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Elephant and the Rider – Limbic system

June 28th, 2010 No comments
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African Bush Elephant in Mikumi National Park,...
The elephant (the limbic system) will do its thing but you can learn to manage it using the rider (the prefrontal cortex) Image via Wikipedia

In ancient Asia men learned to tame wild elephants. These powerful beasts were directed for the constructive use of man by gaining trust in their rider. These powerful beasts would respond to the gentle direction given. This is a good analogy as to how the two-part brain works.

The elephant can be likened unto the limbic system which is strong and powerful while the pre-frontal cortex can be likened unto the rider. Which one do you think is stronger, the elephant or the rider?

It is obvious as to pure strength that the elephant is stronger but when the elephant can learn to trust the rider then great things can be accomplished. It must be understood that the elephant will not trust the rider if it is beaten into submission. It is through patience, love and constant redirection that this relationship is developed. Understand that you have a part of yourself that is like the elephant but you also have a part of yourself that is like the rider. The rider can learn to direct the elephant and thereby making a powerful and positive force for good.

Do dailies and constantly holding yourself accountable for your actions is how to do this. As you do this you are in the process of getting better every day. Don’t give up is setbacks come. Learn from them, pick yourself up and move on. The rider who has tamed the elephant has spent years of constant work and patience.

Keep moving forward!

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