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Series Code: TIJ
Program Code: TIJ001147A
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00:25 Silicon Valley, it's the nickname for the world's tech-center
00:29 brain pool. Located in the state of California in America. 00:34 It encompasses the southern portion of the San Francisco 00:37 Bay area. Over time, the name has become famous, 00:42 the word Silicon originally referred to the large number 00:47 innovators and manufacturers of silicon chips located in the 00:51 area. Silicon Valley is now home to many of the worlds 00:56 largest high-tech corporations and scores of well-known 00:59 companies. Including the headquarters of 39 businesses 01:04 in the fortune 1,000. 01:07 But did you know, there is a 1.4-kilo entity that can 01:12 fit in your hand that's more advance than anything produced 01:16 in Silicon Valley? and it's 30 times more powerful 01:20 than any of the computer inventions made by these 01:24 innovative companies. There is, it's the human brain. 01:29 Stay with us to hear something truly amazing about your brain. 01:55 Humans have been puzzled, awestruck, confused, interested, 02:00 and even delighted with the brain for eons. 02:03 One of the earliest of such individuals on record 02:07 was a Greek physician by the name of Hippocrates. 02:11 Hippocrates said, that the brain had four divisions and 02:15 named them Choleric, Phlegmatic, Sanguine, and Melancholy. 02:20 In his doctoral dissertation, and using a variety of research 02:25 tools W. Eugene Brewer linked each of these terms 02:30 with a region of the brain. It's been said that you can 02:34 manage something effectively only when you can identify 02:38 label and describe it. 02:40 But how do we do that with the brain? 02:42 Well, today's guest, a brain function specialist can help us 02:48 figure this out. Dr. Arlene Taylor is the founder 02:52 and president of Realizations Inc. a non-profit corporation 02:56 that engages is brain function research and provides 03:00 unique educational resources. 03:02 The author of several popular books related to Brain Function 03:05 and practical applications to relationships in every day 03:09 living and creator of the Longevity Lifestyle Matters 03:13 program. Dr. Taylor speaks internationally. 03:18 Dr. Taylor, welcome to the Incredible Journey, 03:22 and we're so glad you are with us for today's program. 03:25 Thank you Gary, I'm very glad to be here. 03:28 I'm starting to hear a lot of talk about downshifting 03:32 in relation to the brain. What's that all about? 03:35 It describes what we call a natural brain phenomenon. 03:41 It's the brain's response, it's what the brain does 03:45 when it perceives it's not safe. So it's fearful about something, 03:50 It feels unsafe, automatically it begins to downshift. 03:55 It's designed and best used for real threat is the short term. 04:04 You know, something happens the brain feels momentarily 04:08 unsafe, it downshifts. It was never designed for long-term 04:14 prolonged use because you always give up something 04:18 to get something. 04:19 So it's an immediate response by the brain to some threat. 04:25 Exactly, exactly. Couldn't say it better myself. 04:28 Now when most people hear the term downshifting 04:32 or changing gears, they probably think about it in terms of 04:37 vehicles, cars, trucks, whatever. 04:39 How does it relate to the brain? It's a good metaphor, 04:43 it's absolutely wonderful metaphor. 04:45 So if you compare what we call brain downshifting or changing 04:51 gears, think about a truck, automatic transmission for years 04:55 the most effective way for that truck to function on the highway 05:03 is in the top gear. As it's driving along let's say 05:08 that it comes to a part of the road that it's really bumpy 05:12 or there's some gravel patch or there's some pot holes 05:17 without even sometimes putting on the brake, or if you have to 05:23 put on the brake, the automatic transmission will go from third 05:27 to second, because it wants you to get through this bad patch. 05:32 Suppose it happens when you are driving in the mountains 05:35 and now you've also got a steep incline... 05:38 The automatic transmission may go clear down to first 05:42 in order to get you through and if the terrain, 05:46 or the driving conditions are so bad that you can't even get 05:50 through on first, then you're going to stall. 05:54 The degree of threat to the engine if you want to 06:00 talk about it that way, influences whether you go from 06:05 third to second, from second all the way to first or 06:08 whether you stall. Alright, the same thing happens in the 06:11 brain. Every driver experienced the positives and the negatives 06:17 of downshifting or changing gears. 06:20 When the brain downshifts or changes gears 06:25 where does it go to? 06:26 If you look at the screen, you will see a drawing of 06:31 half a brain showing the three brain layers or in this 06:38 metaphor, three gears, pulled apart so you can clearly see 06:43 the three levels. So first gear is brain stem Cerebellum, 06:48 second gear or layer is of course the Carpus Coliseum, 06:52 both of these are sub-conscious, automatic, and then you come 06:57 to the third gear or neo-cortex, and that's where you have 07:04 conscious thought. So when you are purring along 07:07 the highway of life and every- thing is going quite well 07:12 you can metaphorically experience that you are in 07:16 top gear. Now a problem comes up or you have a car accident 07:23 or something adverse happens and the brain feels unsafe, 07:28 I don't know how this is going to affect me, 07:30 I don't know how I'm going to recover, is my insurance 07:34 going to cover the damage to the vehicles, whatever it is. 07:39 and the brain consciously begins to feel unsafe, uncertain, 07:44 insecure. It will first downshift, change gears 07:50 into this second layer looking for some brain function 07:54 that will help it feel safer. And if it doesn't find it in the 07:59 second gear, it will go clear down to the first gear. 08:03 Because in the first gear, are the stress responses 08:08 case in-in-point fight-flight, that's a stress response. 08:12 You get down there and you make a decision 08:15 am I going to run away or am I going to fight? 08:18 What am I going to do to help myself feel safer? 08:21 And then hopefully as this gets resolved, the brain will 08:27 upshift, change gears from first to second and you are back up 08:31 to third. So Dr. Taylor what kind of things, events, or 08:37 experiences would cause our brain to change gears? 08:41 Number 1. Any type of threat, any type of threat 08:47 and that's defined as anything that makes this brain feel 08:52 at least momentarily helpless. How am I going to solve this? 08:57 And when you look at the big picture, it's any situation 09:02 that involves, 09:08 which also includes anxiety and worry. 09:11 So, when any of those exist, the brain tends to direct its 09:18 energy and attention away from this conscious third layer 09:25 neo-cortex and begins to change gears, in America we call it 09:30 down-shifting, to the second brain layer, the second gear 09:35 and if that solves it then, well and good, if that doesn't, 09:38 it'll go clear down to the first gear. 09:40 Dr. Taylor, it's obvious that the ability to automatically 09:43 downshift or change gears can be lifesaving, beneficial 09:48 it also suggests that if the brain downshifts, changes gears 09:52 when it's not necessary to do so then there can be some 09:56 undesirable consequences. Now, do you have any examples 10:01 of what those might be? 10:02 You're absolutely right, the ability to change gears 10:06 automatically can be lifesaving. You can immediately choose 10:14 to run away, to remove yourself from the situation if that's 10:17 possible and if you can't do that, then you sometimes 10:21 have to stand up for yourself and even fight. 10:24 If you have changed gears from imaginary fears, 10:29 or because you don't feel safe but there's really no reason 10:33 for that. You've just watched a lot or really scary movies 10:37 and they've put scary thoughts in your mind... 10:40 If you change gears under those conditions, 10:43 and even if you change gears after a major trauma, 10:47 which most people do because it's a shock, 10:52 they're fearful about the outcome. There can be negative 10:58 consequences especially if it's prolonged downshifting. 11:04 So here's some examples, studies show that in the middle 11:09 of a crisis, people tend to recall less than 15% of what was 11:16 actually said to them. So 85% they don't think to register or 11:23 remember, and you have heard people arguing about this 11:26 I told you that, no you didn't, I know I told you that, 11:30 and I know you didn't. 11:32 Well, one or both of them maybe have been downshifted, 11:36 and they just don't remember. So you have little kids that 11:40 come to school from dangerous or dysfunctional home environments 11:46 and they're down trying to look how to feel safer... 11:49 They don't learn. They can't learn. 11:52 They're down at the part of the brain that doesn't allow them 11:56 to cognitively process information. 11:59 I think the most important thing for many people who 12:03 study the brain is that as this energy and attention 12:08 especially if it's anger or fear goes 12:11 third gear down to first gear quickly. You lose easy access 12:17 to what we call key functions in the pre-frontal cortex 12:22 portion behind the forehead. So what are some of those 12:25 key functions? Well planning, making choices that will give 12:30 you a positive outcomes instead of negative outcomes. 12:33 Morality, What are your standards? 12:37 Willpower, how did he use willpower? 12:40 How have you developed conscience and are you using 12:43 conscience? Are you honest, or are you dishonest? 12:48 Are you using restraint when you get suddenly an idea 12:54 to do something, do you think about it for a minute and decide 12:57 do I really want to do that and face the potential 13:00 consequences...You know, you lose that inhibition ability. 13:04 - Can't brainstorm solutions, it's hard to problem solve 13:08 and so on. So you can understand that people who live in an 13:14 environment with behaviors that trigger the emotion 13:21 of anger, or they're fearful for their lives or fearful for 13:25 the safety of their loved ones, they're handicapped. 13:28 Because they've lost the easy access to those critical 13:33 functions that make us quintessentially human. 13:38 So is there anything we can do to help prevent downshifting 13:42 or changing gears when there's really no valid threat? 13:46 There absolutely is Gary. Because you remember 13:50 the two main emotions that trigger the brain to change 13:56 gears: -Anger, -Fear. Now there are two types of fear, 14:00 There's genuine, this is a threat fear when you must 14:06 do something to take action to keep yourself safe 14:11 and then there is what we call imaginary fears. 14:14 And every human being has imaginary fears of some type 14:19 or another. So what are imaginary fears? 14:24 Well they're fears like, I'm not pretty enough, I'm not 14:29 handsome enough, I'm not good looking enough. 14:32 Or, I'm not smart enough, I can't compete in the world 14:37 cause I'm dumb. Or, nobody's going to love me, 14:43 I'm just not lovable. Nobody, God isn't even going to love me. 14:50 Or, I'm never going to be successful, I, 14:55 I just am never going to make enough money, how can I even 14:59 support my family? You multiply that by the billions of people 15:04 in this world and every brain has some imaginary fears. 15:08 So if you want to prevent unnecessary changing of gears 15:13 then take a look at those imaginary fears. 15:17 Resolve them. I tell people, come on, you look like you look. 15:24 There's no two people as far as we know that have the same 15:28 thumbprints, identical twins don't even look identical. 15:33 You are who you are. Make the best of it and be glad 15:38 who you are. Give up those imaginary fears, 15:41 there's always going to be somebody who you think looks 15:44 better than you. They'll always be somebody who you think 15:47 you look better than. The comparisons are odious, 15:52 give it up. And you go through your fears and you resolve them. 15:55 And believe me, you can prevent unnecessary downshifting 16:01 changing of gears. 16:02 So, if you downshift, change gears unnecessarily 16:07 what can you do about it? 16:10 You can have a pre-planned strategy up your sleeve 16:14 to help you upshift. For example, I have two strategies 16:19 that are in my pocket so to speak. 16:22 I've thought about them ahead of time. When I began to recognize 16:27 that I must be downshifting because I'm getting into that 16:29 really rigid not brainstorming type of thinking... 16:34 I do one or both. My first strategy if I can possibly think 16:41 of anything funny about what's going on and laugh about it, 16:46 I automatically upshift, change gears up to third layer 16:51 and that's because in this top third layer the functions 16:57 of humor live in the right frontal lobes, 17:02 so if we were looking at this, here's humor in the 17:05 right frontal lobe and the ability to laugh is in 17:10 row cause area in the left frontal lobe. 17:13 So, if I can picture that something is funny about this 17:17 and start laughing, I'm know I'm upshifted. Done deal. 17:21 Occasionally the situation has no redeeming humorous 17:28 characteristics what-so-ever. So then I have to go to my 17:33 second strategy. Research has shown that fear and gratitude 17:40 cannot simultaneously exist in the brain. 17:44 And since fear is a major down- shifter that'll change gears 17:51 from 3 to 1 in a Nano-second, all I have to do is concentrate 17:57 on something for which to be grateful. 17:59 And I will up-shift because again, the conscious recognition 18:04 gratitude occurs in the pre- frontal cortex. 18:07 There is always something for which to be grateful Gary. 18:14 The problem is many human beings do not practice daily gratitude. 18:20 And so when you need to grab... I'm thankful something, 18:24 they can't find anything. So I have trained myself 18:28 the last thing when I go to bed at night, 18:32 I think of something for which I am grateful. 18:35 The first thing I think of in the morning 18:38 is something for which to be grateful. 18:41 And several times throughout the day, I practice daily gratitude. 18:46 If I downshift when I really didn't need to, 18:51 or, I needed to but I want to get up-shifted, 18:55 get back to 3rd gear in a hurry. I have a whole cadre of things 19:00 for things which I am thankful that I can access immediately 19:05 and get back up to 3rd gear. 19:08 Dr Taylor, thank you for sharing with us brain information 19:13 that deals with the practical side of everyday life. 19:16 We really appreciate having you being with us today. 19:20 And I appreciate being invited to talk to you about this Gary. 19:24 Thank you! 19:26 Anger is a natural emotion in which we all experience 19:30 from time to time. It's one of those emotions that can be 19:34 both positive and negative depending on how we react to it. 19:39 It isn't a bad emotion just by virtue of what it is. 19:43 It's not exactly wrong to feel angry. 19:46 The real issue is how we handle it. 19:50 If we respond to people and situations in an explosion of 19:55 angry words and actions, that harms everyone, 19:58 the people around us and ourselves. 20:01 Our brain changes gears down to the first layer, 20:06 so that's obviously the wrong way to deal with it. 20:11 How then do we deal with anger? How do we get ahead of anger? 20:16 Well the Bible gives us some simple principles that can 20:20 help us deal with the most volatile and annoying situations. 20:24 The first is found in Proverbs chapter 15 and verse one. 20:29 Here's what it says. 20:38 It's so simple yet profound. A gentle orf soft response 20:45 will squash the anger inside. You see, when we vent anger, 20:50 it's never gentle, it's usually loud, blunt, and hurtful. 20:55 When we let rip when we are angry, we use words that we 21:00 wouldn't normally use. So Bible principle number one 21:05 in dealing with anger. 21:09 Next, we turn to Ephesians chapter four 21:12 and verse twenty-six. 21:23 Anger can come on quickly and if you are not prepared for it, 21:29 you'll react by lashing out and hurting others around you. 21:33 Make the decision now to not let anger control you 21:37 when you feel it, recognize it and take steps to manage it. 21:43 Don't hide it, don't deny it, deal with it. 21:47 Because the longer you sit on it, the worse it will get, 21:52 that's why I think this Bible verse is really good. 21:55 Don't end the day still angry, it's not good to end the day 22:00 with all that anger and frustration bottled up inside 22:04 you. Don't hold on to anger and frustration, 22:08 deal with it, work through it, talk about it, sort it out 22:13 before the day ends. 22:15 So Bible principle number two in dealing with anger. 22:19 Don't hold on to anger and frustration, deal with it. 22:24 Next, we turn to Ephesians chapter four and verses 31 and 32. 22:50 You can't change how someone treats you but you can choose to 22:54 respond to them with kindness. And we can do this because God 22:58 in Christ forgave us. When we remember what Jesus did for us, 23:04 and how much He loves us, it empowers us to forgive and love 23:08 others. We begin to value other people when we see how much 23:13 Jesus loves us. 23:15 So, there's Bible principle number three 23:18 in dealing with anger. 23:25 The Bible gives us the simple yet practical and yet profound 23:29 ways to deal with anger. And it's worth putting them into 23:33 practice in our lives. Your relationships are worth it, 23:37 your own sanity is worth it. Peace of mind is something 23:42 you can't buy and when your mind and heart are at peace 23:46 the world is a happier place and you'll find the true freedom 23:50 and fulfillment that God intended for your life. 23:54 If that's what you really want in your life, 23:57 why not ask for it right now as we pray. 24:01 Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for creating us 24:05 with many emotions, all of which we need for healthy and creative 24:09 living. When we are hurt and angry, help us to remember 24:14 your Love for us and the Bible principles you have given us 24:17 to deal with hurt and anger. Lord, we want our relationships 24:22 to be healthy and happy and we pray for the peace and 24:26 fulfillment that comes from knowing you. 24:29 We ask this in Jesus name. Amen! 24:33 Anger is a natural emotion we all experience from time to time. 24:40 It's one of those emotions that can be both positive and 24:44 negative depending on how we react to it. 24:47 It isn't a bed emotion by virtue of what it is, 24:51 it's not exactly wrong to feel angry. The real issue is 24:55 how we handle it. God wants us to experience peace 25:00 and happiness in our lives and so in the Bible, He gives us 25:04 some simple, practical advice on dealing with anger. 25:08 And it's worth putting it into practice in our lives. 25:11 Your relationships are worth it, your sanity is worth it. 25:15 If you'd like to know more about God's advice for dealing with 25:19 anger and hurt in our lives, then I'd like to recommend 25:22 a free offer we have for all our viewers today. 25:25 It's the book How To Plug The Angry Volcano. 25:30 This book is our gift to you and it's absolutely free 25:34 there are no costs or obligations whatsoever. 25:38 Many have been blessed and inspired by this book 25:41 How To Plug The Angry Volcano. 25:44 So make the most of this wonderful opportunity 25:47 to receive the free gift we have for you today. 25:50 Here's the information you need. 25:53 Phone or text us at 26:01 or visit our website www.tij.tv to request today's free offer 26:09 and we'll send it to you totally free of charge and with no 26:13 obligation. So don't delay, call or text: 26:21 0436.333.555 in Australia, or 020.422.2042 in New Zealand. 26:28 Or visit our website at www.tij.tv to request 26:34 today's offer. Write to us: PO Box 5101 Dora Creek NSW 2264 26:44 Australia, or PO Box 76673 Manukau, Auckland, 2241 26:54 New Zealand Don't delay, phone or text: 26:58 in Australia, 27:03 in New Zealand 27:09 or visit our website at www.tij.tv to request today's 27:16 Free Offer. Call or text us now. 27:20 If you've enjoyed todays journey, along the pathways 27:24 of the brain and our reflection on dealing with hurt and anger 27:28 in our lives, then be sure to join us again next week. 27:31 Until then, remember the ultimate destination of 27:36 life's journey. Now I saw a new heaven and new earth 27:40 and God will wipe every tear from their eyes, 27:43 there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying 27:47 there shall be no more pain, for the former things have 27:51 passed away. |
Revised 2021-07-26