Limbic system
The limbic system is a set of brain structures related to, among others, with emotions, motivation, memory and survival responses.
Definition
It is not one simple "emotional brain," but a network of interacting structures such as the amygdala, hippocampus, hypothalamus, and cingulate gyrus. It participates in the assessment of the meaning of stimuli, emotional memory, motivation and regulation of behavior. In practice, it is worth talking about its role carefully, without contrasting it with the entire "rational" cortex.
Key ideas
- Sieć struktur
- Emocje i pamięć
- Motywacja i reakcje przetrwania
Practice and life
When you notice a strong emotional reaction, name the stimulus, the body reaction and the interpretation - this helps connect the emotion with the reflection.
Common misunderstanding
It is wrong to say that the limbic system itself "takes control" of a person. It is also a mistake to treat emotions as the opposite of thinking.
Questions for self-reflection
- Jaki bodziec uruchomił reakcję?
- Co czuję w ciele?
- Jak mogę włączyć refleksję, zanim zadziałam?