Psychology and Neuroscience
Our Mind creates our Reality
The brain changes based on experiences and thoughts. Regularly thinking in certain ways strengthens certain neural pathways, meaning our thoughts can shape the structure and function of our brain over time.
- The idea that our mind "creates our reality" stems from the complex interaction between perception, cognition, and experience.
- This concept is grounded in psychology, neuroscience, and philosophy.
- Our mind creates our reality by filtering, interpreting, and assigning meaning to the sensory data we receive.
- While there is an objective world, our perception of it is subjective and shaped by our thoughts, emotions, beliefs, and experiences.
- Essentially, the world "out there" and the world "in here" are deeply interconnected, and our minds act as the bridge between them, constructing the reality we experience.
1. Perception Filters Reality
Our sensory organs (eyes, ears, etc.) collect raw data from the world, but our brain interprets and processes that data to create the experience of "reality." For example:
- Selective attention: We can't process all stimuli at once, so our brain filters out irrelevant information. This means two people might perceive the same situation differently based on what they're paying attention to.
- Bias and expectations: What we expect to see often influences what we do see. Cognitive biases, like confirmation bias, make us focus on evidence that supports our pre-existing beliefs, further shaping our reality.
2. Cognitive Processing Creates Meaning
Once sensory information is processed, the brain organizes it into a coherent experience, assigning meaning based on experiences, beliefs, and emotions.
- Schema theory: Our brain uses schemas, or mental models, to categorize and understand information. These schemas, built over time, shape how we interpret new information and experiences.
- Emotional colouring: Emotions play a significant role in how we perceive and interpret reality. For instance, if you're feeling anxious, neutral events may seem threatening.
3. Beliefs and Mindset Influence Reality
Our thoughts, beliefs, and mindset actively shape how we interpret and interact with the world.
- Self-fulfilling prophecy: If you believe you will succeed or fail, your behaviour often aligns with that belief, influencing the outcome.
- Mindset: A "growth mindset" (believing in the ability to improve) can lead to greater resilience and success, while a "fixed mindset" may limit one's potential. In this way, the way we think literally shapes the course of our lives.
4. Neuroscience: The Brain Constructs Experience
Modern neuroscience supports the idea that our brain constructs much of what we perceive as reality.
- Prediction models: The brain constantly predicts what will happen next based on experiences and updates its model of reality as new data comes in. This means that much of what we "see" or experience is actually a combination of sensory input and mental prediction.
- Neuroplasticity: The brain changes based on experiences and thoughts. Regularly thinking in certain ways strengthens certain neural pathways, meaning our thoughts can shape the structure and function of our brain over time.
See also: Neuroscience for Business
