When we face a horrific situation and we are at a loss as to what to do, our response relies entirely on the most primitive part of the brain, the basal ganglia, which controls the innate and automatic self-preserving behaviors needed to survive. This part of the brain is also responsible for primitive activities such as feeding, escaping danger, and reproducing.

The brain is a predictive organ and it learns from the consequences of what we do. It learns typical day-to-day behaviors from situations during our early developmental years. When we take a potentially unsafe action such as touching an electrical socket or crossing the road when a car is approaching and a guardian intercepts, informs us of the risk, and offers an alternative action, the brain will learn and apply this categorically across a diverse set of situations involving danger and safety. READ MORE