Whilst TAF does not work very well when you are trying to pay attention in a group class to learn a new sequence (eg a dance or aerobics class), it can increase one’s awareness of parts of oneself that are normally below the level of conscious processing - this can be useful in a one-to-one teaching session where one is trying to get the feel of something unaccustomed, whether that is singing or perhaps some kinds of bodywork. Possibly it may also be useful in an acting class where one is trying to bring to the fore impulses that in our daily lives we allow to be muted by the neocortex.
This doesn’t seem like the type of thing a human would produce as a pheromone.. does it? Natural production is geared towards social benefits, right?
That’s an interesting observation PQ. Can you elaborate more on what brought you to this tentative observation about group theory as opposed to individual learning?
If I am understanding you correctly perhaps the group is causing the individual to be more focused on the group rather than the self, in which case then, perhaps a shift in concentration would alleviate this syndrome and create an enhanced focus once one learns to focus on the individual while blocking the group.
I hope that makes as much sense in writing as it does in my head.
michael’s example of a context where taf might naturally play a part was, i think, of when you are in a state of heightened awareness gazing adoringly at your new belle (and perhaps at some level being able to notice things about her that would be important for fitness-impacting decisions).. whether or not taf plays a role here, it’s certainly a lot less quirky than some of the other pheromones out there (TAC, for example). there are many things in nature that are marvels.
It wasnt my intention to make the distinction at that abstract level of group vs individual context (a la alpha/beta toggle on the nols and Androstadienone) - more to describe at a concrete level times when TAF had been helpful to me vs a hindrance. Possibly in a group class there is just too much going on, and with a medium dose of TAF that becomes overwhelming. The RAS is there for a reason! But in a one-on-one class one is able to get a better sense via TAF, for example of what it feels like to sing using the back (quite subtle and might take much longer without TAF).
Further thought on the emotional stuff/felt sense. Obviously there is a - quite plausible - theory that the only way we feel any emotion is via our recognition of its bodily manifestation. (We first feel the thumping hard and the sweaty brow and only with time do we come to recognise this as being afraid of speaking in public). Given the way that TAF heightens physical sensation (for me for example, the most striking way was what it did to the taste of a gin and tonic) and our sense of ourselves, its not at all surprising that TAF should amp up our sensitivity to emotional waves and impulses that arise within us.
I’ve heard a lot about the self-effects of TAF like this…do you know how much the people around you are experiencing the same thing?
I think it’s produced by a gland in the body actually… that’s what I suspect..
I have a bottle of TAF and, albeit subtle, I find it initially tended to scatter my thoughts and break concentration, thereby befuddling efforts to learn or rehearse. Seems good for passive entertainment such as watching movies, grass grow or people walk by. I got used to the self-effects quickly and it doesn’t do much of anything anymore. I couldn’t discern any effects on people around me.
Kinda jealous of you guys getting self-effects. Good or bad, at least you guys feel something about it. From memory, I had zip. Bump!
what dosage? need to get up to 50-75 mcg the first few times in order to ‘get’ taf
I even had effects on my dreams!
Have tried 5 to 60 mcg, IIRC. Oh well…