Jimbo's Jots

The study of the brain is no easy task! There are books and studies and research done all over the world for hundreds of years that tell you how the brain works and what happens to your brain when you experience the joys and pain in life.

This week and next week, we’re going to try to simplify how the brain functions especially in those who experience anxiety or extreme stress in life.

First of all, let’s look at how the brain functions. Again, this is a basic, overall review. So we won’t be diving in to the crevices. Second, this information is from the book by Dr. Peter L. Steike, How Your Church Family Works: Understanding congregations as emotional systems.

There are basically 3 parts to your brain:

1. Brainstem – also known as the reptilian brain helps to regulate your instinctive body such as breathing and blood circulation. It also is instinctive in that it is the part of the brain that deals with your survival.
2. Limbic system – also know as mammalian brain monitors your emotional responses to life circumstances. This is your “feelings” part of the brain. When you have experiences of joy or pain, the limbic system will lock that in to a spot and essentially rewires your brain. More about this next week!
3. Cerebral hemispheres – this is your rational thought. Remember when your teacher would say, “Put on your thinking caps!” This is what they talk about.

The three parts in theory work together to help you work through any situation in life, good and bad. Look at this way, if you had no stress, life would be boring. If you have too much stress, it can seem chaotic and unmanageable. The three areas of the brain help you manage life’s chaos.

In the meantime, rest in the “peace that passes all of our understanding” (Philippians 4:7).

Be blessed and be a blessing!