Three Phases of the Mind
February 20, 2013 • Insights on Life, Learn
Today I posted on Facebook the following reflection that I had while watching the sunset off the coast of Fort Kochi in India along the Arabian sea.
“It takes courage to redirect the forces of your life and create a permanent change in lifestyle.”
I had some nice responses and questions from my post and I thought I’d elaborate more on my blog for all to read.
A further thought to reflect on based on the above statement.
Intuitively a person knows the right next step. Intellectually a person questions it. Instinctively a person fears it. These are the 3 phases of the mind. The instinctive mind likes the same things. Abhors change. Intellectual mind, if not trained, is confused by all the information that has gone before it over the years. The intuitive mind is never wrong. That’s just its nature.
Someone then asked:
“I am curious to know – do you think the 3 phases of the mind can ever operate in harmony, or are they in eternal conflict by their nature?”
I responded:
I don’t look at them as being in conflict. They are three separate entities that make up the mind. All three phases of the mind are necessary for life in a physical body. They just have different roles to play. Our goal is to identify and be familiar with their nature, and then wisely choose which one will serve us better. So the best approach is to take the perspective of energy investment instead. If you invest energy in the intuitive phase of the mind then you cultivate that. And when you live in the intuitive phase of the mind you have to play by the intuitive mind rules.
If you invest energy in the instinctive mind, by spending most of your time here during the day, then you cultivate the instinctive area of the mind. Now you have to play by the instinctive mind rules. Same goes for the intellectual mind. It’s just a matter of where you want to invest your energy and cultivate. Having experienced all three phases of the mind I’ve chosen to strive to live predominantly in the intuitive area of the mind. The benefits are far greater and rewarding!
Thank you for asking such thoughtful questions!
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