The Thymus Gland is located by the breastbone in the nook between our throat and shoulders. A small gland, at risk as our sensitive neck and spine adjust to the ever-shifting weight of our skulls.
The Thymus, throughout history, has been a bit mysterious. It is believed to be a part of human/primate immunity and behavioral posturing.
Imagine male Gorillas pounding their chests. It’s thought that gorillas don’t only posture, but stimulate a specific biological response – to excite or to calm – by pounding upon their prominent Thymus glands.
Ape Ape Baby
I’ve been beating my chest since I was a child. Hard. As in I punch myself above the breast bone, and as an adult above my breasts but below my trachea, much as a Gorilla would. Almost daily.
This action doesn’t hurt me at all, feels really good and seems to have nothing but positive influence on my motivation and clarity. The action clears my lungs and sinuses as well.
Should I be so fortunate to enjoy a respectful and skilled massage therapist (non-sexual massage, specialist in high quality care-giving), if he or she massages along my breastbone and spends time on trigger points, I become significantly calmer in the process and far more alert and positive after.
Advice: Only Watch For So Long
I had no idea why as a very young child the influence of the Thymus gland had such an affect on me. Only about a decade ago did I begin to postulate that the Thymus plays a role in our immunity via chest-beating.
But now I’ve stumbled upon the idea of the Hyperthymic Temperament. I immediately saw traits in myself that made more sense than in my entire 48+ year quest for understanding and identity.
Consider yourself, and me (I = ~ 98.5%) in this description. Do you recognize yourself? Others whom you know?
Then please share what resounds with you, what you don’t relate to at all, what might relate to people you know – or any other thoughts on this you’d like to express in comments.
Ready? Here we go!
Hyperthymic Temperament (as defined on Wikipedia)
Hyperthymic temperament or hyperthymia (from the Ancient Greek θυμός for “spiritedness”) is characterized by a personality style or set of personality traits that include:
- increased energy and productivity
- short sleep patterns
- vividness, activity extroversion
- self-assurance, self-confidence
- strong will
- extreme talkativeness
- tendency to repeat oneself
- risk-taking/sensation seeking
- breaking social norms
- very strong libido
- love of attention
- low threshold for boredom
- generosity and tendency to overspend
- emotion sensitivity
- cheerfulness and joviality
- unusual warmth
- expansiveness
- tirelessness
- irrepressibility, infectious quality
Not exactly boring, is it?
I only have two issues when comparing this list to my life. I’d tell you, but I’d rather you’d guess. Or tell me yours!
Go on then, comments are open.
