Posts tagged Heart
Mind Mastery – Towards Integrating Mind Body & Spirit
Oct 3rd
Did you know that our conscious mind is capable of receiving over 2 billion bits of information per second? The problem is, if all this information was taken on board, it would literally send us insane. So, we have an external filter called the Reticular Activating System (RAS) which distorts, deletes and generalizes the information into approximately 7 +/- 2 chunks, or 134 bits per second.
Information comes into the conscious primarily through the five senses – sight, sound, taste, touch and smell, and also via our thoughts and feelings. The selected data will then be processed and sent to the unconscious. As the unconscious mind is the equivalent of a 7-9 year old, it will take on board any instructions provided by the conscious without question.
The interesting thing is, however, that our conscious mind only utilises between 5 -10% of the total capability of our mind. The unconscious mind however has a powerful processing capacity that accounts for up to 95% of our mind and is able to process information and data that the conscious mind cannot. It alertly responds to internal and external events even if they do not require our conscious attention at the time (ie. breathing us, beating our heart & alerting us to potential danger).
Let’s take a closer look at the different functions of the conscious and unconscious mind:
The Conscious Mind
Operates only while we are awakeIs associated with a thinking stateCan voluntarily (deliberately) move parts of your bodyIs the place where our cognitive learning occursProcesses sequentially & logically (step x step)Uses intellect and logic for problem solvingLikes things to make senseConnects cause & effect by way of linear & analytical thinkingSeeks answers to “why”?Is the place where our self-talk originates (verbal)Is aware only of the nowHas a limited focusDisregards what it cannot understand
The Unconscious Mind
Operates 24/7Is associated with our dreaming, day dreaming, meditative, reflective & sleeping statesCan involuntarily (automatically) move parts of your bodyIs aware of, and can processes everything in our external and internal environmentIs a place of experiential learningCan process simultaneously (multi-tasks)Accesses internal resources to solve problemsCan operate without structureConnects thoughts, ideas & feelingsKnows “why” (holds memories & future constructs)Perceiving, feeling & intuitive (non-verbal)Is unlimited in time and spaceHas unlimited focusDecides what to do with information (ie forget, distort, let it go)
It has been said that we are what we think, and that our thoughts determine our reality of the world. For example, if we plug “happiness” into the search engine in our mind, this is what we will focus on and therefore what we bring into our experience. If however, our search engine is programmed to “unhappiness”, then it is this which we will attract.
Our conscious experiences are completely subjective and based on our own personal and unique perspective of the world. It is in this part of our mind that we review or reflect on our experiences and make deliberate choices about how we will respond in any given situation. It is in the mastery of this aspect of our minds that allows us to tap into our true potential.
It is in the conscious mind where our negative self talk occurs (which of course the unconscious takes on board), so being able to control this aspect of ourselves is critical to success. When the conscious is providing congruent, clear and consistent positive messages to the unconscious, we can then access our unlimited potential and transform our lives in ways we had only dreamed about, and integrate our mind, body and spirit.
Fitness As Play
Sep 29th
When was the last time you played? And I don’t mean competing, but just playing to have fun? An important way to keep your body healthy and fit is to maintain active play. However, this play is not for competition or for winning. Call some friends and play for the sake of playing. This is great for both the mind and the body. Keeping in shape through play is perfect for all ages because it is fun, flexible with any schedule, and comfortable for all body types. If you have children, try joining them in their games. If you don’t have children, watch children at play and try to imitate them when you are by yourself. Playing to win is not the goal the movement is what is important.
Just as long as you get your blood flowing and your muscles moving, you’re keeping your body in shape and fit. Keep up a consistent routine of active movement, but know your limits and stay within these limits to avoid injury. Child-like play on a play ground, in a game of handball or tag, or during a sport is a wonderful way to get the heart pumping and to temporarily free the mind from demands of the adult world. To make sure your body gets the full attention of fitness, enjoy your play and vary your workouts to give your muscles some recovery and to maximize your fitness. If you occasionally play like a child you will likely live longer and definitely live happier.
