Soul Fragmentation
Why You React "Out of Character" Under Stress
When we go through stressful situations or trauma, our brain does something remarkable: it tucks those experiences away into the subconscious, allowing us to move through life without being constantly overwhelmed by them.
But here’s the thing—when we encounter a new stressor, the brain pulls from those stored patterns to evaluate the situation and respond. These reactions often happen so fast and instinctively that they bypass our conscious awareness—and may not reflect who we are today.
These automatic responses align with the survival mechanisms of the nervous system, often referred to as:
Fight
Flight
Freeze
Fawn
🌀 Let’s See How This Plays Out
Imagine a woman named Emily.
Emily is usually calm, thoughtful, and well-spoken. But during a team meeting, her boss unexpectedly criticizes her performance in front of others.
Suddenly, Emily feels her heart racing, muscles tensing, and her breath becoming shallow. Her thoughts spiral. Her cheeks flush. Her hands begin to tremble.
Before she can think clearly, she snaps back defensively…
Or maybe she shuts down completely.
She might even say something sharp—or leave the room abruptly.
All of it feels totally out of character.
What happened?
Emily’s nervous system perceived her boss’s criticism as a threat—not to her physical safety, but to her social safety and sense of belonging. Her emotional brain (the amygdala) hijacked her rational brain (the prefrontal cortex), and her response became instinctual—not logical.
Later, once calm, she might ask herself:
“Why did I say that? That’s not me.”
And she’s right—that wasn’t her conscious self.
That was her protective self—doing its best to keep her safe, even if it didn't feel appropriate or helpful afterward.
🌱 Knowledge Is Power
Understanding this has been life-changing for me—and it was a pivotal part of my growth during my yoga teacher training.
When we know how the brain and body respond to stress, we can move from shame and confusion to compassion and healing.
🧠 Ready to Understand Your Anxiety Differently?
If this resonated with you, I invite you to take the next step in your journey.
✨ Click here to explore my self-paced Anxiety and the Brain Master Class
It’s a deep dive into how your brain processes anxiety—and how to start transforming your response.
Or, if you're ready for personalized support:
📅 Book a virtual appointment with me and let’s work together.
With love and regulation,
Jeri
#reiki #reikimaster #kundaliniyoga #kundaliniawakening #nervoussystemregulation #yogateachings #healthylifestyle #knowledgeofthebody #wellnesscoach #wellness #divinehealing
