Stuart and Susan discuss an important change in Self-Reg terminology
For more than five years the Triune Brain has been a foundational concept in the scientific underpinnings of Self-Reg. That’s because this theory—or perhaps, more aptly, this metaphor—is so helpful in helping non-neuroscientists understand how deep brain processes that most folks know nothing about, have huge influences on both the way we think, behave and feel, and how our brain operates under influence of excess stress. All along, the terms blue brain, red brain and brown brain have been use metaphorically to describe the three systems of the triune brain.
Then this past summer Stuart Shanker and Susan Hopkins started using the term “gray brain,” instead of “brown brain.” Why? Find out in this vlog as Susan and Stuart reveal what prompted the change in terminology while offering a fresh perspective on the importance and utility of the triune metaphor.
Also explore one of our newest programs: Reframing Stress Behaviour with Gray Brain Science.Â
47 Comments
I agree with changing the name to grey brain.
I agree I think the gray sounds much better thank you so much for being open.
I agree with the term gray brain as well. It just seems to make more sense.
Thanks for sharing Wayne! I would love to hear more about why you think so. It would be great to extend the conversation here.
Aviva
I think the name change was a good change it sounds better
Thanks Laura! I’d love to hear more of your thinking about this!
Aviva
THank you for your insight and openness to continue to evolve.
I found it interesting that the colour was changed .I understand the reasoning support the the choice. very forward thinking.
Thanks Lesley! Are there ways that you apply this thinking into your everyday or professional life? I would love to hear more about your experiences.
Aviva
Well I myself have gotten use to the term Brown Brain. But realistically Grey Brain for some reason doesn’t sound as bad as a term or figure of speech, It seems it fit better . Grey brain makes me think of Grey matter which is an type of tissue in your brain and spinal cord. It’s role is in mental function and memory. So yes Grey Brain
Yvette, I love your connection here between “grey brain” and “grey matter.” I think this connection will help me recall and use the term too.
Aviva
I can totally understand the reasoning behind changing the language to grey brain. Thank you for the rationale.
Thanks Cindy! It seems like many people really like and understand this change in terminology.
Aviva
I love how excited Susan was talk about the change from brown brain to grey brain and the whys and how’s it came to be. it all makes sense.
I agree, Janice! You are making me think about the importance of people hearing thinking and seeing excitement from others. Does this help reduce stress around change? Hmmm …
Aviva
Learning all the time!! The change of language models that changes in thinking are possible, explanation makes sense.
I agree about learning all the time. Can you share a little more about what you learned from this post? I’d love to hear more.
Aviva
I agree with the change. Grey brain connects better to grey matter
Thanks for the comment, Amanda! How does this learning around the “grey brain” impact on your life — whether personal or professional? I’d love to hear more.
Aviva
This makes sense to me as well, grey matter=grey brain.
Thanks for the comment, Dawn. I’d love for you to expand on your last point. What does this “grey brain” mean to you?
Aviva
What an exceptional example of making a change when a change is needed. Well done!
Thanks for the comment, Lisele! What do you see as the impact of this change?
Aviva
The “grey brain” has a stronger connection to the brain’s grey matter, which is essential for processing information and making decisions.
Thanks for your comment! I love how you summed things up here.
Aviva
I agree with the change. The grey brain is more of a transition from brown to grey and can be achieved through self-reg strategies
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Shona! Can you share a little more about how the Self-Reg strategies would help?
Aviva
They grey brain is more suitable for grey matter
Thanks for your comment, Geraldine! Can you share more of your thinking here around the grey brain? I’d be curious to hear.
Aviva
The grey brain has a stronger connection to the grey matters. Most likely better to self-regulate.
Thanks for sharing, Ana! Can you explain more of your thinking here? I would love to hear it!
Aviva
Interesting….Sounds great to change it to grey instead of brown
Thanks for your comment, Pidz! Can you share more? I’d love to hear your thoughts.
Aviva
The Triune Brain theory, developed by Paul MacLean, explains how the human brain evolved in three layers, each with different functions:
Gray Brain (Reptilian Brain) – The oldest part, responsible for survival instincts like fight, flight, or freeze.
Red Brain (Limbic System) – Manages emotions, relationships, and threat detection.
Blue Brain (Neocortex) – Handles thinking, planning, language, and self-awareness.
In Self-Reg, understanding these three “brains” helps us respond to behaviour more effectively. When children are overwhelmed, they may shift into Red or Gray Brain states. The goal is to support a balance between emotion and reason—Red and Blue Brain working together—so children can feel safe, focused, and ready to learn.
Thanks for sharing, Marata! Have you seen instances where children have felt overwhelmed and then can attain this balance? What made the difference for them? I would love to hear more.
Aviva
Gray Brain (Reptilian Brain) – The oldest part, responsible for survival instincts like fight, flight, or freeze.
Red Brain (Limbic System) – Manages emotions, relationships, and threat detection.
Blue Brain (Neocortex) – Handles thinking, planning, language, and self-awareness.
In Self-Reg, understanding these three “brains” helps us respond to behaviour more effectively. When children are overwhelmed, they may shift into Red or Gray Brain states. The goal is to support a balance between emotion and reason—Red and Blue Brain working together—so children can feel safe, focused, and ready to learn.
Thanks for sharing, Marata! What are some ways that you have helped support this balance? I would love to hear more about co-regulation o Self-Reg in action.
Aviva
Gray Brain (Reptilian Brain) – The oldest part, responsible for survival instincts like fight, flight, or freeze.
Thanks Marata! Have you seen this gray brain in action? What caused it? I wonder if others also have examples of what this looks like.
Aviva
I agree with the change. The grey brain has colors of red and it transitions from brown to grey.
Thanks for sharing! Can you share more of your thinking here?
Aviva
I agree with the change in name from brown brain to grey brain. It is the oldest part of the brain -our survival instincts originate here.
Thanks for your comment, Helene! You mentioned that “it’s the oldest part of the brain.” Can you explain why you think this better aligns with “grey brain?” Thanks!
Aviva
Well for myself , I was use to using the term Brown brain, and it was a great fit. Now, for me, having to use the term Grey brain may confuse me and I might forget when and where to use the proper color for what use. Sorry for the confusion.. I may have to go back and take another look.
Thanks Tracy for sharing your thoughts! I wonder if it’s the understanding of the concept that matters even more than the term. Thoughts?
Aviva
The colour change makes sense. I like that it is reponsive to what is a very sensitive
term to many people and situations. It is also another example of society of making an important shift in language that has a negitive impact on so many of us.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Ingrid. It would be interesting to talk to others and see if this shift in language makes a difference in their perception too.
Aviva