From Coral to Coal

Abstract

From coral to coal. A course from life to decay; from fluid plasticity to sedimentary rigidity; from tropical reef polyps expansion to combustible oxidative free radicals reaction; from expression to suppression; from flourish to perish. All these contrasting dynamics, this vivid antithesis of an integer ecosystem to a compressed peat bog, this endless colorful miracle of delight to a blackish stratum shell of scorn, get to be defined by a single letter; an “r”. The reflection that stands in between and makes all the difference; the reflection that stands in between and as a pivotal criterion reverberates opposed conditions and qualities; the reflection that stands in between and as a sword decides and divides. Which way it will be: light or darkness, real or unreal, allostasis or allostatic load, neuroinflammation or neuroprotection, progressive neurodegeneration or cell control and communication, gamma synchrony or hyperexcitability, well-being or mind-body infirmity, is determined by a serious consideration and careful thought. The conceptual operation of inverting a system or event with respect to a plane. A level of existence and cogitation, or development in accordance with a vectoring, a direction, orientation and attention. And for all the above, the mind-eye mirror connection which perceives and interprets, and creates a neuronal abstract substrate of bound distinct circuits that form as a whole memory, undoubtedly holds the key.