The complexity of the human mind exemplifies through two main components: the rational and emotional mind. While the rational mind derives from scientific reasoning and past experiences, the emotional mind emerges reactive and centers on bodily emotions. When effectively balanced, the rational and emotional minds create a sense of harmony, through making decisions that satisfy both the head and the heart.
The amygdala, a key component of the emotional mind, “ is an almond shaped cluster of interconnected structures perched about the brainstem near the bottom of the limbic ring” (p14) While retaining a small structural percentage, this structure preserves a critical position - it is the “specialist for emotional matters” (Goleman, 2005, p. …show more content…
For me, I notice this hijacking to develop when I am driving. Following a hectic, fast paced, eight-hour work shift, which began at four in the morning, I find myself tired, sore, and upset. The slightest of mistakes, or other driver’s foolishness, causes an exaggerated, overdramatic response. Three distinct scenarios cause this response: cars who cut me off at the last second to make a turn, individuals who refuse to use their blinkers, and worst of all, drivers who pull out of a side road, conscious that I am traveling over 45 miles per hour. Rather than calmly responding to the situation, I slam on my breaks at the last second, with the sound of my breaks squealing as I attempt to stop my car from rear-ending their oblivious body. I curse in frustration, follow extremely close, or repeat their senseless action back to them. At the time, this appears as the correct response, but looking back on the situation, I know this does more harm than good. Not only am I causing unneeded stress, but I am also putting myself and the other driver in danger. By looking back on the situation, I am able to correct my actions, noting their
The amygdala, a key component of the emotional mind, “ is an almond shaped cluster of interconnected structures perched about the brainstem near the bottom of the limbic ring” (p14) While retaining a small structural percentage, this structure preserves a critical position - it is the “specialist for emotional matters” (Goleman, 2005, p. …show more content…
For me, I notice this hijacking to develop when I am driving. Following a hectic, fast paced, eight-hour work shift, which began at four in the morning, I find myself tired, sore, and upset. The slightest of mistakes, or other driver’s foolishness, causes an exaggerated, overdramatic response. Three distinct scenarios cause this response: cars who cut me off at the last second to make a turn, individuals who refuse to use their blinkers, and worst of all, drivers who pull out of a side road, conscious that I am traveling over 45 miles per hour. Rather than calmly responding to the situation, I slam on my breaks at the last second, with the sound of my breaks squealing as I attempt to stop my car from rear-ending their oblivious body. I curse in frustration, follow extremely close, or repeat their senseless action back to them. At the time, this appears as the correct response, but looking back on the situation, I know this does more harm than good. Not only am I causing unneeded stress, but I am also putting myself and the other driver in danger. By looking back on the situation, I am able to correct my actions, noting their