By processing information from the environment through the senses, the nervous system continually evaluates risk. I have coined the term neuroception to describe how neural circuitsdistinguish whether situations or people are safe, dangerous, or life-threatening. Because of our heritage as a species, neuroception takes place in primitive parts of the brain, without our conscious awareness. Stephen W. Porges
About This Quote

We all have some understanding of what it is like to be nervous. We become anxious when we are about to talk to someone important or important characters appear in our story line. The nervous system can also overreact to things that are out of the ordinary, such as the sound of a siren or an unexpected dog barks at us. Because of our heritage as a species, neuroception takes place in primitive parts of the brain, without our conscious awareness. When the body reacts strongly to something that is not life threatening, it can mean that parts of the brain are working overtime, trying to keep us safe.

Source: The Polyvagal Theory: Neurophysiological Foundations Of Emotions, Attachment, Communication, And Selfregulation

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