We have been talking a lot about the feminine brain, and how our biology affects how we perceive and respond to stress, and what stress does to that little almond, the amygdala. It seems that over and over, the behavioural differences that occur between the masculine and feminine brain are due to hormonal surges that affect the very structure of our brains. We will be chatting about some of these effects in this week’s podcast, so we can get a greater understanding of our wiring.

And it all begins every early, in fact it turns out that until eight weeks in utero, the brains of those with XX or XY chromosomes are virtually the same. So around about the time that Mum is just starting to ‘feel’ pregnant, with changes to her breasts and perhaps trying to stave off the feeling of nausea, there is a surge of testosterone to the brain of those with XY chromosomes, killing off cells in the communication centres of the brain, and growing more cells in the areas that control aggression and sex. Eight weeks! 

Without this surge of testosterone the XX brain continues on developing these centres for communication and processing of emotions. 

No wonder we can sometimes feel like we are at the mercy of our emotions. Or perhaps feel like we are at odds with our male counterparts, finding it difficult to find the middle ground.

We may be playing out a program for which the script was written well before we were anywhere near ready to be born. 

Is it any wonder it can be a challenge to comprehend where each other is coming from, if we started laying down the structure at eight weeks in the womb?

In the generalisations you made about men earlier this month did you mention things like: “He doesn’t listen the way I want him to” or “He wants sex all the time” or perhaps, “I just want to talk and he tries to solve everything, and I feel silly”?

Some of these actions MAY be due to actual structural differences. 

As always we want to have a look at how we can use this information to enhance our lives. We don’t want to act out the story of pop psychology where the script goes along the lines of “Oh, I can’t help it, it’s my biology, I’m just doing what my hormones decree”. 

We think this is a sign of the immature feminine and masculine is running the show and pretending that we don’t have the ability to regulate ourselves. 

What we want do want is to develop some curiosity for the males around us. We could even adopt the position of being fascinated by the dramas that play out in front of us, and write ourselves a new, more powerful and more enjoyable role.

This week we would love you to look at those with XY chromosomes, and notice where they seem to be at the mercy of their biology, and conversely, where they are using their brain structure for the greater good. Once you notice, entertain the statement, “I know he always has a reason for what he does, so I’m wondering what that is?” (You can say this in your head, or if it’s someone you know/can ask: do that.)

You will be amazed at what you find out.