Opinion

Empower minds: How ancient qualities align with modern resilience?

Anolene Thangavelu Pillay|Published

Anolene Thangavelu Pillay is a psychology advisor with a post graduate degree in psychology from Howard Campus, University of KwaZulu-Natal..

Image: Supplied

DURING an age of constant change, it is fascinating to consider: Do modern women still have the ancient instincts that helped our ancestors survive?

Are those prehistoric forces still stewing beneath the surface, influencing our thoughts, emotions, and actions in subtle but powerful ways?

Could it be that beneath our polished, present-day roles, ancient forces are still quietly shaping our decisions — the way we nurture, protect, and respond under pressure? Are we truly as free as we believe we are?

Are we being unknowingly steered by inherited expectations — patterns that have been passed down not only through culture, but also possibly through biology?

According to modern psychology and neuroscience, trauma and emotional experiences can have an impact not only on individuals but also on generations, known as intergenerational trauma.

Are some of our stress responses today, like our sense of urgency and hyper-responsibility, mirroring what our grandmothers and great-grandmothers had to deal with?

However, the idea is supported by epigenetics, a field that studies how genes are switched on or off by our environment.

So, we might ask: Are we carrying not only our own life experiences, but also those of generations before us? Women have undergone a significant transformation in recent years, leaving traditional roles and taking on new opportunities.

Still, have we truly abandoned the antiquated mindset (outdated ways of thinking)? In the last few decades, women have redefined what it means to thrive by asserting autonomy and empowerment when they deviate from prescribed roles.

Despite our progress, has generational responsibility been fully removed or has it been repackaged in contemporary terminology as 'achieving, productivity, and having it all'?

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), one in three women worldwide experience gender-based violence.

It is heartbreaking that many mothers face risks during childbirth. Yet, a better understanding of reproductive health can help them make informed choices and reduce these risks.

However, as women take control of their health, they can overcome these challenges. By being intentional about their well-being, they can protect their mental health and resist negative influences.

In the context of mental health, education is key for women to learn how to prioritise their well-being. With sufficient knowledge, women are able to detect early signs of anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges.

However, by committing to this route, it enables them to take proactive steps to maintain their mental wellness.

With that said, how did the prehistoric survive and evolve?

Perhaps, our ancestors developed certain instinctive abilities to thrive in those times - these instincts did not magically disappear as time passed. Maybe they are still part of who we are, encoded in our genes.

Our brain has a special part called the amygdala, which helps process emotions like fear. Think of it like an alarm system that goes off when we sense danger. This tiny part of our brain hasn't changed much in the last 50,000 years, so it is still influencing how we think, feel, and act today.

From the warmth of ancient fires to the bright lights of modern cities, the role of women has undergone a remarkable transformation. In spite of all the changes, certain timeless treasures have persisted - jewels handed down throughout generations that continue to have an impact on our lives.

These ancient qualities, forged in the fire of adversity and polished by the experience of our ancestors could potentially hold the key to unlocking the mysteries of our mental well-being.

Is it possible to rediscover these age-old qualities as we journey through the complexities of modern life? Could they offer a fresh perspective on current mental health concerns? And how might this newfound understanding help us find greater clarity in our daily lives?

As we reflect on the instincts that shape modern women’s behaviors. Consider, how can we balance our ancient roots with modern responsibilities?

What benefits would we gain from integrating prehistoric instincts with modern living?

Could it be that our true evolution lies not in leaving our past behind but in weaving it into the fabric of our future? The possibilities are as exciting as they are transformative. In this balance, we may find the clarity to live more authentically, the creativity to thrive, and the harmony to connect deeply with the natural world.

To summarise, the key to true evolution may not lie in abandoning our primal instincts but rather in striking a balance between our ancient nature and our modern, individualistic selves.

By embracing this paradox, we can transcend the limitations of our primitive past and forge a new path that honors our collective humanity.

As we navigate the complexities of the 21st century, let us remember that our true strength lies not in shedding our primal skin, but in reconciling our contradictions and embracing our multifaceted selves.

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