{"id":19118,"date":"2023-05-07T11:26:00","date_gmt":"2023-05-07T09:26:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.freieresleben.com\/neurobiology-of-transformation-things-you-should-know-about-your-brain\/"},"modified":"2026-01-30T15:43:33","modified_gmt":"2026-01-30T14:43:33","slug":"neurobiology-transformation-know-brain","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.freieresleben.com\/en\/neurobiology-transformation-know-brain\/","title":{"rendered":"Neurobiology of transformation | Things you should know about your brain"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"19118\" class=\"elementor elementor-19118 elementor-19116\" data-elementor-post-type=\"post\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-11e1d933 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"11e1d933\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-3dcb73de\" data-id=\"3dcb73de\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b11369f elementor-toc--minimized-on-tablet elementor-widget elementor-widget-table-of-contents\" data-id=\"b11369f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;headings_by_tags&quot;:[&quot;h3&quot;],&quot;exclude_headings_by_selector&quot;:[],&quot;no_headings_message&quot;:&quot;No headings were found on this page.&quot;,&quot;marker_view&quot;:&quot;numbers&quot;,&quot;minimize_box&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;,&quot;minimized_on&quot;:&quot;tablet&quot;,&quot;hierarchical_view&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;,&quot;min_height&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;px&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;sizes&quot;:[]},&quot;min_height_tablet&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;px&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;sizes&quot;:[]},&quot;min_height_mobile&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;px&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;sizes&quot;:[]}}\" data-widget_type=\"table-of-contents.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-toc__header\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h4 class=\"elementor-toc__header-title\">\n\t\t\t\tOverview\t\t\t<\/h4>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-toc__toggle-button elementor-toc__toggle-button--expand\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-controls=\"elementor-toc__b11369f\" aria-expanded=\"true\" aria-label=\"Open table of contents\"><i aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"fas fa-chevron-down\"><\/i><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-toc__toggle-button elementor-toc__toggle-button--collapse\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-controls=\"elementor-toc__b11369f\" aria-expanded=\"true\" aria-label=\"Close table of contents\"><i aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"fas fa-chevron-up\"><\/i><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-toc__b11369f\" class=\"elementor-toc__body\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-toc__spinner-container\">\n\t\t\t\t<i class=\"elementor-toc__spinner eicon-animation-spin eicon-loading\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-fde140c elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"fde140c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\"> Mind = <b>Ego<\/b>?<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-616b54c9 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"616b54c9\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>In recent years, there has been a growing tendency to dismiss everything that originates in the <b>mind<\/b>. A wide range of thoughts, reactions, and impulses are often clustered and labeled as <b>ego<\/b>\u2014without any distinction. In some perspectives, our <b>ego<\/b> has a bad reputation. Yet, our mind is just as much a part of us as our beating heart, our emotions, and our intuition. Even more\u2014our brain is a precondition for perceiving and making use of these qualities.<\/p><p>This article is an invitation to <b>release your ego<\/b> out of the shadows, to take time to understand &amp; integrate it in a better way. By gaining knowledge about <u>how your brain operates<\/u>, you can consciously use its power. After all, this is a key element of <b>successful transformation<\/b>.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d1c25d8 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"d1c25d8\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">when transformation<b> fails...<\/b><\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3089319 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"3089319\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Maybe you are one of those people who have tried to change and <b>transform<\/b> a particular pattern: <u>submissive behavior<\/u> toward your boss, <u>conforming<\/u> within your family, <u>angry outbursts<\/u> toward loved ones, excessive <u>reactions to certain triggers<\/u>, falling back into <u>self-deprecation<\/u>, or a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.freieresleben.com\/en\/special-case-toxic-relationship\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><u><b>toxic relationship<\/b><\/u><\/a>, smoking, and so on.<\/p><p>There are many things we wish to change about ourselves. And to be completely honest with you\u2014most of the time, it <b>doesn&#8217;t<\/b> work. At least, not in the way we envisioned and not always right away.<\/p><p>When transformation fails, <b>self-blame<\/b>, <b>guilt<\/b>, and even <b>self-bashing<\/b> can take over. That\u2019s exactly why today, I want to tell you something about your brain.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-91af349 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"91af349\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Our <b>brain<\/b> is a miracle<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-da7de1a elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"da7de1a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Every neuron in our brain has about ten thousand connections (synapses) to other neurons. This results in <b>hundreds of trillions (!) of synapses<\/b> within our nervous system, just in the part housed within our skull. Various groups of neurons form vast, web-like structures.<\/p><p>Many insights in this article are drawn from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Mindsight-New-Science-Personal-Transformation\/dp\/0553386395\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><u><i><b>Mindsight by Daniel J. Siegel<\/b><\/i><\/u><\/a>. Siegel writes: <i><b>&#8220;Even if we wanted to, we wouldn\u2019t live long enough to count all the synaptic connections.&#8221;<\/b><\/i><\/p><p>He further explains: <i>&#8220;Given this number of connections, the <u>possible &#8216;on-off&#8217; firing patterns<\/u> of the brain\u2014its <b>potential<\/b> for different activation states\u2014have been calculated to be <b><u>10 to the power of a million<\/u><\/b>. That is, a <b><u>ten followed by a million zeros<\/u><\/b>. This number is said to be <b>greater<\/b> than the <b>number of atoms in the known universe<\/b>.&#8221;<\/i><\/p><p>This is a moment to pause and feel humbled: This is what our brain is <b>capable<\/b> of with its anatomical and functional structure. This capacity forms the <b>foundation<\/b> for transformation and change. Among other things, Transformation occurs, by creation and activation of\u00a0<b>new mental maps<\/b>.<\/p><p>We cannot possibly experience <u>all<\/u> potential activation patterns of our brain in a single lifetime. That\u2019s a bit of a relief, isn\u2019t it?<\/p><p>But\u2014<b>how<\/b> do we create these maps?<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-cfa18a4 elementor-section-stretched elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"cfa18a4\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\" data-settings=\"{&quot;stretch_section&quot;:&quot;section-stretched&quot;,&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-d8e3114\" data-id=\"d8e3114\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4d0980b elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"4d0980b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\"><b>Transformation <\/b>| clearing old &amp; <b>creating new maps<\/b><\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5251fd8 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"5251fd8\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>An <b>old mental map<\/b> holds information about <u>who you are, what defines you, your strengths, weaknesses, and limitations<\/u>. These are the pieces of information you\u2019ve gathered about yourself (and others) throughout your life. Those have been integrated into a map. Tha map shapes your <b>self-image, worldview, thoughts, feelings<\/b>, and <b>behaviors<\/b>\u2014regardless of whether the information in this map is complete or accurate.<\/p><p>Striving for change &amp; transformation, many hit the first barrier: <i><b>&#8220;I can&#8217;t imagine that!&#8221;<\/b><\/i>\u2014and then give up. Unfortunately. Because change<b> is <\/b>possible, and it starts with opening up to an idea that a never imagined, felt outcome <u>could<\/u> take place. The more we are <b>identified<\/b> with an old mental map (whether of ourselves or others), the harder change is.<\/p><p>For example, a woman who <u>desires clarity, self-determination, and connection<\/u> in her relationships can only\u00a0<u>start creating this outcome<\/u> in her mind, when she starts <b>imagining<\/b> it. She must <u>see herself in a situation<\/u> where she <b>experiences<\/b> exactly that: clarity, self-determination, and connection. <br \/>By imagining herself <b>moving<\/b>, seeing her <b>facial expressions<\/b>, observing how she <b>interacts<\/b>, <b>feels<\/b>, and <b>thinks<\/b> <u>when she experiences<\/u> <b>clarity, self-determination, and connection<\/b>. Creation of a <b>new mental map<\/b>\u00a0starts exactly here:\u00a0<span style=\"font-family: var( --e-global-typography-text-font-family ), Sans-serif; font-weight: var( --e-global-typography-text-font-weight );\">When imagination is being nourished by an emotional experience &amp; corresponding thoughts.<\/span><\/p><p>That\u00b4s far away from &#8220;magic&#8221;: This way desired clusters of neurons from different domains (thoughts, feelings, imagined situations) are prompted to fire together (maybe for the first time). The clusters of neurons form the foundation of a <b>new mental map<\/b>.<\/p><p>In our example, alongside the <b>old map<\/b> (<i>&#8220;I am insecure, indecisive, emotionally dependent, not assertive, and feel isolated because of my fear&#8221;<\/i>), a new one starts to evolve\u2014slowly and gently.<\/p><p>You\u00b4ll see later, that the\u00a0<span style=\"font-family: var( --e-global-typography-text-font-family ), Sans-serif; font-weight: var( --e-global-typography-text-font-weight );\">neurobiological connections<\/span><span style=\"font-family: var( --e-global-typography-text-font-family ), Sans-serif; font-weight: var( --e-global-typography-text-font-weight );\">\u00a0of these maps, can lead to new emotions and actions. And that\u00b4s transformation. It starts with a <\/span><b style=\"font-family: var( --e-global-typography-text-font-family ), Sans-serif;\">conscious utilization of our mind<\/b><span style=\"font-family: var( --e-global-typography-text-font-family ), Sans-serif; font-weight: var( --e-global-typography-text-font-weight );\">!<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f67c1a2 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"f67c1a2\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\"><b>Transformation <\/b>| 7 reasons why people give up...<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b74bfec elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"b74bfec\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ol><li><b>Over-identification with the old map:<\/b> An old map provides security, while a new one leads us upon new pathways\u2014many people fear <b>uncertainty<\/b> (<i>&#8220;I know who I am and how the world works.&#8221;<\/i>)<\/li><li><b>Resistance:<\/b> While visualization, resistance &amp; disbelief may arise\u2014the old map with its <u>assumptions<\/u>\u00a0sneaks in (<i>&#8220;can&#8217;t do it,&#8221; &#8220;impossible&#8221;<\/i>). Beneath every resistance there are underlying, strong beliefs &amp; emotions lie\u00a0 (e.g., <i>&#8220;I don&#8217;t deserve this.&#8221; &amp; Helplessness<\/i>).<\/li><li><b>Perceived failure:<\/b> The old map showing up (<i>&#8220;I acted and felt the same way again, even though I wanted to do things differently.&#8221;<\/i>) can lead to a fundamental attribution error &amp; giving up because the surfacing old map (that\u00b4s normal!) is being interpreted as failure<\/li><li><b style=\"background-color: initial; font-family: var( --e-global-typography-text-font-family ), Sans-serif;\">Failure:<\/b><span style=\"background-color: initial; font-family: var( --e-global-typography-text-font-family ), Sans-serif; font-weight: var( --e-global-typography-text-font-weight );\">\u00a0If a different outcome cannot be achieved in one situation, people tend to think, that that\u00b4s a sign, their strive for change isn\u00b4t working, which reactivates the old map and leads to an<\/span><\/li><li><b>Unconscious return to the old map:<\/b> Remaining trapped in the old map<\/li><li><b>Self-blame, guilt,<\/b> and <b>shame:<\/b> These feelings may take over, as things don&#8217;t always work out as gurus, coaches, or anyone else may say it should be (it\u00b4s not true! It\u00b4s a process, ladies &amp; gentlemen!)<\/li><li><b>Lack of knowledge:<\/b> The <b>old maps<\/b> of self-image, emotions, and associations will not suddenly disappear\u2014once in a while they become active again &#8211;\u00a0especially when <u>stress accumulates<\/u> in the system. <b>This is exactly what this post is about!<\/b><\/li><\/ol><p>\u00a0<\/p><p><b>Transformation<\/b> does <b>not<\/b> mean separating, suppressing, or <u>getting rid of what you have been until today<\/u>. On the contrary\u2014it is about <b>integration<\/b>\u00a0&amp; reclaiming of <b>conscious decisions<\/b> and self-realignment. This requires you to <b><u>first<\/u> accept and embrace<\/b> what you think, feel, and do, even if you&#8217;d like to change. <b>Rejection <\/b>creates <b>stress<\/b> in your system and forces your <b><u>prefrontal cortex<\/u><\/b> (where the new maps evolve) to shut down: <u>Your new mental maps drift further away<\/u>. So instead of rejecting what\u00b4s there (the old map), try to <b>relax &amp; accept<\/b> (<i>&#8220;I\u00b4m on my way and do the best that I can!&#8221;<\/i>). Too much stress prevents your transformation from taking shape!<\/p><p>Get to know your mind, your brain, and use this knowledge\u2014for a better understanding &amp; more <b>compassion<\/b>\u00a0with yourself.<\/p><p>Transformative steps <b>can<\/b> be quick. But normally (and contradicting many transformation coaches), I believe that <b>sustainable<\/b> transformation takes time. Sometimes, it may feel like you can &#8220;escape&#8221; yourself into a <b>new identity<\/b> by simply creating a new one. But since that would be based on <b>rejection<\/b>\u00a0by experience, I can state:\u00a0This is not working.\u00a0<\/p><p>Change is possible! But it requires a commitment to <u>maintain<\/u> conscious work.\u00a0<b>Sustainable transformation often fails<\/b>, because the drawn image about transformation does not align with neurobiological realities.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-0391cc4 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"0391cc4\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-6054801\" data-id=\"6054801\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0274cb2 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"0274cb2\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Excursus into <b>neurobiology<\/b><\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1bce48f elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"1bce48f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><b>This next section is <i>very simplified<\/i>!<\/b> Your brain has many structures, of which <b>three<\/b> are particularly important for transformation: the <b>brainstem<\/b>, the <b>limbic system<\/b>, and the <b>prefrontal cortex<\/b>.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6e6192e elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"6e6192e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">1. The brain stem<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3ee9d09 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"3ee9d09\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>From an evolutionary perspective, the brainstem is the <b>oldest part<\/b> of our brain. Our human &#8220;animal&#8221; resides here. The brainstem includes ascending and descending nerve fibers, clusters of neurons. It receives information <u>from the body<\/u> and <u>sends information &#8220;down&#8221;<\/u> as well. The brainstem processes and integrates <u>sensory input<\/u> and <u>motor information<\/u>.<\/p><p>The brainstem emerges from the <b>spinal cord<\/b> and includes, from bottom to top, the <u>Medulla Oblongata<\/u> (extended spinal cord), the <u>Pons<\/u> (bridge), and the <u>Mesencephalon<\/u> (midbrain).<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c7ea312 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"c7ea312\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"wp-caption\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/pixabay.com\/images\/id-1787622\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/www.freieresleben.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/brainstem-1024x576.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-19132\" alt=\"transformation brainstem\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.freieresleben.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/brainstem-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.freieresleben.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/brainstem-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.freieresleben.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/brainstem-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.freieresleben.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/brainstem-1536x865.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.freieresleben.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/brainstem.jpg 1631w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figcaption class=\"widget-image-caption wp-caption-text\">Image \"Brain\" von sbtlneet@pixabay.com -  modified by psySOULogy LLC<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ce5e726 elementor-widget__width-initial elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"ce5e726\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><b>Functions:<\/b> Automatic regulation of <b>heartbeat, breathing, blood pressure, metabolic processes<\/b>. The brainstem controls the body&#8217;s energy levels, as well as the levels in the higher brain areas, including the limbic and cortical structures.<\/p><p><b>Important insight:<\/b> In case of danger, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.freieresleben.com\/en\/10-steps-stress-sensory-overload-empaths\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><b><u>stress response<\/u><\/b><\/a> in the brainstem generates energy, and in collaboration with the limbic and cortical structures, it decides whether we <u>fight, flight<\/u>, or <u>freeze<\/u>. Thus, the brainstem modulates the <b><u>survival mode<\/u><\/b>. If brain or body require a rapid surge of <span style=\"font-weight: bold;\">energy<\/span>, the brainstem provides it.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ff8517e elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"ff8517e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">2. The limbic system<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-663b34a elementor-widget__width-initial elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"663b34a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>The limbic system is not just <u>one<\/u> structure, but a <b>functional unit<\/b> consisting of <b>several structures<\/b>. Among these, the following are considered part of the limbic system:<\/p><ul><li><b>Hippocampus<\/b> &#8211; important for generating long-term memories<\/li><li><b>Hypothalamus<\/b> &#8211; regulates the endocrine glands (hormones): controls body temperature, hunger, sleep, fatigue, reproductive organs, thyroid &amp; adrenal glands (<u><b>stress<\/b><\/u>!)<\/li><li><b>Thalamus<\/b> &#8211; regulates sleep, attention, and alertness<\/li><li><b>Olfactory bulb<\/b> &#8211; processes sensory input (smell)<\/li><li><b>Fornix<\/b> &#8211; transmits signals from the hippocampus to the mammillary bodies and septum<\/li><li><b>Mammillary bodies<\/b><\/li><li><b>Cingulate gyrus<\/b> &#8211; involved in autonomic functions, regulates heart rate, blood pressure, cognitive and attention processes<\/li><li><b>Amygdala<\/b> (almond-shaped nucleus) &#8211; memory, decision-making, and emotional reactions, sends motivationally significant signals to the cortex<\/li><li><b>Basal ganglia<\/b> &#8211; movement control, learning, habits, and emotions<\/li><\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6fdfb1e elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"6fdfb1e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"wp-caption\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/pixabay.com\/images\/id-1787622\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/www.freieresleben.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/limbic_system-1024x576.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-19134\" alt=\"limbic system transformation\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.freieresleben.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/limbic_system-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.freieresleben.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/limbic_system-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.freieresleben.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/limbic_system-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.freieresleben.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/limbic_system-1536x865.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.freieresleben.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/limbic_system.jpg 1631w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figcaption class=\"widget-image-caption wp-caption-text\">Image \"Brain\" von sbtlneet@pixabay.com -  modified by psySOULogy LLC<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5fbf0aa elementor-widget__width-initial elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"5fbf0aa\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>The limbic system (LS) is involved in generating <b>basic drives<\/b> and <b>emotions<\/b>. Simply put, the LS always asks whether a situation is <b>&#8220;good&#8221;<\/b> or <b>&#8220;bad&#8221;<\/b> for us (We evaluate everything! Or, rather, our brain does!). We <u>approach the good<\/u> and <u>withdraw from the bad<\/u> (action). This &#8220;<b><u>approach\/avoidance program<\/u><\/b>&#8221; is located in the limbic system. The LS also generates <b>emotions<\/b> that then motivate us to take action (approach\/avoidance).<\/p><p>The LS also modulates how we interact in relationships. All mammals with a limbic system are capable of showing &#8220;attachment&#8221; (unlike amphibians, for example).<\/p><p><b>Tasks:<\/b> Regulation and mediation of relational behavior, drives, emotions, and stress. The amygdala &amp; hippocampus form <b>memories<\/b> of facts, experiences, and <u>the emotions connected to them<\/u>. The amygdala is closely associated with the emotion <b>fear<\/b> and can trigger a <u>survival reaction<\/u> without us thinking about it. For example, if we see a snake, we might jump back and only later &#8220;understand&#8221; why we jumped (<i><a href=\"https:\/\/link.springer.com\/chapter\/10.1007\/978-3-030-50003-0_9\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><u><b>Low Road, LeDoux<\/b><\/u><\/a><\/i>). The process of <u>thinking<\/u> and <u>understanding<\/u> the emotion happens in the cortex. This can take <b>too long<\/b>. For this to happen, the information from the LS must be linked to the cortex (<a href=\"https:\/\/link.springer.com\/chapter\/10.1007\/978-3-030-50003-0_9\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><u><i><b>High Road, LeDoux<\/b><\/i><\/u><\/a>).<\/p><p><b>Key insights:<\/b> In case of <b>fear<\/b> and stress, we often react <b><u>automatically<\/u><\/b>! The hypothalamus mediates hormones for the <b>stress response<\/b>. The adrenal glands are stimulated (after the release of adrenaline) to release cortisol, which <b>mobilizes energy<\/b> (see brainstem) to deal with the trigger. This is helpful in the short term (exams, life-threatening situations), but <u>long-term<\/u> it can be <u>damaging<\/u>.<\/p><p>If the limbic system becomes <b>sensitized<\/b> (e.g., through traumatic experiences), it may react to harmless triggers. Everyday life can then become a nightmare because there is a constant <b>state of alertness<\/b>. What was supposed to be an &#8220;exception&#8221; becomes a <b>chronic state<\/b>.<\/p><p>It is crucial (!), that we develop the <b>ability<\/b> to reduce <b>excessive limbic activity<\/b> (= chronic stress) (self-regulation).<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-67f80ea elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"67f80ea\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">3. The prefrontal cortex (PFC)<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-97b8315 elementor-widget__width-initial elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"97b8315\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><b>The prefrontal cortex (PFC)<\/b> is part of the cortex \u2013 the outermost layer of the brain. As humans evolved, this area expanded and grew bigger. The cortex operates\u00a0<b>more complex patterns<\/b> of neural activity that go far beyond basic survival responses and bodily functions. The PFC is located <b>frontal<\/b> to our forehead (frontal lobe). As can be seen in the simplified illustration, there are <b>connections<\/b> between the <b>limbic system<\/b> (emotions, stress) and the <b>PFC<\/b>.<\/p><p>Anatomically, the <b>middle prefrontal cortex<\/b> is only one synapse away from the <b>limbic system<\/b>. Additionally, the bulging, lower part of the PFC also reaches towards the outer limits of the brainstem.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1a7ea7a elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"1a7ea7a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"wp-caption\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/pixabay.com\/images\/id-1787622\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/www.freieresleben.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/PFC_eng-1024x576.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-19136\" alt=\"PFC Conscious transformation\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.freieresleben.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/PFC_eng-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.freieresleben.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/PFC_eng-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.freieresleben.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/PFC_eng-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.freieresleben.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/PFC_eng-1536x865.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.freieresleben.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/PFC_eng.jpg 1631w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figcaption class=\"widget-image-caption wp-caption-text\">Image \"Brain\" von sbtlneet@pixabay.com -  modified by psySOULogy LLC<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3cd8c8d elementor-widget__width-initial elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"3cd8c8d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>The frontal lobe houses the &#8220;<b>neural maps<\/b>&#8221; that tell us who we are and who we are not \u2013 information about our <b>personality<\/b>. <br \/>The prominent role of the PFC can be understood by the story of\u00a0<b><u><a href=\"https:\/\/www.uakron.edu\/gage\/story.dot\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">railroad worker Phineas Gage<\/a><\/u><\/b>\u00a0who lived in the 18th century. When an iron rod pierced his skull (the frontal lobe), he survived but his entire <b>personality was changed<\/b>, and he could <u>no longer control his impulses<\/u>. The damaged frontal lobe disturbed the\u00a0<i><b>balance<\/b> between his \u201cmental abilities and his animal drives\u201d<\/i>. This case provided insight into the functions of the frontal lobe.<\/p><p><b>Functions:<\/b> Thinking, planning, problem-solving, decision-making, risk assessment, and <b>behavioral inhibition<\/b>. The neurotransmitter GABA effects from here as an inhibitor for overstimulation of receptor neurons throughout the brain. It\u00a0<b>\u201cbrakes impulsive actions\u201d<\/b>. The PFC is also involved in Imagination, combining facts and experiences.<\/p><p><b>Key Insights:<\/b>\u00a0We create <b>representations<\/b> (concepts) of abstract ideas like <b>senses of self<\/b>, <b>identity<\/b>, <b>time<\/b>, and <b>morality in the PFC<\/b>. When we visualize or recall something vividly, the (lateral) PFC initiates part of the occipital lobe. The &#8220;visual area&#8221; is consciously activated.<\/p><p>The PFC houses our\u00a0<b>mental &#8220;maps&#8221;<\/b> about what we have &#8220;learned&#8221; over time: <b>About ourselves<\/b> (self-image), our <b>boundaries<\/b>, <b>weaknesses<\/b> and <b>strengths<\/b>, about the <b>world<\/b> and \u2013 our <b>fellow human beings<\/b>, and so on. The abilities for <b>behavioral control<\/b>, <b>insight<\/b>, and <b>moral action<\/b> merge, as well as the ability for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.freieresleben.com\/en\/10-points-on-empaths-challenges-self-care\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><b><u>empathy<\/u><\/b><\/a>.<\/p><p><b><u>Especially important:<\/u><\/b> We can create <b><u>new maps<\/u><\/b> and discard old ones (we can \u201cthink about our thinking\u201d)! This very ability is necessary for us to achieve <span style=\"font-weight: bold;\">transformation<\/span> \u2013 profound change \u2013 sustainably! We can also access <b>maps of others&#8217; inner worlds<\/b> (a prerequisite for empathy) \u2013 if the PFC functions properly.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-cfddb86 elementor-section-stretched elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"cfddb86\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\" data-settings=\"{&quot;stretch_section&quot;:&quot;section-stretched&quot;,&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-fcf9d09\" data-id=\"fcf9d09\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-584bd8d elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"584bd8d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Summary - Prefrontal Cortex<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-408653c elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"408653c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ol><li>The neurobiological counterpart of transformation is the creation &amp; activation of\u00a0<b>new mental maps<\/b>.<\/li><li>For this, a <b>functioning prefrontal cortex (PFC)<\/b> is essential.<\/li><li>The <b>PFC<\/b>\u00a0influences the <b>limbic system<\/b> and the <b>brainstem<\/b> (regulating stress).<\/li><li>The connection between\u00a0<b>PFC &#8211; limbic system &#8211; brainstem<\/b>, also allows the PFC to influence the <b>body<\/b>.<\/li><\/ol><p>According to <b><i><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Mindsight-New-Science-Personal-Transformation\/dp\/0553386395\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Daniel J. Siegel<\/a><\/i><\/b>, the PFC takes on the following essential functions for our well-being:<\/p><p><b><\/b><b><\/b><b><\/b><b>1. Body regulation<br \/>2. Tuned communication<br \/>3. Emotional balance<br \/>4. Reaction flexibility<br \/>5. Fear modulation<br \/>6. Empathy<br \/>7. Insight<br \/>8. Moral awareness<br \/>9. Intuition<\/b><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-3924807 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"3924807\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-e601ac3\" data-id=\"e601ac3\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e217042 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"e217042\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">State of emergency | it\u00b4s <b>too much<\/b>...<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7ed7ee8 elementor-widget__width-initial elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"7ed7ee8\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Every individual experiences a those moments, when it\u00b4s too much. One becomes &#8220;headless,&#8221; acts impulsively, or falls back into old patterns (= old mental maps). <br \/>This happens when the <b>activation energy<\/b> is so intense that the <b>PFC<\/b> can no longer regulate it. Hunger, lack of sleep, or pain can reduce <b>baseline resilience<\/b>. When additional stressors (work pressure, conflict with a partner, friend, or a tight schedule) arise, the <b>level of activation<\/b> can be elevated <u>beyond of what the PFC can regulate<\/u>.<br \/>As mentioned earlier, <b>triggers <\/b>can activate overwhelming emotions and unconscious emotional memories. <b>Stress on top!<\/b> The new mental map (what you wanted to do, say, or feel is out of reach now &#8211; no access, since PFC is <b>down<\/b>!).<\/p><p>If the <b>instinct drives<\/b>\u00a0take over (Fight, Flight, Fright, or Freeze), and the PFC cannot counteract, we lose those <b>nine essential functions<\/b> mentioned above. We find ourselves in situations where:<\/p><ul><li>we <b>breathe quickly, sweat &#8211; our heart beats fast<\/b> (body regulation),<\/li><li>we feel <b>isolated<\/b> and cannot <b>connect in to others<\/b> (tuned communication),<\/li><li>we feel <b>overstimulated, depressed, or paralyzed<\/b> (emotional balance),<\/li><li>we are <b>unable<\/b> to <b>pause and decide how we want to react<\/b> (reaction flexibility),<\/li><li>the <b>inhibition of limbic outbursts<\/b> no longer works, and we are <b>controlled by our overwhelming emotions<\/b> (fear modulation),<\/li><li>we <b>no longer have real access to the other person<\/b>, unable to understand or feel them (empathy &#8211; mental maps of others),<\/li><li>we lack <b>an overview of our present, past, &amp; future<\/b> &#8211; we no longer see ourselves or what is happening clearly (insight),<\/li><li>our actions <b>do not align<\/b> with our own <b>moral beliefs<\/b>, we lose awareness of our <b>values\u00a0<\/b>&#8211; we are <b>&#8220;beside ourselves&#8221;<\/b> (moral awareness),<\/li><li>we <b>can no longer intuitively sense and decide<\/b> what &#8220;feels right,&#8221; as the integration of information from the entire body (PFC) no longer functions. What &#8220;feels right&#8221; in the moment may later be seen as &#8220;wrong&#8221; (intuition).<\/li><\/ul><p><br \/>In this state, we have <b>no access<\/b> to the functions of the PFC. And it is precisely the PFC that contains, organizes, and activates the newly created mental maps.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-8cdac35 elementor-section-stretched elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"8cdac35\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\" data-settings=\"{&quot;stretch_section&quot;:&quot;section-stretched&quot;,&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-448dbab\" data-id=\"448dbab\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3afc61e elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"3afc61e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Summary - State of emergency<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9f8ea7c elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"9f8ea7c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ol><li>Access to <b>new mental maps<\/b> requires a <b>functioning prefrontal cortex (PFC)<\/b>.<\/li><li>In a <b>confusing<\/b>\u00a0<b>emergency state<\/b>, the PFC shuts down and <b>closes off<\/b>.<\/li><li>The animal instinct part takes over, and we are driven by a <b>survival program<\/b>.<\/li><li>Essential <b>basic functions of the PFC are disabled<\/b> (see above).<\/li><li>It is completely <b>pointless<\/b> to <b>condemn<\/b> oneself for this emergency state.<\/li><li style=\"font-size: 17px;\">One may, in reflection of the events, ask\u00a0<b>forgiveness<\/b> for any <b>harm<\/b> caused to others.<\/li><li>The situation and oneself should be <b>reflected upon <u>afterward<\/u><\/b> (<i>&#8220;What happened, and why?&#8221;<\/i>) \u2013 this is important.<\/li><li>Reflection expands the <b>meta-map<\/b> of oneself and creates the conditions to <b>interrupt in time<\/b> next time if necessary (<b>learning regulation<\/b>).<\/li><li>This does <u>not<\/u> mean <b>failure<\/b> of transformation &amp; change, because&#8230;<\/li><li style=\"font-size: 17px;\"><b>New mental maps<\/b> in form of felt-visualized changes \u2013 what we wanted to do, say, think, or feel \u2013 are no longer <b>accessible<\/b> in such moments.<\/li><\/ol>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-fa31ea2 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"fa31ea2\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-5a50d84\" data-id=\"5a50d84\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6eeae19 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"6eeae19\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\"><b>Transformation<\/b> | Understanding the mind<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9ce0755 elementor-widget__width-initial elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"9ce0755\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>We are not always stay on a new path in every situation. <b>Transformation is not linear<\/b>. <br>When the hippocampus in the limbic system serves us old, <b>unprocessed traumas<\/b> or <b>intense emotional memories<\/b>, things can &#8220;shut down&#8221;. That can happen in everyday situations<b> triggered<\/b> by a hidden cue. Daily stress and conflicts can add on top. <br>Our PFC is capable of doing a good amount of regulatory work, and it can&nbsp;<b>learn<\/b>, its abilities can expand. This can be achieved by <b>self-understanding<\/b> and <b>reflection<\/b>, by getting to know ourselves better and better. <br>That\u00b4s how my coaching is designed with the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.freieresleben.com\/en\/mirror-process-inner-universe\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><b><u>Mirror Process in the Inner Universe<\/u><\/b><\/a>. <br>By acting with patience &amp; persistence, we help the PFC ensure <b>more continuity<\/b> in a <b>desired transformation<\/b>.<\/p>\n<p>Once the limbic system &amp; brainstem fire up in the pattern of a prolonged fight-or-flight mode, it\u2019s all about <b>regulation<\/b> and <b>calming<\/b> down <u>first<\/u>. Recognizing stress and having tools for regulation at hand is an essential part of transformative processes. Everything <b>new<\/b> requires energy, attention, and thus already poses a <b>stressor<\/b> in itself.<\/p>\n<p>Feel encouraged to be&nbsp;<b>more understanding<\/b> with yourself when desired changes do <b>not remain constant<\/b> or when there are <b>fluctuations<\/b>.<\/p>\n<p>And &#8211; your mind is not inherently your ego!<\/p>\n<p>If you read this article carefully, you will notice that <b>shutting down your mind<\/b> (your PFC) is more likely to cause&nbsp;<b>egocentrical<\/b>&nbsp;and unreflected behavior.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>I truly hope that this detailed article fosters insights, inner peace, and more compassion for yourself. <br>Straight from the heart,<\/p>\n<p>Yours Kristina<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-ce8f871 elementor-section-stretched elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"ce8f871\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\" data-settings=\"{&quot;stretch_section&quot;:&quot;section-stretched&quot;,&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-e1ffcfe\" data-id=\"e1ffcfe\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a906bf0 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"a906bf0\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Invitation<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a5afa7d elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"a5afa7d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span>If you\u2019re considering being accompanied through the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.freieresleben.com\/en\/mirror-process-inner-universe\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong>mirror process of inner work<\/strong><\/span><\/a>, you can book a <a href=\"https:\/\/psysoulogy.youcanbook.me\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><b><u>free preliminary talk in my booking calendar<\/u><\/b><\/a> at the top right of this page or below this entry.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>The <span style=\"font-weight: bolder;\">model assumptions<\/span> are based on years of professional <span style=\"font-weight: bolder;\">observation<\/span>, personal <span style=\"font-weight: bolder;\">experience<\/span>, and knowledge from <span style=\"font-weight: bolder;\">psychoanalysis, psychodynamics, and developmental psychology<\/span>. For more information, please refer to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.freieresleben.com\/en\/copyright\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: bolder;\">Copyright<\/span><\/a> notice. The articles, including assumptions and hypotheses, may be <span style=\"font-weight: bolder;\">shared freely<\/span>, but please always provide <span style=\"font-weight: bolder;\">attribution <\/span>(my name and the website).<\/span><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Many people try to invite change into their lives. By time they realize: It\u00b4s not that easy!<\/p>\n<p>Neurobiological findings shows, that understanding &#038; executing personal transformation requires some things to be considered<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":19119,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_glsr_average":0,"_glsr_ranking":0,"_glsr_reviews":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[795],"tags":[1209,1222,1055,890,1207,1205,928,1224,1215,1213,865,1212,1128,1204,1206,1201,1193,1192,1221],"class_list":["post-19118","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-inneres-universum","tag-being-stuck","tag-change","tag-clarity","tag-consciousness","tag-development-of-potential","tag-dignity","tag-freedom","tag-how-do-i-change","tag-intelligence","tag-meaningful","tag-mindfulness","tag-peace-within","tag-personal-transformation","tag-personality-development","tag-potential-en","tag-purpose","tag-self-image","tag-self-worth-en","tag-transformation-en"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.freieresleben.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19118","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.freieresleben.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.freieresleben.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.freieresleben.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.freieresleben.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=19118"}],"version-history":[{"count":25,"href":"https:\/\/www.freieresleben.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19118\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":20409,"href":"https:\/\/www.freieresleben.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19118\/revisions\/20409"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.freieresleben.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/19119"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.freieresleben.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=19118"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.freieresleben.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=19118"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.freieresleben.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=19118"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}