Whether it’s based on Biblical creationism or scientific evolution, our unfolding human/snake stories are always built upon “Where did we come from, what’s the now meaning, and where to from here?” Thus, in this evolving epic saga at our core, the reptilian/snake brain remains hyper-alert 24/7, running various basic functions, along with the all-important freeze-fight-flight response. Thus safety and security dominate the agenda.
A snake’s literal down-to-Earth predator/prey game is “Eat or be eaten.” Thus it sticks out its heat-seeking tongue for a rodent lunch, while its camouflaged body hopefully avoids being lunch for a hawk’s hungry talons. So insecurity, fear, defensiveness and mean aggressiveness are stay-alive basic qualities. But the story fortunately didn’t stop with a snake’s very visceral, harsh, ever-dangerous view.
Mysteriously and marvelously, over eons of time, mammal brains appeared, some sprouting long giraffe necks where brains could detach from the terror of the snake. Rather the bigger picture emerged as mammals developed feelings, thus a far richer spiritual connection to Mother Earth, seen as a more friendly oasis for life. Then along came homo sapiens with large inquisitive, creative, rational brains, and big egos, with potential for creative greatness, along with messy and destructive imperfections.
So the dance of life keeps getting more interesting as human loving, kindness and compassion often lock horns with reptilian/snake aggressive meanness. And clever, selfish leaders are always quick to sow fear to our ever-insecure lizard/snake brains. So, for example, the NRA’s fear-driven mantra is “Give an inch and they’ll take all our guns,” or when the 2008 Great Recession trashed the great American Dream, insecure snakes provoked insecure and fearful snakes.
Therefore, the “them-us” results certainly doesn’t charm our snake within each one of us.
Mike Beebe
Lyndeborough