Soothing the Amygdala

ICA | The Institute of Contemporary Art/Boston, March 24, 2012

Psychology Today: What’s one lesson kids of all ages could benefit from?

Ravi Chandra (The Pacific Heart): The most important lesson lies in understanding one’s fear and anger, and the primitive brain. Fear of loss, isolation, and abandonment are [like death threats] to the amygdala, which pushes us into fight-or-flight mode. The most important work involves soothing the amygdala, as well as generating love, compassion, and wisdom from our cerebral cortex.

See also:

• People Can Develop Skills that Promote Happiness and Compassion
• Matthieu Ricard posts
• Notice Rest 
• Friendliness Resistance Training