We are beginning to explore a new book by Steve Peters, A Path through the Jungle.
I love the title of this book and the metaphor that this gives us because I see this as an opportunity to make a choice to define the jungle and decide do we want to live in the jungle constantly in survival mode or do we want to experience all the beauty and wonder that the jungle can give us. This book is designed to give us a practical step by step method in how to become more resilient and robust individuals living the lives we were destined to live.
Think for a moment what is best version of yourself that you want to be? What is it that stands in your way of becoming that? Sometimes we may not even know. We find ourselves often asking the same question, Why is this happening again?
Steven Peters outlines for us in very simple a terms how our minds function and how we can begin this process of change, He first begins with identifying the operating systems though the use of three metaphors that ae the foundations of this book..
The Computer System
The Computer is a reference source for both the Human and Chimp. It stores their beliefs about what is right and important in the world. The Computer also stores memories, providing advice from past experience. Whilst it does not think for itself, the Computer can be programmed to take action in certain circumstances, making it the fastest system in the brain
The Human System
The Human is the conscious thinking system in the brain – it is you. Only you can decide how you would like to be in life and how you would like to live your life. The human’s basis for thinking therefore is facts and logic, which can take time to piece together.
The Chimp System
The Chimp is a primitive system in the brain which you do not control. The Chimp can think for itself and works with drives and instincts for surviving in the jungle. The Chimp’s basis for thinking is its feelings and impressions of the world; it is emotionally driven, impulsive, and quick to react.
We will continue to explore these concepts as we delve into a new journey through this book and our minds.
Maria Jacques