Just a Breath
Have you ever reacted out of character and afterwards wondered why you did what you did? It happens to all of us, and I’ll tell you why.
I Ran For My Life
When I lived on the m.v. Logos, one day I happily entered a room; confronted by something unexpected, in terror I ran. There was no logical or rational reason to run. I was not in danger. Science has learned, I was triggered by my amygdala to an imaginary threat. Triggered, I could not think – all I could do was flee.
I Didn’t Want to Do It
When we find ourselves acting in a way that doesn’t make sense, we have been triggered by the amygdala.
Your daughter was supposed to be home two hours ago and you can’t reach her. About to phone the hospital, she walks in the door. Instead of demonstrating gratitude she is alive, you snap at her. You reacted in fear, triggered by your amygdala, perhaps based on a memory of someone you knew who was in a terrible accident.
Your husband slipped up from behind you with a bouquet of flowers and startled, you yell at him. Your amygdala triggered you, based on the past when you felt threatened.
Our amygdala holds memories of fear, trauma, and abuse. Some fears are learned en utero when you experienced your mother’s fear. Today, when you react, you do not respond to the person or situation you currently face. Instead, you react to an imaginary threat or assault on your safety. This is especially true if you suffer from PTSD.
The enemy holds us captive to fearful memories in the amygdala. As we react in fear or anger, we moved into the flesh in a way that dishonors ourself, others, and the Lord Jesus.
Just Breathe
There is hope. You can learn what triggers you.
When you find yourself starting to react – it is important to stop. Take a slow, deep breath through your nose. Exhale – slow and deep through your nose. As you do, it down-regulates your amygdala and enables you to move out of the reactivity of the reptilian brain that yells danger, into the thoughtfulness and cognitive functioning of your pre-frontal cortex where you are able to choose how you respond to the current reality.
In Through The Nose
I love learning about the brain; it is a fascinating organ. “A new study has found evidence to show that there is actually a direct link between nasal breathing and our cognitive functions.”
Take Your Time
I am sure you have heard when you are angry, count to ten. With slow deep exhales of breath, your amygdala loses power to hold you in fear, which enables you to relax. As you slowly inhale through your nose, you are enabled to think with clarity and respond in a more intelligent and compassionate manner.
So my friend, the next time you feel overwhelming fear or anger – stop! Take time to breathe slowly in and out through your nose! As you do, you may find the breath of God’s Spirit fills your being and enables you to respond under His authority in a way that is honoring to yourself, to others, and to Him.
God bless you!
