MIND: Challenge its Deception, to Soar Beyond Its Boundaries Babes

 

1) Role of the Mind :

 The mind, a powerful force, shapes our identity and perception of the world. It not only generates the objects of perception but also sustains the existence of other worlds, leading us to introspect and seek enlightenment.

 

2) Purification of the Mind

 This demands a conscious effort to eradicate mental conditioning and inclinations. Consider your habits and thoughts as sticky gum stuck to you. At times, you might feel like they are ingrained in you, leading to self-blame and blame others. You may believe that change is impossible, which can bring unhappiness to the mind. However, if you stop identifying these habits, beliefs, values, and thoughts as your own, they lose their grip on you.

 This clarity within oneself leads to a remarkable transformation when you release ownership of these elements. Through this altered perspective, these habits & conditioned thoughts lose their power to control you, as you perceive them from a standpoint of unity and completeness within yourself.

 Imagine your mind as a bustling train station, with each train symbolizing a thought. Amidst the chaos, there are brief moments of silence - small pauses. By closely observing these gaps amidst thoughts and truly embracing the peaceful silence, you can attain a feeling of freedom from  thought patterns. This liberation from the constant stream of thoughts can bring about a newfound sense of clarity and peace.

 

3)Seeking Understanding and Awareness

 

A) Clear Screen

Visualize your mind as a clear screen, TV or movie theatre screem & strive to understand what plays on screen without creating new ideas. Letting go of thoughts can bring about a sense of peace.

 

B) The Journey of Seeking Understanding

 For some, the pursuit of understanding is a personal quest that serves as a source of inspiration and connection to the world & Divine Universal Energy.

 

4) Questioning Awareness - How do you do that?

 

A) Origin of Awareness

 Being the CEO of your thoughts, feelings, and ideas means that you are more than just your thoughts or emotions. You are everything. This way of thinking sets you free to be yourself, connected and whole, regardless of your background or experiences. 

 Thinking about where your thoughts come from can stop your thought process for a moment and give you a break before you start thinking again. Understanding that you are the source of all these aspects liberates you to be your true self, feeling free and strong.

 John Flavell introduced the concept of 'metacognitive knowledge,' which is the understanding of how we acquire and use knowledge about our own thoughts. This knowledge empowers us, giving us a sense of control over our thoughts and actions.

For instance, imagine a student preparing for a big test. As they sit down to study, they may notice their mind wandering to unrelated thoughts or getting distracted by notifications on their phone. By becoming aware of these distractions and their impact on their focus and productivity, the student can implement a control strategy.

The student decides to use a technique called "chunking" where they break down their study material into smaller, more manageable chunks. They also set specific study goals for each chunk and allocate focused time intervals to work on them. Additionally, they create a study environment free from distractions by turning off their phone, finding a quiet space, and using tools like noise-canceling headphones.

Understanding that taking breaks during study sessions helps improve focus and information retention is another example of metacognitive knowledge.

 Psychologists often explore how we store and process information in our minds and memories, including our beliefs, values, past experiences, and stressors. They underscore the pivotal role of awareness in our thinking processes, which influences our decision-making.

 Johnson-Laird has studied how people make mental plans and find solutions to problems, showing how awareness and thinking help with reasoning.

 For instance, when planning a family vacation, it's crucial to strike a balance between considering potential losses and anticipating gains. Focusing solely on one aspect can lead to distorted thinking and potentially poor decision-making.

Suppose you solely focus on the potential expenses of the trip without considering the enjoyment and bonding experience it will bring to your family. In that case, you may develop a negative perspective that distorts your decision-making process.

 On the other hand, if you only anticipate the gains, such as fun activities and relaxation, without acknowledging the possible challenges or drawbacks like long travel times or crowded destinations, your thinking may become overly optimistic and unrealistic.

 

B) Describing Awareness

 Awareness, a complex mental faculty, can be defined as the mental ability to not only monitor our own thought processes but also to understand the mental states of others. This intricate process involves various cognitive processes that enable the retention and flexible changing of information within the mind, highlighting the complexity of awareness.

 Moreover, the self-reflective aspect of awareness encourages individuals to engage in introspection and contemplation, thus fostering a deeper understanding of their own thinking processes. This self-awareness is key in enabling individuals to reason, make decisions, and solve problems consciously. Additionally, insights from cognitive mechanisms related to perception,perspectives, attention, and memory play a fascinating role in shaping our conscious experiences, each in a unique way for every individual.

 

 5) Transcending Consciousness

 A) Letting Go

 By diligently working on ourselves to release false concepts and attachments, we can reach a state of pure consciousness and liberation.

 B) The Drive to Engage

Discover the Driving Force: What propels human action?

While we may see the actions, the divine sees the motives. Our pursuit can be driven by a rich tapestry of factors such as name, fame, respect, power, wealth, and health. Seeking property, happiness through our senses, and experiencing bliss beyond the physical realm are also key motivators. We're driven by the fear of loss, love, and at times, even revenge. The intricate web of these motives is what makes the human pursuit so fascinating.

Our very existence is the spark that ignites our engagement in activities. The awareness of being alive is our primary motivation. It powers our drive and propels us forward. It gives birth to two distinct forms of happiness: the joy of non-attachment and the delight of not craving. Non-attachment is often considered superior among these.

Similarly, Buddhist monks believe there are two types of pleasure: the joy of indulgence and the gratification of non-dependence. Once again, the latter is seen as the preferred form of pleasure. Monks also discuss two variations of contentment: the satisfaction of formlessness and the comfort of reliance on forms. Contentment arising from formlessness is regarded as the most esteemed.

Of all the choices, the most beneficial approach is to embrace non-attachment, cultivate self-reliance, and find contentment in formlessness. This self-reliance empowers us to navigate the complexities of life with confidence and independence.

 6) The Essence of Self = Soul

True essence surpasses identification like NAMES, forms, etc

Spiritualists say that the Essence of the Self is the Soul

Discovering the essence of the self is akin to unveiling the true nature of our soul. It transcends earthly identities and forms, ushering us into a realm of unattached observation and acceptance. Our soul is not bound by man-made systems and illusions; it has the freedom to evolve and grow spiritually, breaking free from all constraints.

 Have you ever heard of the Jonah Complex? It's the fear of realizing our full potential, much like the biblical character Jonah who tried to escape his destiny. This fear often hinders our self-actualization, preventing us from fulfilling our talents and full potential.

 Stress often finds its roots in our attachments to desires. However, the power of letting go of expectations, excuses, and fears is immense. It can lead to profound self-discovery and introspection. Embracing the power within yourself and taking charge of your fate can lead to incredible things, making you feel empowered and in control.

 REMEMBER: You are more than just a physical being - an indestructible soul that resides within you. Willpower is your superpower, enabling you to execute your intentions with self-control and resist temptations. I read somewhere that there are three parts of the self: the self-image, which is how we perceive ourselves; the ideal self, which is the person we aspire to be; and the authentic self, which is our true essence. Understanding and aligning these three parts is crucial in our journey of self-discovery and personal growth - you can google it for more information.

 Self-actualization is not just a concept; it's a journey. It's about aligning our authentic self with our ideal self, a continuous and conscious process that leads to personal growth and fulfilment. It's a journey that should inspire and motivate us to keep moving forward as long as we are ALIVE!

Your inner peace is determined NOT by what's happening around you but by how you respond to life's twists and turns. Managing your mindset and emotions is essential, especially during chaotic or uncertain times. By being mindful of how you react, you can nurture a deep sense of peace, even amid life's ups and downs. 

Take the time to observe, reflect, and understand your thoughts and emotions as they arise. This self-awareness will help you navigate unexpected challenges with clarity and calmness 

NOTE : 

IDEAS are from Indian spiritualists and a few Western analysts, mixed with my opinions and understanding.