Neuroception is a fascinating concept that reveals how our brains unconsciously detect safety or threat in our environment. Coined by Dr. Stephen Porges, neuroception refers to the process by which our nervous system continuously evaluates risk without our conscious awareness. This process plays a crucial role in how we respond to situations and relationships, especially in the context of neurodiversity and the differences between those who manually process emotions (MP-E) and individuals who manually process logic (MP-L).
Imagine walking down a dimly lit street at night. Without even realizing it, your body might tense up, your heart rate may increase, and you could feel a sense of unease. This reaction happens even if there’s no immediate, visible threat. Your brain is detecting potential danger through neuroception, activating your fight, flight, freeze, or fawn responses before you can consciously process what’s happening.
Neuroception occurs in the lower parts of the brain, such as the brainstem and limbic system, which are responsible for survival functions. These areas work faster than our conscious thought processes, enabling us to react swiftly to danger. However, neuroception doesn’t only respond to external threats; it also plays a role in how we perceive and respond to social cues and emotional environments.
This process happens automatically, without our conscious awareness, and it profoundly influences our reactions and interactions. Through the BTG lens, neuroception can be understood as the subconscious "black-and-white" boxes that dictate our perception and response to the world around us.
Understanding the Subconscious Boxes
Consider neuroception as the brain’s autopilot, continuously sorting information into these subconscious boxes. For someone who manually processes logic (MP-L), the brain’s default is to sort experiences into two core boxes: “makes sense logically” or “doesn’t make sense logically.” Anything that doesn’t fit into the logical box is automatically perceived as a potential threat. Similarly, for those who manually process emotions (MP-E), the brain sorts experiences into “feels good” or “doesn’t feel good” boxes. Again, anything that doesn’t feel good is flagged as a threat.
These black-and-white boxes served humanity well in early survival situations, but in the complex dynamics of modern life and relationships, they can become limiting. When our brain is stuck operating from just two boxes, it can lead to unnecessary stress, conflict, and a heightened sense of danger in situations that don’t truly warrant it. This sorting process is crucial for survival, enabling us to quickly respond to potential threats. However, in the context of relationships, particularly neurodiverse ones, these automatic responses can lead to misunderstandings and conflict.
It’s important to reiterate that these boxes are not just preferences or tendencies; they are the natural operations of the brain. Anything that falls into the "doesn’t make sense logically" box for an MP-L triggers a subconscious perception of threat. The same is true for an MP-E when something falls into the "doesn’t feel good to me" box. This is neuroception at work, guiding our responses before we even realize what's happening.
For instance, an MP-L might struggle to understand their partner's emotional concerns because these concerns don’t make logical sense to them. Subconsciously, the MP-L may feel threatened or overwhelmed, as their brain is automatically categorizing the situation as a potential threat. On the other hand, an MP-E might feel deeply unsettled by something that doesn’t feel good emotionally, like their partner’s body language or tone. Their brain has already flagged the situation as unsafe, leading to an emotional reaction that can seem perplexing to their partner.
The Challenge of Manual Processing
Fighting against these subconscious and automatic instincts forces the conscious mind to process anything that doesn’t make sense or feel good. It requires a significant amount of manual processing. When an MP-L encounters something that doesn’t make logical sense, it takes considerable effort to override the brain’s automatic response and engage with the situation more openly. This can take the feeling of danger and the brain tells you it's life threatening. Similarly, an MP-E must work hard to consciously process and engage with situations that don’t feel good emotionally but might still be important to address.
This is where BTG (Bridging the Gap) steps in, offering a groundbreaking approach to understanding and expanding our neuroceptive capabilities. By introducing you to additional subconscious boxes and teaching you how to use them, BTG helps to significantly reduce your brain’s perception of threat.
Introducing More Boxes: The BTG Approach
BTG provides a deeper understanding of how your brain works, empowering you to access more of the subconscious boxes that already exist but are often overlooked due to the brain’s focus on conscious processing. This overwhelming conscious processing acts as a bottleneck, preventing you from accessing the full range of your brain’s capabilities.
Through the BTG framework, you’re introduced to these additional boxes, which represent new ways of sorting and perceiving the world around you. BTG doesn’t just make you aware of these boxes; it teaches you how to effectively use them in your daily life. By practicing and integrating these new boxes into your thought processes, they gradually become part of your subconscious mind.
Reducing Perceived Threats
The installation of these new subconscious boxes fundamentally changes how your brain perceives and reacts to the world. Instead of being confined to just two options—safe or unsafe—you now have a broader array of categories to sort experiences into. This expanded neuroceptive ability reduces the brain’s perception of threat, allowing you to respond more calmly and effectively to situations that previously would have triggered stress or anxiety.
For example, an MP-L who once saw everything that didn’t make logical sense as a threat might, through BTG, develop new boxes that allow them to sort experiences into categories like “Loved Ones” or “Beyond Control.” Similarly, an MP-E might develop boxes that help them sort situations into “Baby Steps,” reducing the overwhelming feelings they get when they think they must do or feel everything at once to resolve the negative emotions.
The Power of Expanded Neuroception
With more subconscious boxes in place, your brain becomes better equipped to handle the complexities of life and relationships. You’re no longer stuck in a reactive mode, constantly feeling on edge or overwhelmed by situations that don’t fit neatly into your original two boxes. Instead, you can approach challenges with a broader perspective, leading to more thoughtful, measured responses.
This expanded neuroception also enhances your ability to connect with others, particularly in neurodiverse relationships. By understanding and applying the BTG framework, you can better navigate the differences in processing styles, leading to deeper empathy, improved communication, and stronger relationships.
Neuroception is a powerful force that shapes our reality, but it doesn’t have to be limited by the subconscious boxes we were born with. Through BTG, you can unlock new boxes, reduce the perception of threats, and navigate life with greater confidence and clarity.
By expanding your brain’s sorting capabilities, BTG helps you move beyond the limitations of black-and-white thinking, opening up a world of new possibilities. Whether you’re an MP-L or MP-E, understanding and applying the principles of neuroception through the BTG lens can lead to profound personal growth and stronger, more fulfilling relationships.
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