NOTE: Because of the length of this article, you may want to read and think about just one fallacy (bias) per day for the next four days. 1. The Clustering Illusion How much of what is going on around us do we understand? Surprisingly little. If not completely blind, our vision is obscured by the cobwebs of our mind, which …
Beliefs Are Not Always Facts
When I made this statement to friend of mine, he was surprised. “Honestly,” he said, “I don’t know what you’re talking about. Are you saying that beliefs are not real or true, or….what?” “Just relax-I’ll explain everything in detail,” was my quick answer. Let me first clarify what a belief is. According to the simple Google definition, a belief is …
Thoughts about Our Thoughts and Our Subconscious
Imagine rummaging through the attic and coming across an old, wooden chest. Not recognizing it, you pry open the heavy lid. After clouds of dust scatter, you peer into the chest. You’re puzzled by what you see: seeds. Thousands and thousands of seeds of every imaginable type. Some smaller than a grain of sand, others larger than a coconut. Seeds …
When Negative Thinking Is Positive
Provocative statement? This article is not about the pros and cons of positive thinking—it’s about correct and logical thinking. If you’re interested in learning the pros and cons of the process of thinking, however, you’re in the right place. Everyone knows that positive thinking is beneficial for many different reasons. There’s no doubt about that. Happiness, success, and gratitude go …
Why Can Alzheimer’s Patients Remember Events from Their Childhood but Can’t Recall What Happened Yesterday?
That question came up during a recent conversation with a friend. It’s a common topic, since most of us will in some way be affected by Alzheimer’s disease during our lifetime. “Alzheimer’s patients can recall what happened 50 years ago,” said John, “but they can’t remember what they had for lunch yesterday. How do you explain that? Does anyone have …
User’s Guide for the Brain
I’m not picking my nose; I’m pointing to my brain I thought I would start off on a humorous note with my opening sentence, but there is nothing funny about the subject for today, which is our brain. Of course, our brain is a great gift. For example, it allows me to write this article and you to read it. …
Is This Damaging Your Brain?
I’m sure you’re aware that there are many things that can damage your brain: for example, illness, accidents, injuries, toxins, infections, and medications. But did you know that toxic relationships, stress, dissatisfaction with your job, loneliness, fear or a high level of anxiety, and depression are all factors that can damage your brain as well as your body? Your mind …
The Human Brain is Designed to Help You to…
No, I didn’t forget a key word in the title: I’m asking you to help me complete it by answering the question, “What is the human brain designed to do?” To think…to remember…to make decisions? Yes, the human brain is designed to do all these things. However, you may be surprised to learn that its most important job is to …
Meditation: How to Reprogram Your Unconscious Mind
Recently, I was asked a very interesting question from one of my readers:I know I could try meditation, but how? Do I empty my mind of everything and hope that my conscious mind will come out on top in the end? Obviously, this reader was confused and had many questions. Some of these questions most likely were Can I really …
How to Re-write Programs in the Unconscious Mind
Can we easily rewrite the programs in our unconscious mind? No, we can’t. Is there any way, even though it may be difficult, to rewrite our unconscious programs? Yes, there is. How do we change (re-write) negative behavior or harmful habits programs in our unconscious mind? Through methods such as hypnosis, repetition, or emotional freedom techniques (a process through which …