2nd, Brain

Explaining, the emotional second brain functions and basic drives.

Introduction, the 2nd brain is involved in many of our feelings and emotions. Without this brain, we could not have a sense of sadness or joy. Anger, fear, territorial (protecting our turf), as well as feelings of security, pleasure and the joy of bonding with others are examples of the feelings the 2nd brain helps to make possible.

It's Functions and Basic Drives:

Territoriality
Fear
Anger
Maternal love
Social bonding
Jealousy

Many animals, such as dogs and cats, have this brain level as well. This part of the brain gives us memory of past events. When you and a friend see each other, memories of your last conversation and how you feel about each other are available to you because of the structures and circuits in the 2nd brain that store those memories. The 2nd brain also makes it possible for us to have hindsight. This means that we can learn from our past mistakes and successes.

The Past Conditions the Future
      With meditation training we more easily see how a past emotional experience, can form a reative habit. If this reaction is causing stress, with awareness and understanding. Chose a wiser response, that has a less stressful emotional outcome.