Reaction Management and Self-facilitation Techniques (Fall 2012)

There are two possible rejoinders to every event in our lives: a reaction or a response. Reactions are based on things that trigger our anger or make us upset. Reactions are controlled by a part of our brain called the amygdala - our emotiona control center. Responses are managed by the executive function of our brain known as the frontal lobes. Reactions are fueled by past repressed emotions, thoughts, or feelings and typically erupt at the most inconvenient times (e.g. at a meeting with the boss). This session will provide you with an overview of why we get pissed off and what we can do to manage our reactions. This session provides an overview of the concepts of Auto-ego and Aware-ego and how our choices are influenced by the constant struggle between unconsciousness (reactions) and consciousness (awareness - responses).

Learning Objectives

Understand the basic function of the amygdala and how it influences our reactions. Exposure to numerous methods that can be used to raise your awareness level of what causes upset and stress in your life.
Provide a fundamental understanding of being at the source of your choices verses being at effect of past repressed feelings or emotions
Practices and techniques that focus on results verses reasons, stories and excuses. Exposeure to a functionally different way to look at life; being at cause/creation (accountable) or being at effect (a victim of circumstances).