Monkey brain, lizard brain, cavemen brain, and old brain are terms I have heard people use to refer to the parts of the brain responsible for our emotional responses. However, I believe that labeling these parts of the brain in such a biased manner hinders us from truly recognising their intelligence as protectors of our authenticity.
Our bias stems from the belief that our brain’s evolution hasn’t kept up with the demands of the modern era. It’s commonly said that our emotional reactions are still based on our ancestors’ encounters with sabertooth tigers, relying on animalistic instincts to react to danger. Even some neuroscientists write that the lower part of our brain isn’t well-suited for modern life.
I disagree.
Focusing too much on the concept of primitive function can lead us to ignore our valuable emotional responses and deem them as outdated evolutionary remnants that we must learn to control, manage, and even override with our cognitive intelligence. This narrow-minded belief may even be contributing to the declining mental and emotional health in our society. By adhering to limiting beliefs based on biased scientific views, we miss out on exploring and utilising the full potential and capabilities of our entire brain. Subconsciously, we reinforce the notion that something is inherently wrong with us, and that we can only overcome it by relying on the power of our cognitive brain functions. This mindset can lead to an internal conflict, where we feel drawn into an imaginary battle with our own emotions, much like Don Quixote fighting imaginary windmills.
Many people seek emotional stability through mindfulness, meditation, and breathing techniques. However, they often find that the inner peace and balance they gain disappear once they return to the outside world. To cope, some try to practice radical acceptance, but struggle to let go of their desire for a constant state of inner peace.
The hidden intelligence
Through this article, I aim to present a view that I have consistently noticed in myself and others, including my clients, wife, and child, for the past five years. From my observations, I believe that our emotional brain knows us better than our cognitive brain.
While working through a value exercise from Brene Brown’s Dare to Lead, I asked myself a crucial question: which value, among all that I hold dear, would I be willing to sacrifice under pressure? As I contemplated each value, I observed my emotions and quickly realised that my response varied for each one. I also discovered that certain values held more significance for me than others, depending on the circumstances. When I came across the value of ‘curiosity,’ I knew I couldn’t let it go. The idea of giving up curiosity felt like losing a part of myself. I instantly knew I was on to something.
Identifying curiosity as a core value sparked a transformation within me that reordered my inner world. Conflicts and struggles that had previously confounded me suddenly made sense. I began to recognise that my emotions in the past were always trying to highlight my value of curiosity. However, because I perceived my emotions as negative, I attempted to silence those voices. As a result, those same emotions cropped up again in different situations, leaving me feeling as though something was wrong with me.
After learning about Emotional Logic and working closely with its creator Dr Trevor Griffiths, I’ve come to understand that emotions shouldn’t be categorised as positive or negative. Instead, I refer to them as pleasant or unpleasant and believe they serve a purpose. As I delved deeper into exploring my emotions, I realised that they can provide me with insight into my personal values even when those values are unknown to my cognitive brain until I acknowledge them. Trusting this insight I consistently followed my emotions deep into my heart and gained a newfound clarity about myself that was previously unimaginable.
After helping my wife implement similar techniques and principles, she too became more aware of her set of values and authentic self that were previously buried beneath false beliefs and emotional pain. Similarly, when I guide my clients through their emotional turmoil, we often identify personal values that were previously unconscious or perceived as troublemakers. Once these values are named and owned, people experience a positive transformation. They become more confident and stable, and are better equipped to navigate life’s challenges. The crazy part is that it works with my 10-year-old too.
Therefore, I propose that our amygdala and limbic system not only protect us from physical harm and pre-historic dangers but also safeguard our identity and authentic self that is unique to any of us. Our emotions are not just instinctive reactions, but instead, they are messages that help us tap into our deepest values and live authentically with renewed energy.
Dear community, I am eager to listen to your thoughts and opinions. To the researchers and scientists out there, I am interested in collaborating with you. Please don’t hesitate to challenge me, enlighten me, or correct me if necessary.
What are your valuable insights on this topic?
