"World peace is a nice idea, but it's a biological impossibility. Conflict is as universal as a bad Nicolas Cage movie. Whether it's two NFL fans sparring over a piece of rival-branded laundry, or two billionaires fighting over superyacht berthing, conflict is a core of our existence. But if you want to stop living in a state of perpetual anger or irritation by instigators, you need a lesson in de-escalation."
"To rise above conflict, you must first understand why your brain struggles with it. When someone disregards a boundary, your brain doesn't perceive a simple oversight, it feels an intrinsic threat. This is the 'amygdala hijack.' Your prefrontal cortex (the part of your brain that pays the bills and understands mixed metaphors) goes offline. Your amygdala (the part that wants to torch and pillage) takes the helm."
Conflict is a universal, biologically driven phenomenon that triggers the same physiological response as physical danger, producing cortisol and adrenaline surges. Boundary violations are perceived as intrinsic threats, leading to an amygdala hijack that shuts down the prefrontal cortex and impairs rational thinking. This physiological state creates tunnel vision and makes de-escalation nearly impossible without deliberate intervention. Defusing conflict requires strategic de-escalation and clear boundaries rather than mere niceness. Understanding the neurobiology of blow-ups helps explain impulsive, regretful reactions and provides a basis for implementing conscious techniques to prevent escalation and avoid chronic anger.
Read at Psychology Today
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