Seven Primary Affect Systems
- SEEKING or expectancy
- RAGE
- FEAR
- LUST
- CARING
- PANIC/GRIEF
- PLAY
These seven basic emotional systems are the results of years of data-based lab research of functions of deep-brain neural systems. Panksepp summarized this research in “The Archaeology of Mind: Neuroevolutionary Origins of Human Emotions.”
Emotional Slave
The seven primary affects are wordless feelings. These primary affects generated by systems deep in the brain are biological. You don’t think of something and then have the feeling. You don’t cognitively generate primary affects, though you can interpret them. Focusing on and attempting to translate wordless feelings into meaningful words and concepts, though, weaves twisty mind mazes. They can turn us into emotional zombies and too often do.
SEEKING
When animals are hungry, cold, and when there are indications of available resources in the environment, their SEEKING system goes into overdrive as they forage for food, water, and shelter. And when they have social needs, they may seek mates, or if very young, their mothers. The SEEKING system inspires animals to search for the resources they need. But it remains alert even when needs are met.
The SEEKING system, driven by brain dopamine, is a complex knowledge-and belief-generating machine. Known as “the brain reward system” it is the ancient brain system allowing us to seek and gather rewards.
Even when bodily needs are met, though, the SEEKING system turns on, coaxing you to gather in rewards that are out there and available. Like an energetic child without morals or ethics, it shouts, “I want this, I want that, I need this right now.” If you are trying to get work done, it coaxes with alluring emails, maybe with sex fantasies and porn. It is there at birth as an ancient drive, an urge without goals that gradually opens up to engagement with the world.
The SEEKING system goads you to create a successful enterprise. Workaholics rarely get to spend time with family. Companies get built and civilizations created. Books get written. Books don’t get written. Obesity and addiction reign.
Emotional Zombies
In many ways, the neocortex –– the source of human intellect –– is the servant of the emotional system. The SEEKING system impels the neocortex to find ways of meeting needs and desires, urging the neocortex to do things that make you feel important and in command of your destiny . . . The Seeking system prompts you to satisfy your liking for novelty. You engage in scientific research that reveals nature’s secrets. All the while the Seeking system urges the neocortex to devise ways to gratify your LUST.
If you yield completely to the SEEKING system, you may end up CEO of a company or on a life sentence without parole. “Human cognitive aspirations, both for good and evil, spring forth from its vast affective energy”.
Arsenals of Defense
Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Insight Meditation, Ki Breathing Meditation, Open-Focus Therapy, Attention Training Therapy and Bibliotherapy, Flow
Self-help books that help:
Total Self-Renewal through Attention Therapies and Open Focus
The Open-Focus Brain: Harnessing the Power of Attention to Heal Mind and Body
