The Psycho-Cybernetic Mechanism and the Amygdala – Part 1
Stuart Ginbey | January 18, 2009
The Psycho-Cybernetic Mechanism (PCM) is our brain’s version of a thermostat. Just like the one found in an airconditioning system, it’s role is to measure the deviation from setpoint and produce an output that will return the temperature back to it’s original settting. Our brain’s PCM is very similar, but it’s not only associated with temperature. It is more concerned with our Comfort Zone and when we find ourselves in an uncomfortable situation, it will trigger a series of events to naturally bring us back to our happy medium. This function actually plays a very important role in our survival. To do this, the PCM employs the role of the Amygdala.
The Amygdala is an almond shaped set of nuclei in the brain. It is most commonly associated with emotions such as fear, anxiety, doubt and depression. This Amygdala is actually the circuit that is triggered by the PCM when it senses you are out of your comfort zone. It releases the chemicals that cause you to feel doubt, fear and anxiety.
Stay tune for part 2 and we’ll find out what this all means.
Yours sincerely,
