Ad copy

The amygdala records ANYTHING that has ever hurt you. Even as a toddler or a young child, before you had the language to explain what hurt you. Then, if anything occurs that is even remotely reminiscent of what hurt you in the past, the Lateral nucleus of the amygdala (name not important) fires and sends a message into your brainstem (the lowest part of the brain that connects with the spine) to activate the body's fight or flight mechanisms. Heart rate increases, as does blood pressure, you sweat more, your mouth gets dry. All in response to the amygdala sounding the alarm when it recognizes anything similar to what has harmed you in the past. As an example, let's say your parents yelled at each other when they fought. Even hearing someone shout in the distance could well trigger your amygdalae (we have 2, one in each hemisphere) to send your body into fight or flight. Hearing anyone raise their voice may even send your body and mind into a panic attack. The amygdalae act in concert with your protective EGO to send out a powerful signal to your body when they detect ANYTHING that is close to what hurt you in the past. This all occurs outside of your conscious awareness. This reaction is automatic and can create tremendous difficulties in healing old wounds. When you learn meditation or breath-work or any practice that soothes your body, this helps you stay in control when your amygdala sounds the alarm. Your biggest supporter [after yourself], dr. Russ