Neurology of Freedom

The Real Freedom

Oxford Dictionary defines the word Freedom as “The power or right to act, speak or think as one wants”.

But you know, so many times, I do things which I regret later and wouldn’t have done at the first place; I say something, which I realize later to be of no use (at the best) or inappropriate (at the worst); All the time, I get uninvited thoughts propelling me into multiple directions and I have no control over them.

Hey, are you saying you also feel the same? Most of us share the same experience? That’s so true. So let’s contemplate together:

Are We Really Free?

Referring to a citizen dictionary or humanitarian lexicon, we have got immense liberty – being not under any foreign domination, not being enslaved and being in a socio-political structure which allows (a reasonably good) freedom of expression. Our freedom is not curtailed by any external force.

But does it make us really free? Does it give us “The power to act, speak or think as we want”?

Alas! It does not! While it is critical to have political and social freedom, it is just the beginning, and our freedom struggle still continues - at a very deep inner level.

The Auto-Pilot Conundrum

Psychologists and neurologists confirm this inner ‘non-freedom’ of ours. Leading researchers suggest that in whopping 95% of our own actions / decisions, we don’t play any active role. Isn’t it alarming?

Many such auto-pilot acts are harmless or have little consequence (e.g. driving and brushing), but at times, the consequences are quite devastating. Consider the instances of suicides, killings and road rage at one level, and break-ups, depression and decisions-in-rage, on the other.

Interestingly, the person didn’t initiate such actions with a deliberate choice. Many times, they don’t even remember what they did during those moments. Mostly, they regret it.

So, if it wasn’t the person, then who forced these actions, words and thoughts, without their intent or consent?

The Two Brains

Let’s look at this phenomenon with the neurological perspective. While the inner circuitry is quite complex, let’s just take the curious case of Amygdala.

Amygdala is an almond-shape set of neurons located deep in the brain's medial temporal lobe. It is part of ancient mammal brain and is responsible for our emotional reactions. This little structure is a skeptical security guard, who is always ready to pick a fight or raise an alarm. It is responsible for our survival and so it can exercise dominance over other parts of the brain.

Talking about other parts of the brain, let’s talk about pre-frontal cortex, which sits at the front of our head. It is the executive part of brain, responsible for awareness, leadership, creativity and other complex cognitive functions. It is one of the special gifts to human beings (no other mammal has such large pre-frontal cortex).

The Intricate Working

Whenever, there is a threat – let’s say a lion attacks us – amygdala signals fight or flight responses. These responses are quite powerful and can suppress any thoughtful signals coming from pre-frontal cortex. It’s logical – if my life is in danger, I don’t have time to contemplate if this is lion’s lunch time or not.

But it’s surely a problem when my amygdala gets triggered while discussing with a colleague or when a fellow driver overtakes mischievously. In these moments, if amygdala overpowers pre-frontal cortex, I will surely lose my free will to act in the most appropriate manner.

Amygdala triggers are also responsible for mood swings, negativity bias, restlessness and frustration.

As per Dr. Daniel Goleman, “an amygdala hijack immediately shuts down the neural pathway to our prefrontal cortex”. Can we imagine achieving mastery, joy, connections and peace, when a negative inner force is suppressing the functioning of our excellence centers?

The shackles on our real freedom - to achieve optimum happiness and success - are right inside our head.

The Path to Freedom

So, can we do something about it? Absolutely. This fight for freedom also requires consistent efforts and is as rewarding and satisfying as our struggle for external freedom.

While various forms of structured long-term approaches exist to strengthen our inner freedom, here are a few quick steps for us to make a beginning:

• Develop Mindful State: Amygdala or any other auto-pilot response gets triggered, when we are not ‘present’. Our awareness in the current activity / experience streamlines auto pilot mechanism and gives greater control to pre-frontal cortex. Interestingly, research shows that mindfulness practice can even increase the thickness of pre-frontal cortex and enhance its regulation over emotional reactions.
• PIL Formula: Whenever Amygdala is triggered (e.g. feeling anger, fear, sadness or frustration, etc.) use PIL formula:

o  Pause any external reactions

o  Inhale deeply

o  Locate sensations in your body

• Curb Distractions: Amygdala triggers thrive on distractions. Practice sustained attention, by picking up one task and continuing with it for a longer duration, without checking your emails and mobile phone.
• Physical Exercise: Making your body sweat can ease / channelise the triggers given by amygdala.

The first step towards freedom is identifying the chains constricting us. Hope that more and more of us recognize the inner shackles holding us back from living freely and joyfully and take everyday tiny steps towards our deep and true freedom.