The Mind Beyond the Brain: A Journey into Interconnectedness
As a psychologist with a background as a Buddhist monk, I've had my fair share of thought-provoking encounters with the scientific community, particularly when it comes to understanding the mind. I remember a moment in a health psychology class that really stood out to me. One of the students, confidently beginning their argument, stated, "We all agree that the mind is composed of the brain." I couldn't help but raise my hand and say, "Sorry, I disagree."
The room fell into a stunned silence, as if questioning, "Aren't you a scientist? Don't you agree that the mind is held within the brain?" I decided to illustrate my point with a simple demonstration. I took a cup and placed it on the edge of a table, where it teetered precariously. The tension in the room was palpable. "Right now," I said, "as I let go of that cup, you're interacting with me. You're feeling something, recognizing that it was me who put that cup there. And even if I leave the room, you're still, in some way, feeling-wise, interacting with my mind."
This led me to question, is my mind truly confined to my brain?
Consider the impact of art. When we gaze upon a sculpture or a painting by Picasso or Monet, we're interacting with the artist's mind. Their thoughts, emotions, and intentions are imbued in their creations, leaving a part of their mind with us. The same goes for books. As we read, we're engaging with how the author's mind organized and expressed their ideas.
Even our environments can be reflections of our minds. Walking into a chaotic room with scribbles on the wall and a complex web of yarn and pins connecting pictures, we're immediately interacting with the occupant's mind. We can sense their state of mind, their creativity, or perhaps their turmoil.
This interconnectedness extends to our interactions with others. We leave imprints on each other, shaping and being shaped in return. So, is my mind solely mine? Is your mind just yours? The answer is no. As we interact, our minds intertwine, changing and evolving.
And now, as you read this, your mind is interacting with mine, despite the barrier of a screen. So, is the mind merely the brain? I firmly believe it's not. Our minds reach beyond the confines of our skulls, touching the world and the people around us in profound ways.
If you're intrigued by the idea of exploring the boundless nature of your mind and fostering a deeper connection with yourself and others, I invite you to check out our 7 Day Challenge: Creating a Calm and Confident Mind. This challenge is designed to help you cultivate a sense of inner peace and confidence, allowing you to navigate life's complexities with ease. Join us on this journey to unlock the full potential of your mind and embrace the interconnectedness of our world.
About the Author: Dr. William Jackson is a clinical psychologist, meditation teacher, and the founder and CEO of SkillfulMeans
