Yazmin describes herself as a skeptic who has chosen science as her approach to "reality." Whether in social, biological, medical, environmental, or any other field that piques her interest or curiosity, she consistently employs science as her primary tool.
She's the kind of person who can't help but ask questions like: "Where did you get that information? Is your source reliable? What statistical data do you have to support your claims? Are there studies on this?"
While acknowledging that modern science is refutable—its assertions are not dogmas, unlike theses of faith or declarations of beliefs—Yazmin values science as a powerful means to approach reality. She explains that scientific claims arise from the repeated application of models or experiments that gather and relate information observable through at least one of our senses, often with the aid of mathematical operations.
When scientific communities—which, she notes, are diverse and not immune to the excesses of political and economic powers—verify that the results of these models or experiments are consistent, it's possible to assert something about reality. At least until humanity, also using science, develops an even more powerful observational tool.
With this skepticism in tow and science as her banner, Yazmin has experienced moments where she needed the support and guidance of people and disciplines to untangle the thoughts and emotions that trouble her.
She has found calm in cognitive-behavioral psychotherapy, Buddhist philosophy, and meditation, adopting them as a form of spiritual treatment, especially after reading neuroscience articles that affirm the value of these practices in promoting well-being, finding peace, avoiding suffering, and achieving happiness.
Mind and Body as Raw Material
That's why, when Ana Vargas invited Yazmin to collaborate on her blog with articles that would complement or contrast the topics of Self-Recognition she presents, Yazmin accepted the challenge. Her intention is to explore and delve into information related to the brain, the body, and the benefits offered by certain practices and tools used in personal development and alternative therapies.
Yazmin believes that, in this way, the more skeptical among us will find greater motivation to be consistent in our Self-Recognition practices, being able to scientifically support benefits such as meditation improving sleep, reducing anxiety, lowering blood pressure, decreasing inflammation, and enhancing immune function. In summary, meditation provides benefits for both mental and physical health.
For those less skeptical, who don't grapple with endless doubts and questions, the information in these articles can be useful to confirm what they already know from their daily practices. Her purpose is also to spark curiosity and provide interesting references that enrich the daily routines of those who read them.
What If Contradiction Arises?
Yazmin acknowledges that there will be Self-Recognition topics that are easy to approach from a scientific standpoint, in which case she will seek to complement what Ana Vargas presents. However, there will undoubtedly be others where it will be necessary to contrast ideas. For those moments, she recalls a quote from novelist F. Scott Fitzgerald that was given to her years ago:
"The test of a first-rate intelligence is the ability to hold two opposed ideas in mind at the same time and still retain the ability to function."
This quote accompanies Yazmin whenever she finds herself seeking certainties, as if forgetting that everything changes, everything is in motion, everything transforms (something both Buddhism and science have confirmed). For her, holding opposing ideas without becoming stagnant opens the possibility of formulating new ideas, exploring alternative paths, and finding innovative combinations.
Moreover, Yazmin firmly believes that contradictions, paradoxes, and ambiguities protect us from fundamentalism, dogma, Manichaeism, or polarization. Accepting their existence broadens our capacity to listen, observe, and, in general, perceive. This openness to dialogue, bidirectional and enriching, allows the brain to find new connections, creating unprecedented meanings and possibilities.
An Enriching Collaboration
This is how Yazmin defines her relationship with Ana Vargas: Ana, guided by an indecipherable energy; Yazmin, driven by a force that seeks to decipher everything. Both are convinced that inner knowledge and self-awareness are key to living in peace, building a more solid emotional balance, and accessing tools to face suffering.
For years, they have maintained an enriching dialogue, sharing doubts, offering answers from different fields of knowledge, and growing together.
Now, Ana has invited Yazmin to fully join her boat, trusting that this exchange of ideas and reflections will benefit those who read them. And why not, as concluded in Buddhism, may it be for the well-being of all beings.
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