My introduction to Buck Rogers, was that classic bad TV show from the 1970’s, “Buck Rogers in the 25th Century”. Even though the TV series didn’t last long I was smitten with the character Buck Rogers. I loved how the whole Rip Van Winkle concept inspired Science Fiction stories. Ruck Rogers' story often goes down the path of mind control and other brain functions. Sometimes when meditating I find it difficult to silent that brain. Each time I bring my mind back to focus on my breathing I am helping my brain to remain focused on other details.

Silence the Brain

“If only we could silence the ‘brain’. I’ll try my paralysis ray on it.” - Buck Rogers*

Anthony (Buck) Rogers was born 1898 and was a soldier in World War I. Afterwards he worked for an American Radioactive Gas Corp. When Buck is investigating a mine in Wyoming Valley, Pennsylvania there was a cave in. Rogers is trapped and due to the equipment and radioactive gas he falls into a state of suspended animation. The year was 1927; he remained in the mine for 492 years. When he awakes it is 2419 and his world had changed.

That brain of ours is always working. It micro-manages everything. When the teachers of meditation suggest silencing the brain, that feels impossible – we are always thinking. Life would be so easy if we could silence all those thoughts. If only we could silence those negative fearful and resentful thoughts. Keep in mind (pardon the pun) that when meditating the positive pleasant thoughts can also be distracting. With practice the brain can slow down to focus on one goal – it does become almost silent. Here is a simple technique that can be done every day. Just sit in silence looking out the window, on the back porch, or at a favorite painting in a museum. Start with one minute, set a timer to help. Start slowly and build on the time each week or day (whichever is more comfortable). The key here is NO communication, just sit in silence. When the time of silence is over the body will feel refreshed and the mind is clearer. Those negative thoughts will be less fearful. The positive thoughts will be more joyful.

Buck Rogers
First Appearance: Armageddon 2419 A.D., Amazing Stories, Aug 1928, Experimenter Publishing

Strip Appearance: Armageddon 2419 A.D., National Newspaper Syndicate, January 7. 1929

Creators: Philip Francis Nowlan

* “The Mind of Minds”, National Newspaper Syndicate, November 22, 1936–January 17, 1937