Fascinating! Sumner's Vulcan Kolinar Results

This past summer I decided to attempt the Vulcan process of Kolinar, the purging of all emotion. The original post, with an in-depth explanation of Vulcan philosophy, can be found here: Sumner Goes Full Vulcan! 
 

Having had time to process what occurred, decided to share results. Some are funny, some serious, some surprising.

Before the results, here's a brief recap of the Vulcan philosophy in general:

Within the universe, there is infinite diversity in infinite combinations. Beauty and meaning are created by seeing the connections between things, no matter how disparate. Logic is the ultimate framework to work within for it is a constant. Every individual has a right to privacy and dignity, so that they may put all effort in to bettering themselves. Just as each individual has a right to dignity, the dignity of others must be respected, even if they hold polar opposite views. Failing to act to relieve the suffering of others is putting forth that one holds one’s self more important than others. By focusing on developing internal peace, one then helps society become more peaceful and advanced. 

Good posture lends to a healthy mind.

Sumner’s Kolinar Results
 
Posture – Maintain perfect posture at all times, whether standing or sitting. Reclining and slouching will not take place. Lying down will only occur when it is time to sleep.

Believe it or not, this is the one thing that had the heaviest impact. It was not always easy to remember, but when out and about in public, standing straight, shoulders back, there was an actual feeling of more strength and confidence. Of the several Kolinar techniques I implemented, it carries through to this very day. Such a simple thing, yet very powerful.
 
Facial expressions– Minimal. Facial muscles relaxed at all times. No laughing or smiling. Extensive use of eyebrows is acceptable.  

Vocalizations – Calm, even toned, with total absence of anger, irritation or sarcasm.

My appreciation for Leonard Nimoy (Spock, TOS), Tim Russ (Tuvok, VOY), Jolene Blalock (T'Pol, ENT), Zachary Quinto (Spock, Abrams' reboot) and any other actor that ever put on the Vulcan ears increased immeasurably, for this was exceedingly difficult to do. This had a measured improvement in my life, for keeping my facial expressions and vocalizations neutral was incredibly helpful in keeping me calm. However, to maintain this for extended periods of time? Like expecting Tribbles not to reproduce.

The most difficult time to keep facial expressions and vocalizations in check?

Driving. Something tells me that the term "f**k head" would not be utilized by a Vulcan while operating a motor vehicle.

Even Vulcans have the occasional bad day.

Eating – Vulcans never touch food with their fingers, so only utensils will be utilized. Eat only what is necessary for sustenance. Every time I catch myself not using a utensil will be a reminder of logic.
 
The “utensils only” paradigm was especially difficult at first, but unquestionably made a difference. That, plus only eating what was needed for sustenance, helped eliminate much unnecessary dietary intake. Lost seven pounds that month.

Reading/Study – Continued research on Vulcan philosophy and culture. Daily review of Vulcan proverbs. Other topics will include: science, Stoic philosophy and Buddhism. Also, anything that may be practical for the purpose of helping others.
 

A key element of Vulcan philosophy is bettering one’s self and being of benefit to others. Am already an avid reader, but time with a book doubled during my attempt at Kolinar. Science, history, Buddhism, some science fiction. Also, began studying the German language. This put my mind on the same level of intensity of study that I haven’t experienced since college. Television time became almost non-existent. And I had much more to discuss with friends and family.
 

Music – When time is allotted, it will be mathematical or minimalist in nature, such as Bach or the Japanese shakuhachi flute. No rock and roll.

In preparation for the month of Kolinar, I purchased Bach’s Brandenburg Concertos as well as his The Art of Fugue for String Quartet. It is with all sincerity I write that for thirty days straight, when music seemed appropriate, Bach’s fugues were the only things* to which I listened. I think Johann would’ve done well on the planet Vulcan. (*There was one day where Kolinar fell completely apart, my more primal emotions dominated, and Rammstein was cranked.)

Cast out fear. There is no room for anything else until you cast out fear.

Meditation – Every morning, every night, standard breath meditation. Mindfulness of logic ever present while off the cushion. Hourly alarms will be reminders of logic. The mantra of “There is no offense if none is taken” will be utilized.

It’s fair to say that before attempting Kolinar, compared to most, I have extensive experience with meditation.  But as with any skill or art, even if there are fundamentals that must be followed, there are countless ways to approach the act of quieting, controlling and shaping the mind. I know that all things Vulcan eventually go back to a guy named “Gene” who lived in California, but approaching meditation from a Vulcan point of view helped give a new perspective. It might be very un-Vulcan to say this, but meditation became fun again.

And the mantra There is no offense if none is taken made trips out into public much less stressful. Especially when there's a person in the 10 items or less lane. With 23 items. With coupons. Paying by check.

Daily exercise– Tai chi, weights, walking.

Aside from the “utensil only” rule from above, this was a factor in some weight loss as well. Didn’t go all out health-Nazi crazy, but simply ensured that I did something physical every day. After all, the best way to optimize helping others is to ensure a long, healthy life!

Didn’t have the time or money to take official Tai Chi Classes, but spoke with a teacher who has been studying the ancient Chinese art for a few decades, and he recommended a DVD from which I’m still learning, and which I'm certain would be "Vulcan approved." Yang Tai Chi For Beginners by Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming.

Gaming - Mass Effect is acceptable since one is placed in situations that constantly challenge one’s ethical and moral guidelines. Also, the ultimate goal of the game is to save the universe, which is a logical and noble cause. All smart phone games will be left brained/math/logic oriented.

Many may not want to hear this, but with Vulcan logic in mind, my gaming time decreased 99%. This surprisingly snuck up on me, since I've always considered myself a die-hard gamer. But, I hardly touch the console anymore. With all the other activities that benefit my mind or help others, there just never seemed a good time for gaming. I go to sleep earlier, sleep better and wake up rested. I would also venture to state that with less stimulation of the amygdala, there seems to be a decline in irritation and aggression within my mind as well. 

Conclusion

Overall, no matter how contrived or self-concocted, attempting Kolinar was a valuable and worthwhile experience. It lead to quite a few laughs and much less anger/irritation, both for myself and others operating within my sphere of functioning.

The only people that would probably be upset with me would be the makers of Grand Theft Auto V. I think that $60 will be going towards other pursuits that are more...logical.

Live long and prosper!

Stephen Sumner is the science fiction columnist for Action A Go Go. His favorite sci-fi series include Firefly, Battlestar Galactica and Star Trek. He can be followed on Twitter at https://twitter.com/VierLights or on the Tumblr machine at http://vierlights.tumblr.com/.