Awareness & the Brain
What does it mean to be aware and what can our experiences teach us? The word aware comes from the Greek word Horan meaning ‘to see’. Experience comes from the Latin word experientia meaning ‘to try’. Experience equals participation and awareness equals observation. This is what psychologists George Miller has to say on the brain, “We do not realize that we are seeing our interpretation.” What does this means in regards to how our brains process the world? “We tend to forget that our brains are talented forgers weaving a tapestry of memory and perception End weaving a tapestry of memory and perception whose detail is so compelling that it’s inauthenticity is detected.”- George Miller. “We are both the perpetrator and the victim of a well orchestrated fraud.”– Stumbling On Happiness
Emotions & the Brain
Learning about the brain and how it processes real and imaginary events, the brain uses events and visual imagery to invoke feeling. This creates emotions based from past memories and our present feelings. These feelings can feel as real as if the event or action was taking place in this instant.
Because our brain uses present emotions and memory, we cannot accurately always predict how we would feel in future events. This is important when we try to perceive the future. Oftentimes it is unlikely that we will accurately predict how we feel about the future because we prefill the future emotions based on our present feelings.
In cases of depression, the depressed individual cannot accurately access the future because of the individual’s current feelings. It is in this state that we must remove our current emotions and imagine all events that could likely happen. For instance, if we were to buy a car, land a new job, take a vacation, or have a drink with friends. We must think of all the possible events that could take place at the same time of a particular event and it will change our perception of the future. These actions will have an effect on our brain and our current emotions.
Trusting the Subconscious Mind
Now that we have an understanding of our wonderful mechanism we call the brain, let us understand that there are many wired presets. Going with your first gut feeling and trusting the outcome will be favorable. If you have had a test in school, you know how it feels to get an answer wrong because you didn’t follow your gut and choose your first answer. If you would have listened to your instinct you would have gotten it right.
This rings true in all areas of life. If we went along with our initial feeling on any particular subject or situation we would save ourselves the heartbreak, pain, failure, and time that comes with not trusting the divine source within it.
Perception is an important part of understanding ourselves and the way we respond to situations we encounter. The human brain is designed to look for the bright side of every scenario once we encounter them. This is referred to as in ambulatory experience, where our mind exploits a circumstance for our own gratification. For example, if we were at risk of losing a job, our first thought might be “Oh no! What am I going to do?!” We might feel worried or anxious, but as the event unfolds you start to feel a sense of relief. You might feel worried in the beginning, but the emotions won’t last long. Before you know it, you’ll be back on that horse in search of the next suitable opportunity. The next suitable opportunity might be better than the previous opportunity.
The point is sadness or loss over the job was short lived. This is how our brain protects us and helps us move forward. “Experience inherently is ambiguous.” according to psychologist Daniel Gilbert in his book ‘Stumbling Upon Happiness’. What this tells us is in hard times, where we may not see a way out and things appear to be falling apart around us, it is likely after the events demise we will be more successful in accomplishing our goals. Viewing things in a more positive light. Although, the experience will be tough, it will likely build our confidence in the future. If you can make it through a hurricane, you can make it through the rain.
Experiences & the Brain
Tragedy appears to give us a more positive outlook on life. If your leg is broken from a motorcycle accident, but you’re still alive, then you have the opportunity to live life another day. Therefore, breaking of your leg is miniscule to the fact that you still have life.
Our brains defense mechanism is triggered by traumatic events. When we feel severely attacked, whether it is physically or emotionally, this triggers our brains defense system. When it is triggered, we look for ways to soften the blow and find a positive outlook. This is why people who have been through traumatic life experiences have a tendency to become more successful at whatever they attempt. Making it through these experiences changes their perception. If I can survive homelessness, then I can survive anything. This alleviates fear in many occasions. Their experience of tragedy makes them less likely to fear the outcome of newer situations. There can also be adverse effects. I have been homeless, So what does it matter if they try meth. Their fear of the outcome is diluted because of their experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is important that we take the time to understand ourselves. Sitting alone in silence, through meditation will allow us to connect with our body on many levels. When you learn how you brain reacts to different triggers, you can actively begin to rewire your brain. Our brain wants to protect us although the threat might not always be real. Taking the time to heal from life’s traumas will help the brain respond appropriate to events in our lives, leading to happier outcomes.
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