FUNCTION OF MIND
The basic function of mind is problem-solving. At its core, the mind’s fundamental role is to protect us and ensure our survival. It achieves this by functioning as a defense mechanism by default. One of the key ways the mind operates is by revisiting incidents from the past that affected us. It recreates these scenarios in an imagined future, devising strategies to handle them if they occur again. This behavior stems from the mind’s defensive nature, ensuring we are always prepared for potential challenges.
In addition to processing past events, the mind also anticipates future scenarios. It envisions situations that might or might not happen and works to find solutions to these imagined problems. While this problem-solving nature is a vital function of mind, it often drains our energy, as we end up dealing with numerous hypothetical situations that may never materialize. The mind’s activity is heavily influenced by past experiences and memories, which explains why 90 percent of our thoughts are repetitive, and 85 percent of those tend to be negative. This negativity bias is part of the mind’s natural survival mechanism, prioritizing potential dangers over neutral or positive experiences.
To understand the function of mind more deeply, we must examine how it receives information. The mind gathers input from our surroundings through the five senses: sight, hearing, touch, taste, and smell. Interestingly, the objects or events around us are inherently neutral; it is the mind that assigns meaning or value to them. For example, you might perceive an event as “good” or “bad” based on your interpretation, which is shaped by your memories and conditioning.
Another key function of mind is developing attachments and aversions. These attachments form when we repeatedly contemplate certain thoughts. For instance, if you keep thinking, “This car will bring me happiness,” your mind develops an attachment to that car. Conversely, if you tell yourself, “Herbal juice tastes awful,” you create an aversion to it. Over time, these attachments and aversions shape our desires and behavior, influencing the way we interact with the world.
RELATION BETWEEN MIND AND INTELLIGENCE
The intelligence plays a crucial role in managing the mind’s functions. While the mind generates desires, intelligence acts as the decision-maker, determining whether to act on them. For example, if the mind creates the thought, “I want to eat ice cream today,” the intelligence evaluates this thought. If it agrees, you indulge in the craving. If it decides otherwise, you refrain. By governing the desires created by the mind, intelligence ensures we do not act impulsively on every thought.
Given that the mind is constantly absorbing information from the environment, it is vital to filter what we expose ourselves to. Without this filter, the mind becomes cluttered with unwanted or harmful influences. A thought, when repeatedly contemplated, transforms into a belief, directly impacting our perception of reality. Therefore, choosing positive influences and nurturing environments is essential for personal growth.
By understanding the function of mind, we can cultivate awareness and practice mindfulness to direct our thoughts and energy toward meaningful and productive pursuits. This not only enhances our mental clarity but also empowers us to live a more balanced and fulfilling life.
CONCLUSION
Understanding the function of mind is crucial for leading a balanced and fulfilling life. The mind’s natural inclination toward problem-solving and its defensive nature often lead to repetitive and negative thought patterns, draining our energy. By recognizing how the mind receives information, forms attachments, and creates desires, we can better manage its influence on our daily lives. Intelligence plays a key role in filtering these thoughts and ensuring our actions align with our goals and values.
To harness the power of the mind effectively, it is essential to cultivate awareness, practice mindfulness, and carefully choose the environments and influences we expose ourselves to. By doing so, we can direct the mind’s energy toward positive and meaningful pursuits, fostering growth, clarity, and well-being. The more we understand and work with the mind, the more we can unlock its potential as a powerful tool for personal and collective development.