Below the neo-cortex are sub-cortical structures including the thalamus, hypothalamus, and various mid-brain structures. These sub-cortical structures are involved with basic life support, hormonal regulation, and primal emotion. They play a crucial role in connecting the body to the neo-cortex. A group of structures, referred to as the limbic system, is associated with the complex aspects of emotional expression. It is involved with assigning emotional value or content to various objects and experiences and with expressing these emotions as external behavior.
In short, the cerebral limbic system is the domain of the emotions and appetites. Appetite for food and sex, and emotions of joy, anger, grief, and love arise within the limbic system. The mechanism for controlling the five senses is also a function of the limbic system. With rapid development of the neo-cortex in humans, the cerebral limbic system has decreased in size, and is comparatively less developed than in animals such as dogs or cats.
When a dog lowers its tail in front of a stronger dog or wags its tail with joy, the limbic system is at work. The well-known flight or fight response is also a function of the limbic system. If we could learn to utilize the capabilities of our brain’s limbic system, we would be better equipped to control emotions, generating an appropriate and constructive emotional reaction to all situations. Reed more Ilchi Lee articles.
January 15th, 2009 at 10:55 pm
You can practice Sahaja Yoga meditation in Denver, Boulder, Longmont and Fort Collins Colorado,and you will discover what is needed for a new awareness that is TRUE FREE YOGA. Sahaja Yoga classes are free of charge, as one cannot pay for the experience of Divine Love.
Starting our new classes in Longmont on Jan 20th.