal "one-size-fits-all" cure is unlikely. 

2. The Limits of Human Longevity

While advancements in medicine have increased average life expectancy, there appear to be biological constraints on the maximum human lifespan: 

1. Natural Limits: The longest documented human life is 122 years, suggesting that around 110–120 years may be a natural limit for the human species.
2. Aging Process: Even if diseases like cancer were eliminated, the body still undergoes the process of aging, which limits overall lifespan.
3. Healthspan vs. Lifespan: Current research focuses more on extending "healthspan"—the period of life spent in good health—rather than just extending the total lifespan. 

3. "Real Control" vs. Current Capabilities

Current medical research is moving away from a one-size-fits-all approach toward more personalized strategies, such as: 

1. Precision Medicine: Using genetic information to choose treatments tailored to a specific person's cancer.
2. Immunotherapy: Engineering immune cells to target and kill cancer cells.
3. mRNA Vaccines: Developing personalized vaccines to target cancer cells and reduce recurrence risk. 

While these innovations significantly improve survival rates and quality of life, they do not constitute absolute "control" over the disease or the aging process. 

Nope, it simply "reflects" the futility of mind over matter, when it really matters.

"Mind over matter" refers to the ability of human consciousness, willpower, and intention to influence or overcome physical constraints, sensations, or external conditions

. This concept bridges philosophy, psychology, and, according to some studies, quantum mechanics, suggesting that mental activity can directly affect physical systems or bodily limitations. 

Key Aspects of Mind Over Matter

1. Physical Limitations & Endurance: The mind can push the body beyond perceived limits, with studies suggesting athletes can extend endurance by up to 20% using mental techniques. This is often used to manage pain or exhaustion.
2. Healing and Health: The placebo effect is a primary example of the mind influencing physical health, where belief in a treatment's effectiveness can produce real physical improvements.
3. Neural Control: Research shows individuals can consciously control the activity of individual neurons using focused thought.
4. Quantum Influence: Some studies, such as those by the PEAR lab and the Institute of Noetic Sciences, suggest that conscious attention can subtly influence random event generators or the behavior of photons in double-slit experiments.
5. Mental Techniques: Tools for achieving this include visualization, positive self-talk, and mindfulness, which help separate physical sensations from mental responses. 

Contexts and Origin

1. Origin: The phrase was first used in 1863 to describe the increasing dominion of human intelligence over the physical world.
2. Philosophy: The concept aligns with dual-aspect theories, which suggest mind and matter are different expressions of an underlying, shared reality.
3. Application: It is used to describe overcoming fears, managing stress, and achieving goals through mental discipline. 

While sometimes dismissed as purely anecdotal, the concept highlights the powerful role of mindset in shaping personal reality and performance. 

For sure, I could get my dick and balls removed, consume vast quantities of synthetic hormones and call myself Sybil if I so desired.

So I will think positively and immortally, but I'm not sure that it will work.

The post reminds you, While sometimes dismissed as purely anecdotal, the concept highlights the powerful role of mindset in shaping personal reality and performance. 

Such is the human animal.

Some like to be called Sybil.