We have multiple brains.

Beyond the brain in our skull, we possess other significant clusters of neurons that influence how we think, feel, and make decisions. The other primary centers are the heart and the gut.

The heart contains approximately 40,000 neurons, often referred to as the "heart's little brain". The gut houses the enteric nervous system, comprising about 100 million neurons, earning it the nickname "the second brain."

In contrast, the brain in our skull dominates in sheer number of neurons, with an estimated 86 billion. But does the number of neurons alone dictate the importance of the information processed by each of these centers?

Despite the heart and gut brains having only a fraction of the neurons that the brain does, their influence is palpable. Are those neurons or brain centers weighted differently?

Just like statistical weights and biases, where a weighted parameter will have a greater influence on the outcome of a given situation, are these neurons in the heart and gut weighted differently than those in the brain?

Perhaps they process information differently—they may be weighted more highly in detecting danger or values misalignment in accordance with our selves.

I had the thought today: perhaps these three brains can form a council. The primary brain has executive functioning—it actually makes decisions. But like any executor, it is wise to lean on the knowledge and wisdom of its fellow council members.

When you think of these different brain centers, can you recall a moment where listening to your heart or your gut led you to the right decision? One that your brain alone could not have led you to?