Primal Messaging
Signaling our limbic systems
Why do so many people love their pet dogs so much? How does a dog communicate so profoundly with its owner? How does wagging a tail create such a strong bond of affection and attachment? The answer seems to be that the dog is signaling our emotional center in a very simple yet profound and powerful way. I call this messaging system “Primal Messaging” or “Limbic Calculus” Informally, people sometimes use words such as “chemistry” or “vibes” with a similar meaning.
Definition
Signaling between the limbic systems of two beings. This signaling is often non-verbal, and often takes place below the level of consciousness.
Semantics and Syntax:
We signal messages from our limbic system to the limbic system of others using a variety of symbols, including facial expression, non-verbal emblems, voice inflection, body position, etc. Most of these messages pertain to our most basic needs. Here is the basic vocabulary of those messages:
Need |
Syntax |
Semantics |
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Semantics |
Syntax |
Dimension |
Need |
Exploration |
Smile |
Approach |
↔
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Retreat |
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Distance |
Safety |
Relatedness |
Smile |
Like |
↔
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Dislike |
Frown |
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Safety |
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Authentic |
↔ |
Fake, phony |
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Safety |
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Safe |
↔ |
Unsafe |
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Safety |
Safety |
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Optimistic |
↔ |
Disagree |
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Understand |
↔ |
Puzzled |
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Procreation |
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Hot (sexy) |
↔ |
Not Attractive |
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Selection |
Progress |
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Continue |
↔ |
Halt |
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Safety |
Competence |
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Sure (confident) |
↔ |
Unsure |
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Confidence |
Competence |
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Interested |
↔ |
Bored |
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Happy |
↔ |
Sad |
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Pleased |
↔ |
Displeased |
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Judgment |
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Dominant |
↔ |
Submissive |
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Power |
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Strong |
↔ |
Weak |
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Strength |
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Know |
↔ |
Don’t know |
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Knowledge |
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Trust |
↔ |
Distrust |
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Believing |
↔ |
Skeptical |
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Rested, Vital |
↔ |
Fatigued, Exhausted |
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Energy |
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Friendly |
↔ |
Unfriendly, Hostile |
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Proud |
↔ |
Ashamed |
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stature |
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Aggressive |
↔ |
Passive, Calm |
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Respect |
↔ |
Disrespect |
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Esteem |
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Defiant |
↔ |
Contrite, Apologetic |
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Thankful, Grateful |
↔ |
No Thanks, Unappreciative |
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Relieved |
↔ |
Concerned, Anxious |
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Relaxed |
↔ |
Stressed |
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Procreation |
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(Sexually) Available |
↔ |
Unreceptive |
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Procreation |
Selectivity |
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Empathetic, I care |
↔ |
I Don’t care |
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Sincere |
↔ |
Insincere |
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Warm |
↔ |
Cold |
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Friend |
↔ |
Foe |
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Fearful, Threatened |
↔ |
Safe |
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Safety |
Safety |
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Patient |
↔ |
Impatient |
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Urgent |
↔ |
Casual |
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Time |
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Important |
↔ |
Trivial |
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Approve |
↔ |
Disapprove |
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Esteem |
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Valued |
↔ |
Worthless |
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Esteem |
|
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Helpful |
↔ |
Hurtful |
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Note that the signal may pertain to the self (1st person), you (2nd person) or a 3rd person.
Quotations
- Our brains are physically wired to develop in tandem with another's through emotional communication, beginning before words are spoken ~ Allan N. Schore

- We are designed to be emotionally entangled. ~ Marc Ian Barasch

References:
A General Theory of Love by Thomas Lewis, Fari Amini, Richard Lannon
http://xenia.media.mit.edu/~kris/ftp/thesis/mdpir.pdf
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Fear, Sadness, Anger, Joy, Surprise, Disgust, Contempt, Anger, Envy, Jealousy, Fright, Anxiety, Guilt, Shame, Relief, Hope, Sadness, Depression, Happiness, Pride, Love, Gratitude, Compassion, Aesthetic Experience, Joy, Distress, Happy-for, Sorry-for, Resentment, Gloating, Pride, Shame, Admiration, Reproach, Love, Hate, Hope, Fear, Satisfaction, Relief, Fears-confirmed, Disappointment, Gratification, Gratitude, Anger, Remorse, power, dominance, stature, relationships
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