Thinking and processing

 By Jimmy Henderson (Hons(phil), MA  (psychology)

‘Better keep yourself clean and bright; you are the window through which you must see the world’

George Bernard Shaw

   We all communicate using the words and concepts of our particular language. However, we also think using the same words and concepts (implicit speech), and research has shown that if a particular language does not possess an appropriate concept to describe an object, event or situation, it cannot really be fully grasped or understood. Our thinking usually follows a logical sequence of association in which one thought or idea automatically leads to another. In this regard, each word or concept embodies a certain meaning, and when read or heard, triggers a recall of this meaning as well as any associated memories and ideas.

   As mentioned earlier, the passage of thought through the mind can be influenced by self-defeating beliefs or unhelpful emotions such as anger or resentment which can clog up our thinking and muddy our perception of the world. In other words, the proper processing of incoming sensory perceptions, or even our own thoughts and ideas, requires mental pathways that are open, clear and free of clutter, inner contradictions and unresolved pain or fears from the past.

This is not always easy to attain, but with the assistance of self-development processes or counseling professionals, it can be achieved. Exercises to assist in this regard are provided in one of my publications, ‘Multi-Dimensional Thinking’ (2007).   

Jimmy Henderson a trained trauma counsellor, human behaviour specialist and regular radio talk show guest. He is the author of two self-help books titled ‘Multi-Dimensional Thinking’ and ‘Multi-dimensional Perception’ which are available at Exclusive Books, Amazon.com and Kalahari.com. www.jimmyhendersonbooks.com