amygdala hijack

What You See Does Not Currently Exist

According to the History Channel’s program “The Universe – Light Speed” …. Laura Danly, Griffith Park Observatory Curator in LA: Because it takes time to travel, we’re able to look back in time, the further out we look in distance, … Continue reading

I did not lie to the Sister Mary ….

My membership for a particular organization was due to expire.  I thanked them for their friendly reminder email, telling them I was not sure of the exact date that my membership would be up.  Their response was: Our records show that … Continue reading

Striped Patterns … or Plaid?

I’m reading a great book about blame.  Blame is a big part of team dysfunctions and conflict.  Blame is part of the no-win situation, for blame has no constructive value.  Blame will simply fuel the conflict fire.  It is so … Continue reading

Does ‘Pilot Error’ Really Exist?

As we know, ‘pilot error’ is the cause of many accidents. The precursor of Pilot Error is aviation medicine …. This was a result of the aircraft manufacturers having to replace numerous crashed planes by pilot wanna-be’s. In the early … Continue reading

Anger Locations

Where, exactly, does anger ‘live’?  I was recently told by a client “Anger is a place I go to easily”.  That is one powerful statement!  And not in a positive way. Anger is most certainly a red color — some … Continue reading

The Habits of the Mind ….

Time for Points to Ponder The Habits of Mind of Professional Behavior* … This can bring up many different habits — think before speaking, don’t cuss or use inappropriate words, keep an open mind ….. and these may have a direct … Continue reading

"Fighting Words"

Words can comfort us, excite us, or set us off. There is a one in five chance that our message will be misunderstood. When we use words that immediately raise the defenses of the receiver of our messages, these words … Continue reading

Chain of Events: 1977 Tenerife Accident

I’ve been doing research on the aviation accident that happened in Tenerife in the Canary Islands, Spain in 1977.This is an absolutely fascinating study in looking at how each element contributed to the fiery crash. A chain of events is … Continue reading

Stopping at the amygdala ….

while en route to your neo-cortex can cause you all sorts of problems! A key point to know is how your brain reacts to threats.  We feel before we think. Emotions come before thoughts. Your amygdala houses your emotions and … Continue reading

Mutual misconceptions lead to …

Mutual bad behaviors .. what else? When someone wrongs us, or threatens us — even a perceived threat — we react.  In our reactions, we don’t think through our words, actions or behaviors.  Nor do we think through the consequences … Continue reading