Your Mind
There are times when we have thoughts that we have not voluntarily actively participated in. There are thoughts that randomly pop into your mind sometimes living you aghast and questioning your own sanity.
There are two parts of our brain. The limbic small primate older part is responsible for the cocktail of hormones that causes us to have a range of moods and emotions. Then there is the cortex the large evolutionary part where thoughts originate from.
One scientist described the cortex as a supercomputer whose sole purpose is doing what a monkey brain wants. In essence, the limbic brain is the boss and how you feel dictates the thoughts you will have. Makes sense? Let’s think of an example.
You have decided to go for a run after a short distance you feel tired. What goes on in your mind? You are flooded with suggestions on how the situation should be handled. Stop and walk back home, grab a taxi, sit down for a while then decide whether you want to continue or not, slow down run at a walking pace for just 100 meters then go home, you will do it next time. The cortex was basically trying to make you feel better by suggesting that you quit on your plan to do your 5k run.
Does this not happen all the time you are on to something challenging? My big one is talking to strangers. I generally love people but am a little shy. I would rather write a text or an email than make a phone call or meet someone in person. Whenever I need to call someone or just ask for help from a total stranger a crisis meeting is quickly convened in my head and very concrete arguments are presented on why I should not approach this stranger. Every time I went against those limiting thoughts it proved that my mind was just trying to protect me by keeping in my comfort zone. The cortex was just doing its job of making sure the stress hormones the limbic was releasing are contained.
The cortex is sceptical and analytical and the limbic languishes in emotions. That’s why when one is under the influence of drugs or alcohol their base emotions are more visible. Because psychotics shut down or slow down the cortex. One expert recommended a shot of whiskey for participants before any tough negotiations started. He argues that this will ease the tension in the room and open up channels of communication.
It also explains why when one is high, they don’t think about their bills, their annoying bosses or their hateful neighbour. The part of the brain which does the worry was sent on a short leave. I am not recommending the use of drugs and alcohol to feel good. They might make you feel good but it is very short-lived and then the watchdog will be back and hammer you with regrets.
How do you use the two parts of your brain to ensure that you have an optimal life? The cortex will definitely prevent you from jumping over a cliff. So a lot of times it is good to take the crisis meetings seriously especially when indulging yourself. The limbic will infuse in your veins the feel-good hormones and you will radiate joy and positivity.
You need to decide when to override your cortex thoughts and when the lust for happy hormones will get you in trouble and therefore delayed gratification is probably a better idea. Finally whenever you find yourself in a situation where you don’t want to be or you fail or are disappointed by your own actions. Don’t allow your cortex to beat you up with guilt and understand that you are not your thoughts and your mind is not your friend it is your keeper.
jackmugoya 