What Mind Do You Use?
There are three...
I am sure you have said or heard at some time in your life “I think this but I feel this”, “my head knows but my heart feels”. As human beings we have two distinct aspects of how we perceive and process information. Most of us tend to favor one way of thinking over the other.
The rational mind or reasoning mind. This mind is about facts. It’s about being rational. People who settle in this way of thinking tend to rationalize situations, and they can often have difficulties connecting emotionally during the process.
The emotional mind. This way of thinking is all about the emotions. We feel a certain way so it must be true. There are heightened emotions involved in this way of thinking, and emotions dictate decisions.
The problem with these two types of thinking are that they are extreme. They fail to merge with each other. And because of this, using these forms of thinking on their own can cause major consequences.
We like to encourage our clients to blend the two ways of thinking, honoring both, and finding a wise way to approach their decisions, conflicts, and issues.
Solution…..The wise mind. This way of thinking is a convergence of rational and emotional. It takes into account the dynamics of being human. It takes into account feelings and facts, and makes wise decisions based on what is happening in the moment. It’s important to note, that it’s beneficial to suspend judgment when considering these ways of thinking.
It can be difficult for my clients when they tend to analyze and rationalize, and they’re asked to get in touch with their emotions. But usually by the time they’ve reached my office they’ve noticed that their lack of paying attention to emotions is causing them anxiety or it’s causing them problems in their relationships.
The same is true for my clients who tend to live in their emotions. It’s so hard for them to act differently than what their feelings tell them. But, they realize sometimes their emotions lead them astray.
We like to encourage our clients to blend the two ways of thinking, honoring both, and finding a wise way to approach their decisions, conflicts, and issues.