Stress Resources- Mental Stress
Introduction, of the thinking brain and perception. It is said that over 90% of our stress is self imposed due to beliefs and perception. With meditation we learn how to safely inquire into these deeper beliefs.
The Third Brain of Foresight
It's Functions and Basic Drives:
* Self-awareness of thoughts and emotions
* Ability to choose appropriate behavior
* Self-reflection
* Problem-solving
* Goal satisfaction
The 3rd level of the brain, sometimes called the cortex, is involved in thinking, problem-solving, goal-setting, and planning. This part of the brain provides you with foresight, an important ability that allows you to see ahead and consider the consequences of your decisions before acting on them. This is an advantage over the 2nd brain, where unmanaged emotions can push you to act without considering future results. The 3rd brain also monitors the 2nd brain’s activity and allows you to name and sort out your feelings and emotions. It can then help you decide what the best course of action may be for any situation.
As an example, if a comment offends us, and we feel hurt or angry. We can decide how to respond rather than automatically habitually react. The 3rd brain reviews several possibilities: seek revenge, try to talk and resolve the conflict, let it go, forgive, or consider other options. It is the ability to understand the situation from many angles that can lead to a more intelligent decision. The 3rd brain can also help you notice when you are acting against what you feel is right. Some call this being aware of your conscience.
Understanding and our Future
When the awareness is clear and spacious, we are aware of the sensations of the body (1st brain), the feelings of the heart (2nd Brain) and the thoughts of the mind (3rd brain). This allows for new wise understandings to arise. We can apply these insights to the relationship with our self and others. This then reduces the unnecessary stress we have held out of past perceptional habits.