The Heart-Brain System – Joshua Tree Retreat Center

“The semi-independent network of neurons that constitutes the “small brain in the heart” is closely connected with the brain its self. Together, they make up a true “heart-brain system.” Within this system, the two organs constantly influence each other. Among the mechanisms connecting the heart and the brain, the autonomic nervous system plays a particularly important role. It has two branches: the “sympathetic” branch speeds up the heart and activates the emotional brain, the “parasympathetic” branch acts as a brake on both.”
– Dr. David Servan-Schreiber, The Institute to Heal

Special thanks to Terry Lynn Taylor of the Joshua Tree Retreat Center for having the vision of it becoming the replacement of the old illegible sun worn Institute of Mental Physics sign. Also would like to thank Juan Thorp for making the board, frame and install happen.

Mural by Martín Mancha at the Joshua Tree Retreat Center
Mural by Martín Mancha at the Joshua Tree Retreat Center
Mural at Joshua Tree Retreat Center
Mural at Joshua Tree Retreat Center
Highway View
Highway View
Concept Art
Old mural sign at the Joshua Tree Retreat Center

BREATHE – SIGN AT The joshua tree retreat center / Institute of mentalphysics

As the world was watching the world set upside down due to the COVID 19 virus, I began some drawings to process different concepts I have about the situation. I did this concept drawing I titled “~breathe~”, as an intention to “visualize healthy clear vibrant heart/breath center, respiratory passages and deep slow nasal breathing.”

Special thanks to Terry Lynn Taylor of the Joshua Tree Retreat Center for having the vision of it becoming the replacement of the old illegible sun worn Institute of Mental Physics sign. Also would like to thank Juan Thorp for making the board, frame and install happen.

(for those who cannot)

New sign at the Joshua Tree Retreat Center (formerly Institute of Mentalphysics)
View from Highway 62 at the Joshua Tree Retreat Center (formerly Institute of Mentalphysics)
Art concept
Old Institute of Mentalphysics sign at The Joshua Tree Retreat Center

Other related artwork…

~ b r e a t h e ~

(for those who cannot)

Social isolation is not a difficult process for introverts and those of who live in the desert, the threat of the covid19 / coronavirus has inspired me to create this Procreate drawing and visualize healthy clear vibrant heart/breath center, respiratory passages and deep slow nasal breathing.