Our early ancestors led a much more dangerous life than we do. They were forced to forage for food by day, retreating to caves at night for safety and shelter. Without any complex navigation tools or self-defense weapons, it was reliance on instinct and primitive tools.
Fortunately, they were armed with an Amygdala, a small, almond-shaped gland at the base of the brain. The Amydala awoke at the first hint of danger, secreting a hormone called Cortisol into the pre-frontal cortex of the brain. The Cortisol clamped down on the decision-making function of the brain, shortening its complicated reasoning into a quick fight or flight choice. Run or fight, but don’t stand still.
Fast forward to modern times. We have modern navigation and for some of us, modern self-defense tools. We’re armed for danger. Unfortunately, we don’t live in a kill or be killed world anymore, yet the Amygdala functions the same way it did millions of years ago. Our responsibility now is to better manage situations and relationships so that Amygdala stays managed too. Our strategy? Better self-awareness, self-reflection, and of course, deep breathing. After all, your Amygdala still thinks it’s 1 million BC, not the 21stcentury!
