Rule #2 – Survival

In my first discussion of Brain Rules we talk about Exercise because movement is the key to so much about our existence.

In the second chapter… or better yet the second rule Medina shares some fun facts about evolution of our brains and bodies.

First fun fact: You have three brains. NEAT! The “lizard brain,” very basic (the primal keep-you-alive brain). Then surrounding that is the “mammalian brain” that deals with fear, pleasure, memories… you know those important things! And thirdly, surrounding that is the outside layer the “human brain” which encompases the prefrontal cortext known for giving you your personality and executive functions.

Next fun fact? The evolution of these brain(s) includes the learning and researching of Dual Representation Theory and Symbolic Reasoning.

Judy DeLoache identified Dual Representational theory, in other words, we make up things that aren’t there. We get to fantasize. Take advantage, friends. Imagine yourself on that beach or in a foreign city that isn’t your living room where you’ve felt shackled for months.

Medina also discusses the birth of Symbolic Reasoning… where we can share our experiences so that we learn from each other. Instead of having to learn harsh lessons on our own we can listen to our peers, when they say not to walk in the quicksand so we don’t die.

I don’t know about you but during these COVID times, I am absolutely using the dual representation, often daydreaming about being elsewhere or having a live-in nanny… also, using symbolic reasoning HARD and OFTEN as I learn from others’ what to do and not to do keep myself and family safe!

I really appreciate the beginning of this chapter because Medina gets right to the point about our brain(s) stating: “Our brains are designed to (1) solve problems (2) related to surviving (3) in an unstable environment (4) to do so in nearly constant movement.” After his laying out of evolution in the first chapter on Exercise this is what he can definitively say.

When I process this, part of my take-away is that as stressful as quarantine and pandemic living is, we were built for this… we were built to “solve problems” in order for ourselves and families survive in this “unstable environment.” Now, this is not to say that those who have passed away didn’t solve a hard problem, it’s not up to one person to solve. This is a communal issue hence the symbolic reasoning where we get to share our learnings and come together over shared goals of survival.

What do you think of Survival? How are you surviving? What makes sense to you with this rule?

Also in this survival chapter, Medina asserts that we humans took over the earth by working smarter not harder. We adapted not by sheer strength but by keen understanding and brain development from that primal “lizard brain” to the full “human brain” encompassing all.

So to truly survive (physically, mentally and financially) we need to do so by being in constant motion. Whether that is physically moving or playing mental gymnastics to figure out how to find consistency of food or income.

Written by Lindsey McIntyre LICSW, at Charmed Counseling