Joseph Le Doux is a name that may mean nothing to you, it didn't to me, until I discovered that he was the neuroscientist linked to the deepest research on fear. Thinking I knew a little about fear and the amygdala, as well as personal experience of it on Military Operations, I was intrigued to discover that Joseph LeDoux thinks we have fear all wrong. "I am often said to have identified the amygdala as the brain's 'fear centre'. But the fact is I have not done this, nor has anyone else." (https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/i-got-mind-tell-you/201508/the-amygdala-is-not-the-brains-fear-center) LeDoux goes on to make the point that the amygdala has become virtually synonymous with fear, when in fact that is really an interpretation of a finding. So what is the truth and how can we manage the gripping, cold tension that is the feeling of fear?

Fear is a composite - feeling and thinking

It transpires that the amygdala is responsible for our non-conscious reaction to threat but this is not to be confused with the emotional feeling of fear. The amygdala secretes a cocktail of neurochemicals that alert the body that something important is happening and to pay attention. However, the feeling of being afraid, Le Doux argues is from another circuit that coalesces memories, perception and attention to add, what I call, an interpretative layer, that creates that clutching of the stomach reaction.

Social Transmission of Fear

How does this help in the here and now? One of the things I'm grateful for is the constant recurrent exposure to feelings of fear when training in the Army. It helped me to recognise another important psychological phenomena, namely social transmission and fear. This idea is brillantly explored in the Mindfield series on Youtube, where an observer watches a participant undergo shocks in an experiment when watching various images. When the observer then undertakes the same experiement, unbeknownst to them, they won't be receiving the shocks the previous participant did. However, the sheer anticipation of the experience this observer saw unfold previously, was enough to see their scores exceed that of the previous encumbent. So in essence, watching someone experience fear causes us to expect and create more fear before we've even begun the same scenario.

So what can I do to feel less afraid?

The first step that is often overlooked is what we ingest, not food, but media. The brain is incredibly sensitive and yet we blithely expose this exquisite organ to all manner of data and then are surprised when it has a negative effect. It's helpful to remember that when I decide to do something, for a split second an image flashes into my conscious mind. It's the reason that subliminal advertising is effective (and illegal), because the visual imprints so effectively and results in a subtle suggestion. Harnessing this is incredibly helpful. Intentionally orientating focus, attention and awareness on imagery (social media, LinkedIn, Netflix) can install images that either uplift or appall. Next is what is read or heard. Again not rocket science, it's the basis for all news print. However,  mindlessly reading violent, aggressive, antagonistic writing doesn't leave you unscathed. It is remembered, engenders an emotional response and that emotion is a neurochemical that is now one more thing cruising your system, either making you feel better (serotonin, domapmine) or worse (adrenaline, cortisol).

Intentionality is the new secret weapon

Now more than ever the secret to balance and enjoying these remarkable times is getting into the driver's seat of your own experience. Passivity will cause pain, albeit subtle. Deliberately seeking out teachers and materials that educate, reassure, comfort, encourage and teach is pivotal. It's not toxic positivity 'turn that smile upside down', that's delusion. Instead it's the art of true discipline, not allowing your phone to act as your pacifier, but choosing to steer your critical attention that is all to easily commoditised in the direction of what will elevate rather than subjugate.

Fear is a part of being human but it doesn't have to be a destiny. This pandemic will pass and Societies will rise again, now more than ever is a prime oppportunity to shape a brain that masters fear rather than is marinaded by it. Good luck.