Changing The Mind

The Mind and Its Constructs: Embracing Change and Uncertainty

The House of Memories

If you had to replace some bricks from a house that was no longer in good order, It may be easy to remove the top few rows of bricks and replace them. However the further down you go, it becomes more difficult to replace any individual, or series of bricks because they are held in place by the many bricks surrounding them.

There may also be a concern that if you mess with the foundational layers of bricks, the whole house may lose its structural integrity and collapse.

In very much the same way that a collection of bricks can form a house, the collection of memories which you possess from your experiences, form the constructs of your mind.

The Role of Memory in the Mind

The constructs of the mind contain all the vital information collected from the world. Each piece of information is validated against existing knowledge to maintain the integrity of your understanding of reality.

For efficient functioning, the mind occasionally updates memories with new information, ensuring that our perception of reality remains accurate.

Updating Memories

Consider the childhood belief that a jolly man in a red suit delivers Christmas presents. As new information emerges, revealing the truth behind this story, the mind updates the memory, replacing the outdated belief with a more accurate understanding. This process changes the individual’s perception of reality.

The Impact of Updated Memories on Emotions

If the belief in Santa Claus caused anxiety about intruders, learning the truth can alleviate that fear as the mind updates memories with new information, eliminating the foundation of anxiety and altering emotional responses. 

Challenges in Changing Beliefs

However, altering foundational beliefs, can be seen by an individual, to pose a risk toward disrupting the entire system of interconnected memories. When core beliefs are challenged, individuals may fear the collapse of their worldview, leading to confusion or anxiety. The mind often defends its constructs, resisting change to protect its stability.

Defending Incorrect Beliefs

When faced with evidence that challenges fundamental beliefs, the mind may prioritise protecting its existing constructs over accepting new information. This defence mechanism can hinder optimal mental functioning.

Embracing Uncertainty and Growth

To resolve this tension, it is crucial to accept the possibility of being wrong. Recognising that everyone perceives the world differently allows for personal growth and a more accurate understanding of reality.

The Power of Acceptance

By accepting that being wrong is part of the human experience, individuals can relieve the pressure to always be right. This acceptance enables a more flexible perception of reality and encourages questioning long-held beliefs and assumptions.

Viewing Reality with New Clarity

By removing the filters that shape our perception, we can view reality more clearly, without the distortions of outdated beliefs. This openness to change allows for a powerful shift in perspective, fostering a deeper understanding of the world and more importantly, your self. 

Summary

In summary, the constructs of the mind, like a house of bricks, are intricate and interconnected. Embracing the potential for error and welcoming change can enhance your perception of reality, leading to personal growth and a more profound awareness of your surroundings. Accepting that being wrong is part of the journey allows for a more authentic and empowered life and can only benefit you. This is not to say that you should just accept another’s world view, more so, to constantly check in with your mind’s world view and be open to the possibility that it is not entirely accurate and more so, that updating your mind’s worldview will not result in weakness but overall, enhance your experience of life. 

For another perspective on this phenomena of the mind and the struggles it faces dealing with editing the outdated or incorrect constructs that make it up, this video presentation on the subject by Teal Swan who articulates this subject quite effectively, can be found by clicking this link and is recommended watching…Why is Changing a Belief So Hard? (Teal Swan)