15/02/2025
Thought for the Evening:
As humans we experience three types of emotion regulation systems – the Threat System (fight, flight or freeze), the Drive System (to achieve goals including life/work and procreation), and the Soothing System (assisting us to remain calm and form positive relationships).
All these biological systems involve different parts of our brains and neurotransmitters (as noted in the attached model), and are part of our genetic makeup. While the Soothing System might assist us with forming positive relationships in a calm state within our immediate circle of loved ones (family, friends, and community); the Threat and Drive systems often place us in competition with others.
Subsequently, we might think that remaining competitive is totally normal, appropriate, and biologically driven (and it is). However, unlike other animals, humans do have the capacity to calm themselves and cognitively evaluate their circumstances, reducing the requirement to remain constantly in the Threat or Drive states. We do not always need to compete these days either, (i.e., not every situation is a matter of life or death, although we still might experience the physiological symptoms of stress).
If we can apply conscious thought and compassion (engaging with emotions and taking helpful action) to these emotional states, we might in fact be able to remain calm and prevent conflict. Unfortunately, we often act first and think later, relying on our emotional regulation states and our biology, much like our supposedly less intelligent animal counterparts who act entirely on instinct.
Unless we can learn to better apply compassion (in all flows - to others, from others, and to ourselves) when considering our emotion regulation states, I fear we will never know true peace on our planet!! We will always relate in a mistrusting and competitive manner, when a more balanced approach would be warranted. We will also continue seeing ourselves as differing races, needing to control others and to be the strongest or have access to more resources, rather than identifying as one human race and offering assistance to all in need.
This is definitely something to ponder and work on. Imagine the world we could create if we all mastered the art of true compassion and applied this to all of our emotion regulation states.
Good night everyone!!
