The important role of the mind

The important role of the mind

Jimmy Henderson 

Hons (phil) MA (psychology ) FRC

‘Mind is consciousness which has put on limitations. You are originally unlimited and perfect. Later you take on limitations and become the mind’.
Ramana Maharshi (Indian philosopher)

The power of our mind is such that it is believed that our thoughts can even attract favourable or unfavourable life-experiences and circumstances into our lives. This idea is often been given a mystical or magical tone in many spiritual publications. However, it is also well-known and explained in psychological terms as the ‘self-fulfilling prophecy’, a phenomenon which suggests that one’s central beliefs (especially about oneself), can result in attitudes and behaviour which affect decision-making and outcomes, even drawing one to those things one desperately seeks to avoid.

As an example, let us consider the example of a young man with a childhood history of humiliation, someone who has entered adulthood with major social insecurities. As a result, this young man, in all likelihood, entertains ideas such as ‘I am not popular’ and ‘I never get invited to parties’. The problem is that these beliefs eventually filter into his unconscious and become like written ‘scripts’ for his future social behavior. In other words, as a result of these thoughts, he presents or projects a total lack of self-confidence and an unwillingness to participate in social activities. This is reflected in his non-verbal communications (body-language), his actions and his social behavior, which are, in turn, noticed by his peers (especially women), and they simply disassociate from him, and he is no longer invited to social events. This only further reinforces his deeply-held belief that he is unpopular and causes him to withdraw further. The negative content of his beliefs about himself has now become a self-fulfilling-prophecy.

Fortunately, these same processes also form the basis of ‘positive thinking’ and the laws of manifestation, and it is therefore often said that the individual merely has to ‘reprogram’ himself (or herself) (change those underlying self-beliefs ), in order to achieve success. However, it is probably a little more complicated than that, and the role of one’s consciousness, intent and actions, as well as energy-based influences, on desired outcomes cannot be discounted, and this is discussed later.

‘When an inner situation is not made conscious, it appears outside as fate.’

Carl Jung

To further show the importance of the mind and thinking in everyday life, psychological research has even linked powerful negative mental states to a class of (psychosomatic) illnesses in the body (usually relating to hypertension, anxiety and stress). Some alternative diagnostic methods even suggest that specific illnesses can be linked to certain states of mind. For instance, holistic practitioners believe that someone with a staid disposition who shoulders high levels of responsibility (metaphorically ‘carrying the weight of the world on his or her shoulders’), could display spinal issues.  Likewise, someone who, as the result of unpleasant past experiences, is simply (metaphorically) ‘unable to digest life’, could present stomach ailments. However, this is not, as yet, medically proven.

What is, however, clear, is that dealing with troubling issues from the past and being able to maintain a clear and focused mind, is important for conscious and healthy living. And, if deemed necessary, one should not hesitate to seek additional help in the form of counseling.  

Jimmy Henderson is a philosopher, metaphysican and cognitive specialist who integrates science, psychology, philopsophy, metaphysics and spirituality into a co-ordinated whole. His books and e-books can be found on Amazon.com and through his website www.jimmyhendersonbooks.com