ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the emotion regulation systems and highlights them from the perspective of motivation to gain a better understanding of what makes us behave as we do in our daily lives. The threat and drive system are aimed at short-term advantages, quick fixes and a cure for the problem in the shortest possible way. These mechanisms are important for immediate survival and narrow the focus of our mind to avoid the feared or approach the desired. The soothing system is designed to support our motivation for care and social bonding. Processes of change that are the result of mindfulness and compassion practice operate in a similar manner. Small steps may eventually grow into substantial change, just like the subtle movement of a butterfly's wings through circulation of the air systems can eventually grow into a hurricane at the other side of the world.
