Unlocking the Power of Your Mind

Exploring Different States of Mind

When it comes to understanding our minds, there are three primary states we can experience: Emotion Mind, Rational Mind, and Wise Mind. Each of these states offers a unique perspective and can greatly influence our thoughts and actions.

Emotion Mind: Imagine a time when your emotions took control of your thoughts, leading you to act impulsively or exaggerate certain facts. This is what we call Emotion Mind. It's a state where logical thinking becomes difficult, and our behaviours are driven by the intensity of our feelings. From arguing with someone out of anger to making spontaneous decisions, Emotion Mind makes it challenging to see beyond our emotions.

Rational Mind: On the other hand, Rational Mind is all about approaching situations logically and systematically. Analytical thinking takes the forefront, while emotions are temporarily set aside. When using Rational Mind, we consider facts, plan ahead, and make decisions based on reason. Whether it's checking the bus schedule before heading out or studying for an exam, Rational Mind helps us navigate through life with a level-headed approach.

Wise Mind: The true power lies in finding the balance between Emotion Mind and Rational Mind – a state called Wise Mind. It's where reason and intuition intertwine, creating a sense of clarity and understanding that goes beyond purely logical or emotional reasoning. Wise Mind can be elusive, and its manifestation is unique to each individual. Some people experience it as a gut feeling, while others feel a sense of calm or a profound connection with their true selves.

Discovering Your Wise Mind

Although finding Wise Mind can be challenging, it's a skill that can be learned and honed. Here are some ways you can tap into your Wise Mind:

- Focus on your breath: By centring your attention on your breath, you can quiet the noise of the outside world and tune in to your inner wisdom.

- Notice your body's sensations: Wise Mind is often felt as a physical sensation in the centre of your body, the head, or between your eyes. By paying attention to these sensations, you can signal your mind to enter a state of wisdom.

- Listen to your intuition: Sometimes, Wise Mind reveals itself through a deep sense of knowing. It's that moment when you make a decision that feels undeniably right, devoid of anxiety or doubt.

- Embrace the calm after chaos: Wise Mind often emerges after a crisis or a period of chaos. It's that serene feeling that follows turmoil, allowing you to see things clearly and grasp the bigger picture.

- Embrace reluctant wisdom: Wise Mind may not always present the answer you desire. It might challenge you to face difficult truths or make choices you'd rather avoid. Despite any resistance, true wisdom lies in accepting and embracing what your Wise Mind reveals.

Exercising Your Wise Mind

To strengthen your connection with your Wise Mind, try the following exercise for 10 minutes, three times a week:

1. Find a comfortable space where you can be uninterrupted. Remind yourself that you are embarking on a journey of skill-building that can profoundly impact your decision-making process.

2. Begin by settling into your breath, practicing abdominal breathing. Let your body relax and focus on the rise and fall of your belly with each breath.

3. Choose a problem or issue that has been weighing on your mind lately. Take a few minutes to reflect on this matter, allowing your mind to explore its depths.

4. Now, turn to your Wise Mind for guidance. You have two methods to choose from:

- Method 1: Ask your Wise Mind a specific question regarding your problem and listen for the answer. Avoid relying on your usual problem-solving tendencies and instead tap into your intuition for a gut-feeling response. If an answer arises, simply acknowledge it without judgment.

- Method 2: Engage with your Wise Mind by simply thinking about the problem and tune in with your intuition. Listen to your wise mind. Did any answer or solution in any form come to you? Keep doing this until the time runs out. Whatever thought, solution or answer you receive, just accept it non-judgmentally, and observe what it is.

Wise Mind takes practice to find and tap into. The more you practice, the easier it will be to slip into wise mind when you need to