Dual Nature of the Mind
Light has a dual nature. This means it exists both in the form of waves and particles.
It is this dual nature of light that provides
us a better understanding of its functions, but it does have its repercussions.
It limits us from classifying light as only a classical mechanism, and to
deeply learn about it, one will have to venture into quantum mechanics.
A similar thing could be said about our
brain. It too has a dual nature.
One of the parts is what others see in you.
Your behaviour, character and attitude are what define you to the outside world.
They can be studied merely by spending time with them. But the other half is what
truly defines you. Your consciousness, emotions, thoughts. Like quantum
mechanics, one can only seldom understand what is going on. Be it
with light, or you.
There are various quotes or chunks of advice
you are bound to have heard of, “Never reveal your true identity,” “Hide your
master plan,” “Stay mysterious,” or my personal favourite, “Change your
character to change your lifestyle.”
All of these messages carry a great
message. They all talk about bondage, trust, relations, and even self-improvement.
But they are often misinterpreted resulting in isolation. Not isolation from
others, but isolation between the two parts of your brain.
Did you know that the only primary function
of your mid-brain is to connect your fore-brain and hind-brain? (Apart from
reflexes.) Similarly, if you were to
interpret these two biological parts of your brain with your external
characteristics and internal characteristics, you would still need a mid-brain
connecting the two.
And that bridge comes in the form of
authenticity.
Let me share a quick story with you.
About three weeks after publishing my first
blog article, I sat down and had a talk with my uncle regarding the same. I had
entered a writer’s rut before even genuinely beginning to write. The first
article that I had written, “The 90-Minute Article,” was just a result of my
determination to start this new venture. After which, I was clueless on where
to head. I definitely didn’t want to continue writing such “advisory” blogs
without any whites in my hair, and my uncle backing my opinion just cemented my
decision.
But what he then explained to me following
that is what is stuck with me, even after a few months. He explained, “You don’t
have to go out of your way to do something you don’t want to do. Of course,
sometimes you got to, but not in this context.”
“Feel something before you write it.
Writing isn’t about conveying a standard message; anyone can do that. It is about
conveying YOUR message, YOUR experience regarding a topic. Only when you are Authentic
with your content, is when you actually feel inspired to write more.”
And he couldn’t hold truer. But this authenticity
isn’t limited to writing.
Look around you, people living like shells of themselves. Can’t have opinions, don’t genuinely cherish what is
around them, act extremely formidable – because some cute girl is watching, but
most crucially, they don’t necessarily mean what they share.
Don’t get me wrong, everyone falls for the
cases as listed above. You and I are no exceptions. But to try and achieve that
extra authenticity – might feel liberating. But I do feel obligated to share
that this is no green signal and blurt out some nonsense – just hurting you in
the long run.
I don’t know about the professionals, but
at least in my case, this connection between your inward and outward
character is known as Mindfulness. And the greatest benefit of this mindfulness?
It teaches you that someone has your back, all the time –
Yourself.
