Your cortisol spikes. You feel the magnetic pull to either match Pete’s screaming (Force) or join Jo in the silence (Apathy).
. The Neuroscience (The Stress Vector): Cortisol is the body's primary stress hormone, produced by the adrenal glands. In the context of "The War Room," a spike in cortisol shifts your brain's metabolism. It prioritises the Amygdala (the alarm system) while temporarily "offlining" the Prefrontal Cortex (the centre for calm logic).
This creates what the post calls a "Propulsion Error." High cortisol makes you feel like you must do something—anything—to resolve the tension. This is why you feel the "magnetic pull" to scream or hide. Physically, chronic cortisol elevation causes "internal drag" by degrading neural connections, leading to the "Crash" by exhaustion that Pete is heading toward.
- The Scripture (The Peace Protocol): The "magnetic pull" of cortisol is what the New Testament describes as the "anxiety of this age." In Philippians 4:6-7, the protocol for a cortisol spike is "prayer and petition, with thanksgiving."
The Greek word for "guard" (phroureo) used in that passage is a military term. When you "Hoist the Sail" (The Pray step in the protocol), the Peace of God acts as a biological and spiritual sentry, standing guard over your nous (mind) and kardia (heart), preventing the cortisol-driven panic from seizing control of your Rudder.
- The FieldGuide Application (The Cortisol Flush): When you feel that "magnetic pull" to react this week, your biology is lying to you.
The Drill: Stand up and move your large muscle groups for 30 seconds (a quick walk or stretch).
The Reason: Physical movement helps metabolise the "static" of excess cortisol.
The Vector: Once the spike levels off, execute the Vector Lock: Pause, Cause, Choose.