Running Man Self Regulation Skills Project

Survival, Safety, and Transformation: The Unseen Forces Shaping Your Life Story

Armando Dominguez PhD Health Psychology, Educator, Martial Artist, Researcher Season 1 Episode 101

Ep 101. The influence of environment—both our internal personal environment and the external world—significantly shapes and conditions who we become over a lifetime. Sometimes, this impact can be sudden, life-threatening, and even transformative. In the narrative of our lives, we often align ourselves with the charisma, talents, and strengths of a superhero, or the guidance of a personal mentor or athlete hero. Alternatively, we might align with the power that a villain appears to hold, feeling their influence as they avenge the wrongs, pain, and injuries we’ve faced throughout our lives.

Our best efforts at survival, getting our basic needs met, and preventing further pain can create powerful responses within us—reactions programmed by years of neglect, trauma, or the need to gain attention from others. Whether from neglectful parents or societal structures, these deep-rooted instincts and knee-jerk behaviors emerge to keep us safe and to ensure our survival. These behaviors are often seen as self-preservation mechanisms designed to get the essential needs for safety, security, comfort, food, and water.

The human desire for comfort, warmth, and stability drives us, but often, it feels like we have little control over our lives, much less our life trajectory. The struggle for betterment is real, and yet it can seem nearly impossible to break free from patterns of survival instincts and self-protection mechanisms. It’s a daily battle for those who struggle to make it through, fighting to thrive, not just survive.

To those struggling with the weight of life, we offer compassion. May we all walk this journey with care, strength, and understanding. Take care, and walk well.


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