The process of perception and and evaluation together, or how neural circuits distinguish whether situations or people are safe, dangerous or life threatening.
Stephen Porges coined the term Neuroception, he states that this process explains why a baby coos at a caregiver but cries at a stranger. Neuroception was (and is) an essential tool for us to decide whether to engage, or flee from a situation.
In a way, it is part of our risk management software that runs so quickly and is governed subconsciously by our reptilian brain.
Here’s the thing though. While once upon a time risks that were more life threatening were fairly common, we are now confronted with a more constant, low-level stimulation and perceived social risks.
When we perceive a situation to be dangerous through neuroception, we can see a rise in our heart rate and other stress markers.
Today, we can have this same physiological fear or stress response, even in a far more tepid situation (i.e. everyday social situations for some people)
Porges states that faulty neuroception might lie at the root of several psychiatric disorders, including autism, schizophrenia, anxiety disorders, depression, and Reactive
Attachment Disorder.
Could it also be at the root of more subtle fears? Joining the gym? Public speaking? Starting your business? The need for people to constantly check social media?
Once we understand that our instantaneous process of perception and evaluation is going to be flawed at times, we can choose to notice and feel these thoughts, fears, sensations, yet move beyond them.
