The connection between what the mind perceives and how the body reacts is a curious relationship. Adrenaline flows into our autonomic nervous system when it anticipates that something bad is about to happen—not because something bad is already happening. This hormonal offensive was an essential survival tool for our earliest ancestors that came with our fight-or-flight response, which defends us against immediate threats. By preparing our bodies to manage danger, these rushes precede both the impending action and our response to it. After all, if we were only filled with jittery energy and super-human strength once that stressor was actually upon us, we’d be sitting in the pit of a saber-toothed tiger’s gut. This story is from Kinfolk Issue Nineteen Buy Now Related Stories Design Issue 22 Byredo Ben Gorham’s nose is big business. By following it, he’s expanded his fragrance brand Byredo into a global empire. Design Issue 22 Eyes of the Skin: Architecture and the Senses “I dwell in the city and the city dwells in me,” Juhani Pallasmaa writes. Design Issue 22 Sophie Hicks Architect Sophie Hicks discusses how she keeps her competitive impulses in balance. Design Issue 22 Janina Pedan Set designer Janina Pedan discusses personality clashes in the workplace. Design Issue 22 Nicole Thirty years after founding a fashion label that still bears her name, Nicole Farhi walked away and did not look back. Design Issue 22 Philippe Malouin Canadian designer Philippe Malouin shares his way to beat beating around the bush.
Design Issue 22 Byredo Ben Gorham’s nose is big business. By following it, he’s expanded his fragrance brand Byredo into a global empire.
Design Issue 22 Eyes of the Skin: Architecture and the Senses “I dwell in the city and the city dwells in me,” Juhani Pallasmaa writes.
Design Issue 22 Sophie Hicks Architect Sophie Hicks discusses how she keeps her competitive impulses in balance.
Design Issue 22 Janina Pedan Set designer Janina Pedan discusses personality clashes in the workplace.
Design Issue 22 Nicole Thirty years after founding a fashion label that still bears her name, Nicole Farhi walked away and did not look back.
Design Issue 22 Philippe Malouin Canadian designer Philippe Malouin shares his way to beat beating around the bush.
