about Blanche

This is Blanche. She’s my lizard, aptly named as she represents what scientists call the “reptilian” part of my brain (or the triune brain if you want the more scientific name). If you’re breathing (and my hunch is that you are), then you also have a triune brain. Which means that yes, you have a lizard, too.

A long time ago, this part of our brains-the lizard-was essential to our survival. It told us to run! or attack! and helped us stay alive when saber tooth tigers were our natural enemies. These days, this part of our brains gets in the way of our personal growth more than it helps us. Lizards do some things very well-they fear change, they are obsessed with what others think of them and they are often worried there are not going to be enough resources for their survival. In short, they keep us trapped and stingy and forever fearful.

I’ll be honest with you. I’ve tried to get rid of Blanche many times. But it seems that she’s here to stay. So I made the best of the situation and gave her a funny name. I try to notice when she’s talking so that I don’t confuse her with my own voice. (It’s pretty easy to tell the difference. Her language is always based in fear). And I call her out when she’s trying to stop me from growing.

Since it’s inevitable that she’ll be joining us on this blog, I thought I’d introduce her. Total bonus-A lot of the things Blanche says are unintentionally hilarious. You may even start to notice that Blanche sounds a lot like your own lizard. Which, I hope, will help you realize how silly lizards really are.