The Flintstones

The Flintstones

Our brains tend to avoid change. We may subconsciously interpret it as danger, instead of opportunity. Our bodies goes straight to what they've experienced/ interpreted, stored as “dangerous” intel from the past, across millennia. In a millisecond it decides how to respond. Emotionally and physically. 

Let's take our ancient cave dwelling relatives for example:

 Trigger-Sound of saber tooth tiger triggers fear of being eaten (real threat) 

Behavior-body says “run like hell” you take off 

Result- live another day, remember this experience for future use

The trigger and subsequent behavior, was directly related to the situation, and helpful for your survival. 

We survived millions of years using this technique…but the world, our environment, and dangers have changed. Our mind and bodies reactions have been slower to get the memo. 

Today's example is more nuanced:

Trigger- Your daughter quits the soccer team, you find out from another mother

Behavior- You react with anger and threats (you’re actually hurt because she didn’t tell you, and fearful of how this looks on you. You want to be close with her and be seen as a good mom for approval and safety.)

Result- Your daughter is talking to you even less. She told her friends about the outburst, who told their friends/parents. They think you’re crazy. 

Did the choices help you reach your true desire, or push you further from it?

How does anxiety interact with change? Our minds interpret it as uncertainty, we start to worry what’s happening here? When we can't, our mind uses it’s database of interpretations and spins it out into the future. (No Bueno worst case scenario)

Perhaps anxiety is a habit. One that our mind uses to sort through information, feel safe and make decisions. ARE you using relevant, current information based on your goals to make decisions that support results you want?

OR

Is your prefrontal cortex accessing past information, interpretations and experiences? Creating responses that aren’t connected to the present situation? Responses that aren’t connected to your needs or the result you desire? 

Next time anxiety feels like it’s about to take over. Take a deep breath. Center yourself and settle into being present in your body. 

What are you feeling right now? Breathe. What is really bothering you? What do you really want/need? What is actually happening, right now in this current moment?

What behaviors, based on these answers will lead you to the result you want? 

New habits are possible. Change is possible. You are amazing!