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Saturday, October 08, 2005

Logical Cognition Part 2

The interpretation of sensory input and the images they create is accomplished in individuals by many mechanisms. Contrast and comparison or difference and similarity are the underpinnings of most all human understanding and interpretive mechanisms. This is partly due to the way humans see and otherwise sense the world around them. Individuals see forms and color in terms of the quantity and angle of light reflected from objects. Human beings sense shadow and reflection or light and dark., hot and cold, rough and smooth, loudness and silence, odorlessness and pungency.
Therefore, individuals modify and extend the physiological mechanisms used to sense the external world, for use in the realm of thoughts, ideas, and mental images. However, the sources of illumination in the arena of thoughts are an individual’s past and present experiences, memories either perceived or imagined, and any attendant emotions and or desires, in that by comparison and contrast with these elements humans give form to new thoughts, including judgments about what is perceived through the senses.
Moreover, some of the sources of mental illumination or reflection that can lead to unhealthy thinking are:

  1. Assumptions about causes.
  2. Assumptions about effects or the future.
  3. Miscategorizations.
  4. Extreme:Guilt, Fear, Anger, Jealousy, Greed
  5. Self-image/definition issues.

Friday, October 07, 2005

Logical Cognition Part 1

Beliefs and assumptions act as filters through which thoughts and sensations pass before individuals make decisions or conclusions. Most often these filters concern either ideas about an individual’s identity or the exterior world. The source of many of these cognitive gates can be traced to childhood or other life experiences. These thought sentries can have either positive or negative effects.
Furthermore, many individuals operate on the basis of self-defined images that are associated with the “self” or the world. These images are continually referenced and compared to thoughts or sensory input. When conflicts arise between these “images” and definitions and other thoughts or input, then problems often arise. Much of mental illness and disorder is caused by the discontinuity of conceived reality versus perceived reality.
Conversely, an individual’s degree of mental health is tied to an ability to adapt conceptions about self and the external, to sensory perceptions. And, although there is nothing unhealthy about envisioning things differently than they are or appear to be, the capability of differentiating vision from concrete reality or empirically suggested frames of reference delineates dreams from delusion.
(more to follow)

Wednesday, October 05, 2005

Conscious Mission Part 3

In contrast, control of the direction of self events does not insure certain results because of the lack of control of external events. Indeed, understanding that many externalities are by nature outside the control of an individual may be said to be a primary belief itself in the establishment of personal mental health. Furthermore, with some exceptions, certain beliefs may generally contribute to a healthier self. Moreover, all sorts of institutions have understood that to direct people's beliefs is to direct their whole persons. Additionally, appeal to the most basic human desires that spawn and support beliefs, has been used as a successful tactic to affect control over individuals. Thus, individuals may use some of the same methods that others have used from outside the person, to execute control over themselves. Also, individuals may look to the means the body uses physiologically to affect the self. Nevertheless, choosing a direction for the self or determining a personal mission can be a difficult process to begin, but may reveal much about a person's beliefs and assumptions. Currently, many organizations have found that a statement of mission or goals and purposes of existing, are essential to the initiation of changes in group behavior. Equally though, the application of a mission to the present can be daunting. The multiplicity of elements acting on an individual at any given time, demand that choices and eventually priorities be made and set. Choice implies control and therefore a source of control. Individuals can chose to be active in the choices that determine personal happiness and mental health or may wish to remain unconscious of the internal dynamics that shape who they are and how they feel.

Tuesday, October 04, 2005

Conscious Mission Part 2

However, because of the quantity and speed of the interactions in an individual's self, and the fact that many interactions can occur randomly and or outside awareness, singular self events cannot realistically be continually affected by a person's conscious faculties. On the other hand, general patterns of events can be directed consciously. The most effective means for an individual to achieve some measure of control of the general patterns of internal self events is twofold. First, an individual must believe that conscious control of self is possible. Secondly, an individual must alter beliefs and direct personal exposure to outside stimuli which themselves contribute to the production of other self events so that such elements produce elements that agree with a chosen direction.
(More to follow tomorrow)

Monday, October 03, 2005

Conscious Mission Part 1

Conscious Mission Part 1

With competing “self” events or elements such as beliefs, emotions, thoughts, and ideas, individuals are forced to set priorities either consciously or unconsciously. A consciously directed set of priorities is a mission. Indeed, the degree to which an individual is presently aware of the elements that are acting on the “self” will determine an individual’s ability to make changes to the “self”. Although ignorance may be bliss, knowledge of “self” is health and ultimately, sustained happiness.
(More to follow tomorrow)