Commitment Anatomy- A version

 

 Quite recently I saw a planner for 2021. It had some very pertinent questions like what was last year all about? Statements and questions about the past year, memories, accomplishments, forgiveness, etc. The same set of questions in a similar format about the coming year.  With 2021 fast approaching we are desperate to make commitments work. We want to make promises and keep them. However, there is a catch. 2020, has proved the volatility of the current circumstances and revealed our vulnerability given the situation. Our fragility is a newfound phenomenon, however with questions that really took us deep into what has worked for us despite adversity somewhere works at rewiring the brain.

Let us look at how?

Today I came across Triune Brain Version theory, developed by Paul Maclean in 1960s. It basically divides the brain into 3 parts- Reptilian Brain, Mammalian Brain & Homosapien Brain.

Lizard Brain as is commonly referred works on a fight or flight mode. It works on Autopilot, so if higher functions of the brain shut down, Lizard brain ensures that all our body functions are working normally.

Mammalian brain or skittish cat as Peter Hollins refers to it in his book Neuro Discipline, is the limbic brain responsible for emotions and feelings.

The human Brain or the neocortex is the voice of rationale and logic. Responsible for intellectual and executive functioning, it is the home for conscious thought and self-awareness.

Since our lizard brain is mostly on autopilot, it doesn’t take much effort unless of course there is a threat which requires it to go into fight or flight mode. The challenge starts with the limbic and prefrontal cortex. Basically one is telling you, look buddy 2020 is gone, vaccines are out, with precautions things will start coming to normal, as long as you give it a chance. Just be careful.

Now the limbic brain has had its hands burnt, so it's looking for danger in places where there is no reason to find one. And what you are looking for ultimately finds you. The danger in some form does land up and once that happens, our emotions do the rest.

Commitment, for example is a conscious choice, but the minute limbic brain tells you, it's not working,  and unless you have a predetermined plan, of how are you going to fight that voice in your head which tells you- not happening, your commitment is no good.

As Dr Merzenich (Dr. Michael Merzenich) said, “The whole idea is to build a stronger machine in all of its operations.  If your brain is really vital, if it’s really in command, if it’s really stable and not easily carried off the mark, you’re going to keep your commitments.”

Some of the things that have worked for me are- Gratitude Journal, Support circle, Reading, Faith, Meditation and doing one new thing every day. Keeps me challenged!