The Mind
The "mind" does not simply consist of the human brain. In integrative healthcare terms, the mind also includes the central nervous system, autonomic nervous system, meridian and shrota nervous networks, our five senses, our life experiences, our spiritual nature, our relationships, and our environments.
From those resources we function at a conscious, subconscious, and unconscious level within the scope of mental (how we think), emotional (how we feel) and behavior (conduct ourselves).
The mind, when refined and developed to a stellar level of cognition, emotion, behavior, and spiritual foundation....can elevate an individual to a superconscious level (which is quite rare).
Mind Functions
Thinking
Our "Internal Rule Book"
Thinking
Thinking = Cognition
It is the computer side of our brain which functions in memory, calculation, problem solving, evaluating cause-effect, and rationalizing right from wrong among other thinking factions.
Feeling
Our "Internal Rule Book"
Thinking
Feelings = Emotions
This is based on our reactions, coping skills (or the lack thereof), impact of others' actions regarding us, sensitivities, and sensations of what we perceive to be right or wrong.
Our "Internal Rule Book"
Our "Internal Rule Book"
Our "Internal Rule Book"
Internal Rule Book = Schema
Each one of us has an internal rule book of how we are supposed to think and feel. It is based on our upbringing, the modeling we received as children from adults, the environment in which we lived or still live, life events, and our culture. It is called the "schema". A person's schema can be healthy or it can
Internal Rule Book = Schema
Each one of us has an internal rule book of how we are supposed to think and feel. It is based on our upbringing, the modeling we received as children from adults, the environment in which we lived or still live, life events, and our culture. It is called the "schema". A person's schema can be healthy or it can be distorted. Schema impacts how we think, feel, and behave.
"Morita Mind"
Dr. Shoma Masatake Morita was a psychiatrist who employed "task-centered" treatment for individuals suffering from anxiety, fear, depression, lethargy, and stagnation in their daily life. By combining ancient wisdom with medical science, he formulated a successful approach to restoring his patients (whom he called "students") to a balanced daily function.
He taught that we cannot spontaneously change our emotions. While they will change with time and different conditions, we must continue to perform our daily efforts....even if they are small and seemingly insignificant...get up and move. The accomplishment will serve to improve the emotions. Learn from your emotions. What are they trying to tell you?
Dr. Morita and his contemporaries enlightened us that our thoughts and rationale cannot be changed spontaneously. Our thinking/cognition will change as we gain more knowledge, understanding and have more experiences. While we may "think" we can't achieve something, or "think" something is impossible, we should get up and move. Keep moving through the tasks of the day. Often when we feel progress, it improves our thought process. Ask yourself where your thoughts are coming from and what are they trying to teach you?
Where Do We Place Our Focus?
Excess "Past" Reflection
Proper "Current" Mindfulness
Proper "Current" Mindfulness
Often, people invest too much time reflecting and reminiscing on negative events which occurred in their life. They are looking backwards upon things they cannot change. It has been determined that when individuals spend more than 20% of their daily focus on past negative events, they have a greater propensity to develop depression.
Proper "Current" Mindfulness
Proper "Current" Mindfulness
Proper "Current" Mindfulness
When we invest our daily focus on what we are doing at the time, appreciating the events through our senses and working through the struggles that exist at that moment, we can tolerate the conflicts much better and savor the joyful experiences. We become more alive. We develop better coping methods. We slow the process of aging. Strive t
When we invest our daily focus on what we are doing at the time, appreciating the events through our senses and working through the struggles that exist at that moment, we can tolerate the conflicts much better and savor the joyful experiences. We become more alive. We develop better coping methods. We slow the process of aging. Strive to be aware and focused on the present events 80% of your day.
Excess "Future" Worry
Proper "Current" Mindfulness
Excess "Future" Worry
All of us have experienced worry and anxiety. We strive to anticipate what could go wrong. We focus on the "what if's" and are actually living less in the present moment. When we spend excess time anticipating the future - which we cannot predict - we easily can develop greater anxiety, fear, and panic. Try to invest less than 20% of your day in predicting your future.