We are indeed hardwired to perceive a threat to wellbeing and to respond by seeking safety and security. Neurophysiologically this function is mediated for the most part by the amygdala – the seat of fight, flight or freeze. The activated amygdala achieves its function by stimulating the secretion of adrenaline and cortisol. Once the threat to wellbeing is perceived to be removed or abates we are free to satisfy our needs and experience reward and gratification. But is the absence or suppression of amygdala activity and the resulting safety and security sufficient to allow for adequate gratification?
Diminishing amygdala activity and the emergence of safety and security may be achieved in several ways: The most obvious solution is to neutralize the threat or distance oneself from it. Alternatively one may achieve the sought after safety, peace and security by actively diminishing amygdala activity. Psycho-socially this may be achieved by appeasing a challenger or submitting to the challenge. In extreme situations, the long term suppression of an overly active amygdala may be achieved through drug therapy. For many, this tranquilized terrain is sufficient to support the threshold requirement for reward and gratification. But for others, heightened gratification needs are such that curiosity and a more intense engagement with the environment may be necessary. This potentially disruptive behavior however may challenge the peace and security of a convenient and secured space and the person or collective of persons defending it. Of importance is that from a neurophysiological perspective, the enhanced meaning and purpose and subsequent gratification experienced by the potential disruptors (centred in the nucleus accumbens and mediated by dopamine) actively suppresses the fear of the amygdala. Clearly, two different sub-species of humans can be identified.
It is established that the perception of the passage of time is relative for each individual (Einstein). I would suggest that the passage of time would be subjectively perceived by the safety and security-seeking individual as passing much faster than that perceived by the individual driven by heightened gratification needs. This I believe is primarily based on the predictability of living in a secured and controlled space as opposed to enabling unpredictable occurrences with more passionate engagements. This translates into the actual physiology underpinning aging. Individuals experiencing higher levels of dopamine as a result of a more robust sense of curiosity, meaning and purpose will tend to have lower levels of inflammatory mediators and consequent inflammation. Conversely those individuals expending significant amounts of energy on suppressing amygdala activity in order to establish peace,security and convenience will have less resilience to periods of hopelessness and helplessness and the associated feeling of irrelevance, with the resultant predisposition to chronic inflammation. I would suggest that it is the state of chronic inflammation which predisposes to aging and to many of the potentially lethal human ailments.
The secretion of oxytocin is associated with, and mediates a mind state of empathy, trust, belief, awe and a sense of connectedness. Oxytocin also suppresses amygdala activity, suppresses inflammation and stimulates dopamine which enhances gratification. It is unfortunate therefore that those preoccupied with suppressing amygdala activity and securing their turf are less aware of the extended environment and consequently will experience less empathy, trust, belief and awe than those actively engaged in a more robust interaction with the greater environment. This is aggravated by the increased secretion of adrenaline which suppresses pre-frontal awareness and the ability to reason in those preoccupied with quietening their amygdala. The increased adrenaline secretion additionally contributes to states of chronic inflammation.
This journey along a somewhat convoluted route brings me to a novel conclusion: For the majority of folk who spend much of their energy averting fear and securing a safe and convenient existence, time passes quickly due primarily to a monotony of being; aging is more rapid and apparent; chronic inflammation and illness are more common. For those curious folk seeking to fulfill a robust level of personal meaning and purpose, time passes much slower as they remain consciously preoccupied with greater engagement; aging is slower; chronic inflammation and illness are less. The bottom line ... a secure and sanitized space may be dangerous while a space laced with potential danger may be life-enhancing!
Like how you think Ian.. 63 and going strong!! Not ready for the pasture quite yet!
I can relate to this and happy to hear that my challenging adventures may actually keep my young. Great article.