Autonomous Biological Reactions

The body is a machine with a nervous system that performs functions with out any conscious direction.

This area is better documented elsewhere [[1]] but in the context of this wiki we are more interested in the philosophical aspects of this system particularly how it interreacts with the self.

From a Humans are like onions point of view this is an aspect of the vehicle and as such we cant be held responsible for it (Individuals may blame themselves for the fight or flight action, which may affect their self worth model, but I would propose that one cant be responsible for the inbuilt characteristics of ones vehicle.)

From a Counterself Concept point of view it mainly manifests itself by causing the External Self to do things that the self has decided it does not want the do. Examples are:-

At the lowest level, reacting to damage, for example pulling your hand away from a hot surface. Some Gurus and other apparently impressive people can demonstrate the ability to overcome their biological programming to avoid damage and walk across hot coals or lie on beds of nails. It is a matter of debate as to whether they are merely supressing their autonomous nervous systems or somehow mystically defending themselves against actual damage Supraagnostism would allow us to consider both and other options.

At the highest level for this system id the [[2]] mechanism that may make someone run away when they want to appear or actually be brave in a dangerous situation.

There are no doubt a plethora of online resources about how to overcome your autonomous responses but in the context of this site, we are more interested in the concept as part of the whole and how it relates to self worth specifically or influences actions in the manifestation of the Me.

Can an individual evaluate themselves as of less worth, because they do not put in place skills to mitigate and control autonomous reactions?