The brain can use the insula’s map to plan meaningful movement. If I am sitting around feeling cold and hungry, other areas of the brain will be motivated to do something to change my situation. I could start shivering, or I could get up and head for the fridge in search of food. One of the main purposes of movement is to shift us constantly toward a healthy equilibrium—from cold to warm, from sad to happy, or from tired to alert, for example.
