This is a simple model, but it can be both powerful and useful. Similar to the NLP model that we looked at a couple of weeks ago, this helps us to understand the process we go though in response to certain situations. And understanding a process is the first stage in letting us stay in control and create choices and options for ourselves.
Think of the brain as having 2 sections, the neo-cortex and the amygdala, (yes, I know the reality is far more complicated, but I’m not a neuroscientist and I only have a few hundred words). The neo-cortex is our evolved brain, and it takes care of evolved functions such as rational thinking and language. Then there is our amygdala. This is our primitive, prehistoric brain. It takes care of instinct and emotion.
Our thought processes pass through the amygdala enroute to our neo-cortex. For the most part this amygdala is dozy and happy for our neo-cortex to pick up most of the work. However, if were tired, over stretched or stressed, and if we feel threatened or attacked, the amygdala wakes up and springs into action. It takes control of our response, and the neo-cortex doesn’t get a look in.
This is where we react emotionally rather than rationally. This is where we’re shocked and lost for words, or so angry we can’t speak. This is where we can’t think straight. This is the amygdala highjack.
Now there are times when an emotional response is entirely appropriate and necessary. There are also times (probably many more) where an emotional reaction is not the optimum response for our situation. This can be the cause and catalyst of conflict, stress and overwhelm (amongst may other things).
Professor Stephen Peters has an excellent book called ‘The Chimp Paradox’. In this he describes the amygdala as our chimp brain and looks at strategies to keep this chimp brain onside and aligned with the things we want to achieve. His argument is that when it gets bored, restless or triggered, that’s when it starts jumping around and causing us problems.
I’m sure we can all think of situations where we have reacted ‘without thinking’ and then regretted our response once we had time to reflect. As this model shows, that’s a natural reaction. We shouldn’t shame ourselves or others for acting in this way.
However, if this is a habitual response and it’s causing us problems, then we need to address it and create strategies to prevent this happening. That’s a whole other topic (in facts it’s several topics) but the first step is to understand what is happening when we react instinctively. It’s our chimp jumping up and our amygdala hijacking us.
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