shamanism and the triune brain

The Freudian terms of primary and secondary processes appear to replicate the functions of the structures of the triune brain, to a very large degree – except, of course, that the triune brain model has three, rather than two levels to it. A key point to consider is that the limbic system, or middle level brain (paleomammalian), is the control centre for emotions. Paul MacLean points out in "Contrasting functions of Limbic and Neocortical systems…" that without the limbic system, we would feel disembodied. Since the abstract thinking processes of the Neo-cortex do not give us a sense of physical embodiment, and since the lizard brain does not adequately differentiate between the individual self and the other, it is down to the limbic system to furnish us with an embodied sense of individual identity. It is reasonable to presume that it is this middle territory of mind, governed by limbic system mentality, which keeps a shaman grounded in the here and now. To transcend the here-and-now, he can engage in neocortical thinking (here, he reaches his "heights"). Otherwise, he can choose to descend from the surface impressions of the here-and-now, into the realm of lizard brain postulations, and the immediacy of experience (Bataille calls it "immanence".) However, he must always return to the realm of everyday reality, which has its parameters in the body and its emotionality. Otherwise, he stays adrift in the 'spirit world'.