The power of words
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Editor,
Psychologists, anthropologists, philosophers, and others, have written billions of words about the influence of language. Even a single word can trigger a flood of mental images and conjure up directions for the mind to explore.
Try this. Say (to yourself) just one of the following words (hunger, war, Mom, food) - and then pause and be aware of the thoughts that flash through your mind. You likely will have pictures and sentences whiz by (one at a time). From even one stimulus word the brain scans thousands of neural pathways to find patterns - especially ones which produce pleasure or identify dangers. Much of this stream of consciousness is in words – talking to yourself – one sentence at a time.
Some words heighten bio-chemical-stress reactions. Changing mental wording can help shift from higher physiological stress toward more effective reactions. One suggested change is from “have to” to “get to”. For example, stop saying, “I have to (go to work, stay home, wear a mask)” - and instead say “I get to do this.” Your mind might shift into exploring more optimistic memories, perceptions, expectations and options. Maybe it is because “have to” presents you as being controlled (Ugh!) – whereas “get to” places you more in the driver’s seat. “Half-empty” starts to become “half-full.” This is called cognitive psychology. If studying human behavior interests you, here are a few more suggestions.
(1) Google “Stroop Test” and see how words-in-your-mind sometimes overpower visual perceptions. You experience it right before your eyes.
(2) Look up www.sapiens.org which is fun-to-read anthropology. Pictures of the Roman communal toilets are there.
(3) Go to youtube.com and search “Mind Field Season 1.” There are eight short (20 minutes each) humorous demonstrations, such as, “Do you really have free will?”
The more humans learn about how we operate (biologically, neurologically, psychologically), the better we can accommodate life’s problems. We can learn to tolerate (and maybe even enjoy) our differences and foibles. And (importantly) we can develop greater empathy and compassion - (desirable survival traits for the future of our species).
The current stay-at-home situation is an opportunity for each of us to “get to” learn about human behavior. Pay special attention to how you can understand, adapt, and utilize the power of your own internal words both for your personal benefit - and society’s too.
Gene Johnson
Polson
