The Limbic Brain- The human seat of emotions

The limbic brain is a part of the human brain that manages our behavioural and emotional responses. All our survival emotions are managed in the Limbic system,known as the Paleoammalian cortex,the organ that is explored during intense emotional experiences and altered states of consciousness.

Now,the primary role of the limbic brain is to interlink the internal sensations with external stimuli to general appropriate survival responses such as fear,pleasure,fight or flight responses.Our autonomic nervous system that regulates our heart rate,blood pressure,body temperature are managed by the limbic brain. Being the centre of memory,emotions and social bonding,the limbic brain contains the reward centres by emitting dopamine from the Ventral Tegmental Area(VTA) that identifies pleasurable stimuli and regulates motivation.

Being the 'Seat of the Soul',the Limbic system fires neurons into the energy field that generate mystical experiences to reach higher spiritual states of consciousness. Consistent spiritual practices such as singing,chanting,exercise and breathwork increases neuroplasticity.

There are 6 key regions in the Limbic brain that compartmentalize emotional processing

1) Amygdala- Processes the intensified spiritual emotions.

2) Hippocampus-Encodes spiritual experiences into memories.

3) Prefrontal Cortex-This area provides the cognitive context for spiritual self reflection.

4) Hypothalamus- The region that manages the homeostasis that regulates hunger,temperature that are managed by the pituitary gland via the endocrine system.

5) Cingulate Gyrus- The area in the brain that regulates the emotional regulation and behaviour. Aids in controlling attention,motivation and responses to pain and stress.

6) Anterior Cingulate Cortex(ACC)- The region that is connected to both the limbic brain and the prefrontal cortex that manages uncomfortable emotions.

The next segment consists of the discussion of ways in which the limbic system can be stimulated.

1) Sensory and Emotional Engagement- Sense of smell such as aromatherapy helps in influencing positive emotions that stimulate the limbic system.

2) Fun and Passion- Engaging in hobbies such as painting,gaming,singing that elicit joy increase the positive waves in the limbic functioning.

3) Social Connection- Fostering positive relationships improves feelings of safety and well being.

4) Meditation and Prayer- By meditating for only 5 minutes and praying centres the emotional state of the ACC.Oxford Academia 2020,suggests that meditation and prayer reduces hyperactivity in the parietal cortex that balances unity and oneness.(Cerebral Cortex Vol.29,June 2019,Lisa Miller et al.)

Moving further to the depth of the limbic system,it possesses aspects of the unconscious mental activity that is split between visual processing,auditory processing and tactile processing.

#1 Visual processing consists of recognizing facial expressions,triggering corresponding emotional responses and potential threats in the environment. There comes in a rapid response mechanism that makes one react to the surroundings. So if an individual feels threat and contrarily feels joy,the limbic system gets activated differently.

#2 Auditory processing which is associated with memories,particulary the amygdala and hippocampus that makes the limbic brain react to specific emotional responses and memories.

#3 Tactile processing associated with physical touch and internal sensations that enhance feelings of emotional warmth,bonding and trust.

Now that we understood the limbic brain is the area where a lot of unconscious processing occurs,adapting to spirituality has a long term impact. Individuals start to seek and express meaning and purpose on their way to connectedness when this area is activated.

Think of it link a spark of electricity!! When the neurons in the brain get fired,the brain starts receiving signals and further,processes emotions and thoughts differently. The inferior parietal lobe(IPL) and the Thalamus are responsible for emotional sensory and perceptual processing. When an individual undergoes deep spiritual experiences,the brain responses becomes aware of connection with others along with sense of union with inner self.