Understanding the Art of Thinking

Do you ever ponder over your own thoughts and wonder if you are a thinker by nature? This journey of self-discovery is both enlightening and empowering. This article aims to demystify the concept of thinking and help you identify if you indeed have a cognitive inclination.

What Is Thinking?

Thinking is not a straightforward process. It is a complex cognitive function that occurs through language and non-verbal means. When we think, our mind moves and we experience knowing. This knowing might be verbal or non-verbal. For instance, world-class athletes performing in flow states can know and respond without verbalizing their thoughts, highlighting the faster and more instinctive nature of knowing compared to overt thinking.

Identifying Your Thinking Patterns

Understanding your responses in various situations can help you identify if you are inclined to think or act on impulses. Reflection is essential in this process. Are you typically a calm and rational responder, or does emotion often drive your actions?

Developing Awareness and Attention

To truly understand your thinking, you need to develop awareness. This involves paying close attention to your thoughts and responses. Here are some practical steps to enhance your awareness:

Notice your default reaction: Pay attention to whether your initial response is calm and rational or driven by emotion. Ask questions: When you have a thought, question its validity. Ask if it makes sense, is likely, and if there is evidence to support it. Deliberation: Take time to deliberate, but when the time for action arrives, stop thinking and act. Avoid paralysis by analysis: Too much thinking can lead to indecision. Balance consideration with action. Focus on the future: Spend the greater part of your time focusing on opportunities for the future rather than dwelling on past problems.

Learning to Ride the Bike of Thinking

Just like learning to ride a bike, initial stages of thinking require conscious effort. You are aware of your choice to engage with a particular thought. Over time, this conscious thought transforms into an almost automatic process. Right now, choose a thought and write it down. Reflect on why you chose that thought.

Conscious vs. Unconscious Cognition

Modern understanding of cognition is that it encompasses a range of functions including attention, memory, problem-solving, decision-making, and even emotion. However, very few people believe these processes are fully conscious. Almost all of them can occur unconsciously. This insight suggests that while some level of awareness is necessary, it is possible to function effectively without always being consciously aware of every thought and action.

Conclusion

By reflecting on your responses, developing awareness, and questioning your thoughts, you can better understand if you are a thinker. Embracing these practices will not only help you become more self-aware but also equip you with the tools to make more informed decisions. Whether you are a thinker or not, continuous effort and practice will enhance your cognitive abilities.