Reflexes Control You (if you do nothing)
June 24, 2012 – 7:26 amWe would love to believe that we are “above” base reflexes; that we can “choose” to not be impacted by them because we are “evolved, enlightened or illuminated.” A simple visual stress test proves this false.
Reading this text, the dots begin to move (for most people) in the image beneath. And the perceived movement elicits an arousal in your (sympathetic) nervous system; no significant level of arousal (as this does not depict movement of perceived predators), but it’s a simple demonstration of an object you KNOW to be merely static two dimensions, but for which your brain has evolved to interpret as perceived prey, extrapolates movement, and mobilizes you with hormonal readiness.
Physical exercise, breath control, nutrition, hydration, anxiety management, meditation, resilience and mental agility training, can all impact the degree to which you’re impacted, the speed at which you recover, and the appropriateness of your response. Use your attention to slow them, and stop them, as an exercise.
But almost all of us (non-psychopathics) are effected by these base reflexes, if we do nothing.
V/R,
Scott Sonnon
