EFT and the amazing brain
We all know the human brain is an amazing thing. The 2 parts of it we are concerned with here are the limbic system and the pre frontal cortex.
The limbic system (Thalamus) takes in information from the outside world via our senses. Touch, sight, hearing, taste and smell (except smells which are dealt with slightly differently than the others which is why they are such a powerful memory jogger)
The limbic system (hippocampus) then converts this information into memories, or deals with it as sees fit.
The limbic system (hypothalamus) is in communication with the autonomic nervous system, more specifically the limbic system (amygdala)controls the adrenal system and is therefore in control of the fight or flight responses.
The pre frontal cortex is the thinking part of the brain. It is what makes us human, and allows us to make considered choices, know the difference between right and wrong and develop personality etc..
Between the limbic system and prefrontal cortex information comes in to us, is dealt with in a manner our conscious or subconscious sees fit, and our body responds as instructed
When information is received into the limbic system there are a couple of options.
It has the ability to invoke the fight or flight response immediately, without consultation, for instance, if we stop breathing (drowning/strangled) there will be immediate kicking and struggling action in order to reinstate breath!!
As well as new experiences that we constantly experience our mind is a huge database of every experience we have ever had throughout our whole lives, those from our childhood sometimes exerting the most influence over our adult lives!
Not all experiences require such urgent attention as not being able to breath.
The limbic system and prefrontal cortex work together to decide on the best course of action. Unfortunately the course of action taken by our unconscious mind might not be the one our conscious mind would prefer!
Incidentally, there are times when we have had experiences where we should probably have had time for the prefrontal cortex to have worked out a reasonable explanation of what is going on, but it hasn’t had a chance because it has been pipped to the post by the amygdala generating a fight or flight response in response to a situation. I am trying to say that we don’t get a conscious choice to react calmly, instead ‘instinct’ chooses flight or fight, probably as a reaction to feeling trapped, whether it be physically or mentally, in a situation. This reaction to the situation then becomes a ‘scratched’ record and will replay anytime the same situation arises.
Causing, possibly the most serene situations to trigger (anchor) a big emotional reaction – this is when we know we need help!!