We must differentiate our instinctive responses to events, and how we think about them

• Our instinctive responses have been engrained in our reptilian brain, as a result of the evolutionary process. This is our “animal” reaction, and we need to accept it as it has its utility, and there is nothing intrinsically good or bad about it
• What is important is what we do next. Instinctive responses will trigger thoughts, and they are the ones we need to control
  • Anger for example is usually the result of putting oneself in an echo chamber of negative thoughts about unfairness or rejection
  • Being insulted by someone is a good practical example. Our reptilian brain will feel attacked, and we will instinctively respond to that attack by a defensive mechanism and a rush of adrenaline. We physically cannot control that part, and shouldn’t. But we can acknowledge it and decide not to attribute any judgement of value