Understanding The Reptilian Brain: The Foundation Of Human Behavior

Reptilian Behavior In Humans.

In the intricate tapestry of the human brain, a primal force traces its origins back to our reptilian ancestors.

Often referred to as the “lizard brain” or the “reptilian brain,” this ancient structure plays a crucial role in shaping human behavior.

This article delves into the depths of the reptilian brain, exploring its influence on our actions and reactions.

(Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. It is not meant to treat or diagnose anyone.)

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Reptilian Brain In Humans

Are There Reptilian Trait Behavior in Humans? This article discusses the R-Complex and how humans exhibit reptilian behavior. We have a body, but where is the user manual?

I started my personal growth journey in 1997, and the first area I studied was psychology and the mind.

I noticed how easily I was ‘triggered’ (an unconscious emotional reaction) as a child and young adult before the term ‘triggered’ was even used, and I believe what gets triggered in us is the R-complex.

Advertisers and other media outlets know this, so most media is fear-based because it gets people’s attention.

What is the Reptilian Brain?

In MacLean’s triune brain model, the basal ganglia are called the reptilian or primal. This structure controls our innate and automatic self-preserving behavior patterns, ensuring our survival and that of our species.

Three primary structures developed sequentially from oldest to newest below.

The basal ganglia are found at the center of the human =The R-Complex.
The limbic system (which consists of various component structures, such as the amygdala and hippocampus.)
The neocortex (which is implicated in conscious thought, language, and reasoning).

MacLean suggested, within the Triune model, that the basal ganglia and a number of the surrounding structures within the base of the forebrain are responsible for ‘species-typical’ behaviors, which are present in aggression, dominance, territoriality, and ritual displays.

The oldest part is the R complex. I’ll use these terms interchangeably throughout this article; they all mean the same thing.

The Serpentine Brain consists of the upper part of the spinal cord and the basal ganglia, the diencephalon, and midbrain regions – all of which sit atop the spinal column like a knob in the middle of our heads.

This part fundamentally influences our behavior and controls bodily functions required to sustain life, such as breathing and body temperature.

The R-complex also is where repeating patterns such as:

rituals
automatic responses without conscious thought
predictability
fear of losing a job, spouse, home,
fear of dying,
lack of money & resources,
and the unknown are all anxiety and trauma responses.

I’ve always admired people willing to take a leap of faith and go for it, like quitting their job and moving to another country.

Once people fear not surviving, the cerebrum fear center takes over, and we are at the mercy of its reactions to perceived threats. The news media targets this part by telling us about the latest tragedies or economic woes.

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What are the key functions of the reptilian brain in humans?

Based on current scientific understanding, the concept of a distinct “reptilian brain” in humans is outdated and inaccurate. However, the brain structures once referred to as the “reptilian brain” do serve important functions:

Regulation of basic physiological processes: The brainstem and basal ganglia, which were previously associated with the “reptilian brain,” help control vital functions such as heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, and body temperature .
Motor control and coordination: The basal ganglia play a crucial role in voluntary movement control, motor learning, and coordination .
Habit formation: These structures are involved in the development and execution of habitual behaviors.
Emotional processing: Contrary to the outdated triune brain model, these “ancient” brain structures contribute to emotional experiences and regulation, working in conjunction with other brain regions .
Decision-making and executive functions: The basal ganglia are involved in aspects of decision-making and even higher-order cognitive functions like self-control.
Survival instincts: While not exclusively responsible for “primitive” behaviors, these brain regions do contribute to innate self-preserving behaviors and responses to potential threats.
Reward and motivation: The basal ganglia are part of the brain’s reward system, influencing motivation and reinforcement learning.

It’s important to note that these functions are not isolated to a “reptilian brain,” but are integrated with other brain regions in complex neural networks. Modern neuroscience emphasizes the interconnected and cooperative nature of different brain structures, rather than viewing them as separate evolutionary layers .

Lizard Brain In Humans

I. Evolutionary Roots: Reptile Behavior in Humans

To understand the R-complex in humans, we must first look to our evolutionary past. Humans share a common ancestry with reptiles, and certain behaviors have persisted across millions of years. The survival instincts of our reptilian forebears, such as fight or flight responses, territoriality, and social hierarchies, are deeply embedded in our genetic code.

II. Unveiling the Reptilian Brain in Humans

Anatomy and Function: The reptilian part comprises the stem and the cerebellum, governing fundamental functions like breathing, heart rate, and balance. It is the oldest part, responsible for basic survival instincts and involuntary responses.
Fight or Flight: One of the most well-known aspects of the reptilian brain is its role in the “fight or flight” response. When faced with danger, triggers cascade physiological reactions designed to enhance our chances of survival.
Territorial Instincts: The reptilian mind also influences our territorial instincts, contributing to forming personal boundaries and defending resources. This behavior can be observed in various aspects of human life, from individual spaces to geopolitical conflicts.

III. Human Reptile Brain in Modern Society

Decision-Making and Risk Aversion: Despite the evolution of more advanced structures, the reptilian brain plays a significant role in decision-making. Humans often exhibit risk aversion, a trait inherited from our reptilian ancestors who needed to carefully assess threats in their environment.
Social Hierarchies: The reptilian cerebrum establishes social hierarchies, a phenomenon seen in various human interactions. Individuals from the workplace to social circles may display dominant or submissive behaviors influenced by these ancient instincts.

IV. Overcoming the Limitations of the Lizard Brain

Emotional Regulation: Understanding the influence of the reptilian mind allows us to work towards emotional regulation. Techniques such as mindfulness and cognitive-behavioral therapy can help manage instinctual reactions to stressors.
Evolutionary Advancements: While the reptilian brain provides a foundation for survival, the evolution of the human mind has introduced more complex cognitive functions. Developing higher-order thinking and emotional intelligence can help override primitive responses in modern situations.

Systems Controlled & Influenced By The Reptilian Brain

Education System
Government
Military
Judicial
Religion
Business

When the R Complex controls someone, their behavior can affect other people’s brain responses. We can be calm, relaxed, and collected for one minute. Still, if someone displays serpentine brain behaviors in our presence, it can affect our behavior unless we remain conscious.

The desire to control, whether in relationships, circumstances, or life, is a primary trait of the R Complex in action. We often call people displaying this behavior “control freaks,” and “freak-like” is what they appear to be.

Reptilian Behavior Traits

Below are typical reptilian brain behaviors.

Territoriality
A hierarchical structure of power
Control
Ownership
Wars
Jealousy
Anger
Fear
Hostility
Worry
Stuck or frozen with fear
Addictions
Anxiety
Aggressiveness
Conflict
Extreme behavior
Competitiveness
Cold-blooded
Dog-eat-dog beliefs, might is right, and survival of the fittest.
OCD, hoarding, looting,
Superstitions
Deception
Fight, flee, or freeze – (fight or flight response)
Obesity from fear of lack of food – (food scarcity)
Daily rituals, ceremonial re-enactments.
Hunger
Sex
Habits/Automatic Routines

The R Complex can overpower the ability to have calm and rational thoughts. “Losing our heads.” These traits all stem from a belief of insufficient or a ‘lack of’ mentality. It’s all about survival.

Emotional responses are based on the fear of not surviving, so marketers and news outlets always use fear to get you to watch or buy the product.

Power, status, reputation, and sense of self. It doesn’t like change or new viewpoints.

That is why enacting any real difference in politics seems nearly impossible. It fears change, and any real change as far as policy goes can be an absolute “nightmare” to get enacted.

With new views in science, politics, religion, education, and medicine, the reptilian brain sees this as a threat and will always defend itself. Consciousness always wins in the long run, but not without taking out a few casualties.

It doesn’t know the difference between real and imagined, and its thoughts about events are just as accurate as those of the “real thing.” Anxiety is a state caused by the R Complex that should cause us to feel anxious even when nothing is happening.

There is a gnawing away in the belly that something “bad” will happen, and it doesn’t like surprises either.

What is the Amygdala?

The Amygdala is one of two ‘almond-like‘ groups of cores found deep in the brain and the middle of the mind’s transient flaps. It’s used for essential jobs like handling memory, basic leadership, and enthusiastic reactions such as apprehension, tension, and hostility.

The Amygdala is a significant aspect of the limbic framework.

The Function of The R Complex is to Serve You

The primary function of the R Complex is survival and the ability to keep us alive. Without this body program, we wouldn’t last very long here on earth, so there is no sense in beating it.

The problem arises when you stay “stuck” in survival mode as a way of being. You become locked in the R-complex and will perceive reality as a fight for survival.

This part of the brain could be seen as primitive, which isn’t helpful in our modern world.

Everything suddenly seems like a threat to your survival. We become reactive, suspicious, paranoid, and delusional.

Use your conscious awareness to live your life and keep your survival brain a secondary backup, but not a primary leader, except only when entering new or unfamiliar situations.

The Survival part of your brain is your friend. However, it is continuously triggered by exposure to negative media, people, and situations.

This is why periodically getting out into nature and away from stress is the key to maintaining your emotional health.

The R-complex is programmed to reject the unfamiliar and trap us in our comfort zones – where less energy is spent and less risky action is taken, which made perfect sense back when we were running from hungry saber-toothed tigers.

But today, in an age where constant personal growth, self-experimentation, and new ways of thinking are critical to our success and happiness? Not so much.

How To Overcome It?

Consciousness is the only way to be free from the effects of the reptilian brain, which means knowing the difference between real and imagined. Imagination is a beautiful tool, but it can also create “doomsday” scenarios in our minds.

Remain conscious of your thoughts, and when you get unsettling feelings in your body, focus on what ideas you have been having. Redirect them to beliefs that make you feel good and empower you.

The R-complex continuously responds to thoughts as if they are happening in ‘real-life.’

Eckhart Tolle has many great tips and advice for dealing with repetitious thinking and being present with yourself. The first way to overcome the Reptilian Brain is to become aware of when it has overtaken you.

An unhealthy lifestyle like eating junk foods and getting inadequate rest will cause the reptilian brain to go into overdrive. Many people have adopted this ‘hustle’ mentality, which means working 80 hours or more a week, which leads to burnout and adrenal exhaustion.

We need to get back to basics. Work, rest, take a hot bath or shower, play, take your vitamins, help others, get a massage, return to your spirituality, and take care of your responsibilities. Life is a journey, so have fun.

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Why Am I Telling You This?

When you see these characteristics in yourself or others, don’t be judgmental; instead, recognize them for what it is — part of the human body and experience of being human. Before discovering the Lizard Brain, I knew something was off about these traits when I saw them displayed.

Now that we are all aware of the R Complex, let’s bring conscious awareness back into the picture to reduce or eliminate the destructive nature of the ‘fear-based’ creations.

Part of the changes we all will experience when the “shift” occurs is that the R-complex will cease to control and influence us.

It will feel as if a significant burden has been lifted from our shoulders. Author David Icke described an excellent example of reptilian behavior in people.

He says people dominated by the reptilian brain want to know the football game’s score before it even starts because they can’t handle the discomfort of the uncertainty of the outcome.

The lizard brain hates surprises and needs to know; it requires certainty of what will happen next.

The best antidote for reptilian behavior is emotional control. When emotions get out of whack, the R-complex will soon command the body, and then ‘all hell breaks loose.’

The world does not need this, and she needs her people to get some emotional control.

If you want an easy way to calm the reptilian brain, try meditation to eat healthy, whole foods, avoid processed foods, and avoid stimulants.

The Sympathetic nervous system/ego controls the R-complex and triggers our fight-or-flight response system. I believe this is the key to overcoming the adverse effects of the Reptilian Brain.

Breathing exercises, physical exercise, and a good night’s sleep can help keep your nervous system healthy.

Conclusion

In the intricate dance between nature and nurture, the reptilian brain serves as a constant reminder of our evolutionary past. Acknowledging its influence enables us to navigate the complexities of human behavior with greater insight and empowers us to transcend the instinctual limitations of our ancient lizard brain.

As we continue to evolve, the interplay between our primitive instincts and our higher cognitive functions remains a fascinating field of study, shedding light on the intricate workings of the human mind.

Our brain comprises three layers; each layer directly impacts the other and controls the physical body and how you feel.

The three functional layers are the reptilian brain, the limbic system, and the cerebral cortex. The reptilian brain controls the regulatory systems in your body, like hormones, body temperature, blood pressure, and even hunger.

The limbic system is the emotional function of the brain, making you feel fear, anger, joy, or gratitude. Finally, the cerebral cortex is the most evolved part of the brain, overseeing impulse control, decision-making, and long-term planning.

With a better understanding of how each part functions, we can have more conscious thoughts to influence good decision-making and outcomes.

One way to calm your R-complex is to notice that it has taken you over. Sometimes, your awareness is enough to calm your brain.

Here’s a little secret. Your breath can control your nervous system. Breathe fast and shallowly and feel anxious; breathe slowly, deeply, and calmly.

Sometimes physical exercise also calms you down, and other times a cold shower or splashing cold water on your face works. I even heard that yawning can calm you.