Embracing the Beast Within: How Understanding Our Primal Instincts Can Lead to a More Compassionate

Introduction: The Catalyst for Understanding

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Mistakes, impulses, survival instincts—we all have them. But what if we could better understand this primal coding? My journey with PTSD has given me a firsthand experience of the flight instinct, and it’s taught me the importance of understanding the animal within us all.

The Adrenaline Symphony: Fight, Flight, and PTSD

The adrenaline-fueled urge to either fight or flee is more than just a split-second decision; it can shape lives. Having moved 22 times driven by an overpowering urge to “flee,” I’ve come to understand that this is a fear-based reaction. Recognizing it for what it is has given me the strength to challenge it, leading to a more settled life.

Territorial GPS: Claiming and Reclaiming Spaces

Territoriality isn’t just about physical spaces; it can also be about emotional or psychological territories. It’s not about possession but about the inherent need for comfort and security. It’s a lens through which we can better understand conflicts at all levels—be it personal relationships or global politics.

The Herd and the Hive: The Danger of Getting “Caught Up”

The herd mentality isn’t just a social theory; it’s a lived experience. The riots in Portland were a vivid example of how individuals get “caught up” in collective actions they might later regret. Recognizing our herd tendencies can be the first step in preventing actions that we may later regret.

Navigating the Jungle of Life: A Compassionate Roadmap

Understanding our primal instincts is not an excuse for bad behavior, but it’s a key to compassion. By knowing why we—or others—might act in certain ways, we can work on more constructive paths forward.

The Final Roar: A Call to Mindful Action

It’s high time we honor and understand our inner animal. By doing so, we’re not just surviving; we’re thriving. And more importantly, we’re contributing to a more compassionate world for all.

#mentalhealth #selfimprovement #veterans