In this chapter, we covered how the three most important layers of the brain work together in managing our rational and emotional data to help you master the basics of neuroscience.
You have learned the triune brain model to understand the hierarchy of the brain functions, such as the primitive brain, a.k.a reptilian brain--it is the guardian of our survival its goal is to make sure we stay alive and reproduce. Also the limbic system a.k.a emotional brain is the chain of warehouses where our emotional memories are stored, which helps us to learn from our past experiences. And finally the cerebrum a.k.a neocortex is our executive brain with functions related to thinking and language: planning, questioning, making decisions, solving problems, and generating new ideas.
You have learned that all your memories, since you were born are stored in the limbic system to help you make decisions throughout your whole life and providing you with the context and meaning for your emotional triggers, behaviors, and decision-making process.
You learned that the mainstream thinking about reason over emotions is based on three flawed assumptions:
- We can choose whether to feel or not
- Emotional suppression works in the long-term
- Thought stopping works as a regulation strategy
And the four steps you need to practice to achieve the balance between what you think and how you feel and act, and stop the over-thinking default mode.
You have learned that the consistent practice of mindfulness meditation help you enhance your attention, self-awareness, and self-regulation due to the neuroplastic changes in the structure and functioning of brain regions that regulate emotional responses.
You have learned that feelings of gratitude nurture our individual mental health and fortify our bonds with other people and that gratitude rewards generosity and maintains the cycle of healthy social behavior, which can improve your social skills, leadership style, and corporate culture.
You have learned that a healthy empathy system is crucial for normal social development. And if you don't have empathy or doesn't cultivate it in yourself you likely end up having social problems as patients with autism do and sociopaths.
In the next chapter, we will learn the five core emotional intelligence competencies and their skills that a IT professional, from all the different areas, needs to master. The five core competencies are: self-awareness, ;self-expression, social awareness, and social skills.