A Model for Understanding the Psyche

 

In the analysis of the psyche, we must consider all the factors of a person's reality which affects their psyche. If we are to define the conditions of the psyche, then we must appropriately give consideration to the existence of the condition.

How do we measure the existence of a condition of the psyche?

A condition of the psyche could be classified as an emotion, emotional reaction, a mood, or a state of consciousness. A condition of the psyche is present for the duration of the time that the habitual thought pattern arises. Our thinking and resulting behavior mostly exists as habits that we form. Our thought processes tend to arise in patterns. If we are currently experiencing a negative thought pattern, then we can switch into a better habit of thinking. If another habit of thinking is something new to us, then we can form a new habit. The first step to forming a new habit is to make a conscious decision to do so. The more we activate a circuit of thought patterns, the more easily accessible the circuit becomes. This means that the more we activate a better circuit of thought patterns, the easier it will become for us to engage in one. Our ability to change our habitual thought patterns proves that a state of consciousness can be transformed.

 

When we are to analyze the current mental condition of a person, we must accept the truth of the nature of it's impermanence. We might make an observation that a person is sad, but a deeper analysis would lead us to examine the cause of the person's sadness. We may ask ourselves "What is it that is triggering this person's depression?" and recognize it as a habitual thought pattern that is the result of negative sensory stimulus from that person's experience. It is important to be conscious of the fact that a person's current thoughts which lead to their emotions that affect their mood are based on what they are currently paying attention to. A delusional state of consciousness that is persistent is hereditary in only a fraction of the people that experience the symptoms of what is currently being categorized as a mental disorder. 

 

From the first textbook on psychiatry:

"Observations and Inquiries into the Diseases of the Mind" by Benjamin Rush (1812).

 

What does the mind have access to?

Our minds have access to observations made through our five senses: sight, hearing, touch, smell, and taste.

Access of the mind to truths of the existence of entities that cannot be observed in the physical realm is considered to be mysticism.

Mysticism - beliefs characterized by self-delusion.

Mysticism can be found everywhere from an individual that believes they're a shaman that can predict the future to the establishment of entire industries, professions, and subjects of study. We should be able to recognize mysticism when we see it and separate it from what we believe can possibly be accessed by the human mind.

Understanding the Unique Experience of Individuals

Each person has their own opinions based on what they like or based on their biases.
For example: John can like going on roller coasters and view roller coasters as a good thing, while Bob can have a completely different idea of roller coasters and view them as a simulation for a car accident.

An opinion is a personal interpretation of an observation that was made using any of our five senses.

Consider the following teaching from my Scroll of Wisdom:

7. "Every person is unique and has a unique understanding of the world and interpretation of it."

Oftentimes, we may try to understand others based on our own experience; however, we cannot understand others unless we understand the uniqueness of every individual's experience. If we wish to understand others better, we can become aware of the fact that each person has had their own life experience which has led to their own understandings about the world. It is also important to note that we are all capable of various interpretations of the same things.

 

Understanding the Psyche by Understanding Intentions

Thoughts lead to intentions lead to speech leads to actions. This is knowledge in eastern psychology.

If we make an effort to evaluate the intentions that lead to a person's speech or actions, then we will gain a better understanding of a psyche. We can become observant of our own intentions that lead to our own speech and actions if we want to practice conscious awareness and mindfulness. The ability to identify the intentions that lead to a person's speech or actions will aid us in the course of developing a better understanding of the psyche.

For example: Brittany might eat a candy bar. Her intentions are to enjoy it. Based on her decision of eating the candy bar, we can infer her intentions. If Brittany's intentions were for personal health, then she would have not eaten the candy bar.

The consideration of the intentions of an individual can help us understand their values and preferences better; however, we must always consider the possible changes in behavior people may experience around different people, in different places, and at different times.

 

The Existence of Mental Illnesses

The idea for the current model for all psychiatric diagnoses is borrowed from astrology and attempts to fit people into categories of behavior. The model for the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders from 1952 has not been updated since. What is currently being identified as mental disorders cannot be observed by any of the scientific instruments that we currently have.

You can view my proposal for a new model for all psychiatric diagnoses below.

Click the following link to view:

A Suggestion for a New Model for All Psychiatric Diagnoses

 

The natural ability to heal ourselves: 

The innate ability of the mind to heal itself is proven in science with the placebo effect.

Methods for Self-Healing 

• Distressful thoughts and feelings can be remedied by shifting our attention towards other things that may bring us joyfulness such as feeling rewarded for achieving a goal, or by the removal of the root causes to our mental suffering.
• There are other possible methods of achieving mental healing that require more consistent mental efforts and practice such as the practice of making beneficial changes to our personal behavior by first making a conscious decision to start paying attention and begin to observe our own thoughts, intentions, speech, and actions, in that specific order. With the awareness gained through our observations of ourselves, we become more mindful and can consciously adjust our thoughts, intentions, speech, and actions to our liking.

Click the following link to view: 

The Placebo Effect is Evidence of the Innate Healing Abilities of the Mind

© 2021 Hazon, Nir  

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