Our
Triune Brain And Its Evolutionary Conclusion
Our brain is
arguably the most complex system known to us. Known but
hardly understood, it is responsible for keeping the
trillions of cells in our body working properly as a
collective harmonious whole. It gives rise to all that we
think, feel, sense, imagine and wonder about. And whereas
before we once thought that it slowly deteriorates
throughout our lives, we now know that if worked properly it
will not only continue to create more nerves cells, but it
can be reshaped like plastic, developing according to how it
is used.
In fact the
fantastically complex brain that we currently have is a
response to our successive needs arising out of our
evolutionary journey. Commonly referred to as our Triune
Brain*, it can be understood as comprising three main parts:
The R Complex (or reptilian brain), The Mammalian brain, and
the Neo Cortex.
The
R Complex
The R Complex
commonly known as our reptilian brain is the oldest of our
'three brains in one’ and its only concern is for
survival. Heart rate, respiration and elimination are all
functions governed by our R Complex, as are: fight, flight,
fear, reproduction and dominance. Resistant to change, it is
the part of our brain that makes it hard for us to break
habits once established.
The
Limbic System
The Limbic
system is a later addition to our reptilian brain and is the
part responsible for hormones, memories and emotions. It is
the part of our brain that enables us to be socially bonded
to others, but for complex emotions such as love, it
requires a two-way interaction with the third and newest
part of our brain, our Neo Cortex.
The
Neo Cortex
Our Neo
Cortex (or Cerebral Cortex) comprises five sixths of our
total brain despite that in evolutionary terms it is a
relatively new addition. We know very little about this part
of our brain except that it: processes sensory information,
makes language possible, gives rise to abstract thought,
creativity, imagination, insight, planning and
resourcefulness. It allows us to be logical, to see into the
future and to plan for an intended outcome. And as the
pleasure, and exhilaration centre of our peak experiences it
is the gateway to heightened levels of awareness.
Although
described as three brains in one, the triune brain operates
as one, its sum being an interconnected, interacting series
of interdependent parts. However its future, the trajectory
of our developmental potential, undoubtedly lies beyond the
gateway of its evolutionary frontier – somewhere within
the synaptic world of our neo cortex.
*
NB The Triune Brain is a model of the brain developed by
Paul MacLean, the former director of the Laboratory of the
Brain and Behaviour at the United States National Institute
of Mental Health.
May All Beings Know:
True Love, True Peace, True Happiness
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