What is the reptilian brain and why do I have one?
The oldest region of the brain that we know of is the brain stem or reptilian brain which is deep down in the brain extending up from your spinal cord. Why is it called reptilian? Because it is similar to that of alligators and komodo dragons. The reptilian brain has a single purpose and focus: survival. It is our instinct, our survival mechanism. This is the irrational and primal component of us. This is our fight or flight reaction. The part of us that loses control and overreacts to events. The nonverbal part of us that can be stimulated with the right words. The part of us that reacts with our heart instead of our head. The reptilian brain is obsessive, compulsive and paranoid. However, you need the reptilian brain to survive. This part of the brain controls breathing and heart beat.
