Psychologists are experts who know the “mind”, but what is the “mind” and what benefits do we obtain from knowing it? In this article I detail some of these benefits.
When we read the inscription of the temple of Apollo in Delphi “Know thyself”, we understand that we have to do it as if we were a whole; that is, without division between physical body and mind.
Allowing myself an analytical exercise, I would like to focus on that part called “mind” that is often like the opposite of the physical body, without being very clear about what we are referring to when we talk about it.
When we study our “mind” a whole world of knowledge, ideas and experiences opens up. I would like to briefly detail seven benefits that knowing that part called “mind” brings us.
1. We grow
The more knowledge we acquire about the functioning of our mind, the more facets we discover, as well as resources, skills and a set of potentialities that make us go beyond our limits.
When we do this we say that we grow as people, no longer being “stuck”; We leave our comfort zone.
2. Adaptation
Throughout a person’s history, as well as life in general, we have to adapt to changing circumstances and environments. By knowing our mind we are providing ourselves with discoveries and flexibility that allow us to facilitate this adaptation.
3. Scientific Advancement
As a consequence of the previous point and proof of this we have the current scientific advance that has been developed. From the moment human beings began to become aware of themselves, they began an impressive career of knowledge, research and experimentation.
Currently, since the development of disciplines focused on the mind such as Psychology and Psychiatry, we are witnessing a great advance in the knowledge of the mind, such as the work of Gardner’s Multiple Intelligences or De Bono’s Creativity (for example). give two examples).
4. Health
Thanks to this knowledge obtained both scientifically and introspectively, we can talk about opportunities that increase the probability of gaining health. Since ancient times and more popularly speaking from the East, great emphasis has always been placed on taking care of the mind.
Techniques such as meditation, Jacobson’s Progressive relaxation or religious prayers have been instruments that have helped take care of the mind and therefore our health.
5. Coexistence
The more knowledge we acquire about how the mind works, the more likely we are to be able to coexist peacefully with our fellow human beings.
Personally, by knowing our mental limits and fears on the one hand and our capabilities and potentialities on the other, we are opening the door to dialogue, acceptance and communication.
6. Confidence and Security in ourselves
Introspection leads us to an analysis, investigation and knowledge of our interior and its components. Among these are not only those mentioned above, but also the imagination, memory, the unconscious…
The more we “see” what is inside ourselves, the more aware we will become about who we are and therefore it will give us security about our identity and therefore, more confidence.
7. Holistic
Although today we continue to distinguish between the physical body and “mind”, knowledge of the latter leads us to realize that it is something inseparable and interdependent from the former, that is, there is a single (holistic) whole.
Not only that, in recent times the decisive role that the mind can play over the physical body has been discovered. In short, aren’t we free to do what we choose with our given body?
