In our modern and comparatively recent science of psychology, the mind receives full focus of investigation. Inevitably the emotions, the brain and the actions or behavioural patterns are also involved as we search for understanding of the human psyche. However, there remains a missing ingredient that is required to make sense and to co-ordinate all that we learn as we study the relevant mechanisms and processes…it is the location of the directing centre of intelligence that utilizes the mechanisms, that is the individual human soul.
Our science studies in detail with ever increasing fascination, the locations of the organ of the brain and how communication is effected between brain and the body, brain and our emotions, and the brain that processes thought. A great deal of information has been gleaned.
However, psychologists and neurological investigators remain at variance in interpretation of the findings, for instance, in plotting how thought is initiated. Is it a response to physical chemical reactions in the brain itself or does our thinking occur in a subtler dimension and uses the physical brain to register them?
For most of us there are no such dilemmas. It would seem much simpler that we remain intent only seek to keep the brain and nervous system healthy, along with the rest of the physical body; that our thoughts and emotions are free to live a life of activities that are in accordance with our free will and aspiration to strive for excellence in our endeavours and find happiness in our hearts.
In our youth we are not generally aware of any vital need to know where our ideas originate, as we are simply aware that our thoughts exist, as do our emotions. However we change in our attitudes as we get older and the deeper matters of life assume greater importance. Then the nature and existence of our soul becomes an interesting preoccupation. Matters of spiritual nature begin to attract our interest and as we reflect upon our life experiences we touch upon our inner wisdom,
the reward of our contemplation.
It is not only information and knowledge that a more mature person possesses as a result of a lifetime of experience, but this precious and unique quality of wisdom – a subtle quality defined by some as the distillation of life’s truths.
Every old person of reasonable mental health possesses a unique awareness of truth that they could offer- if there were those who would welcome the gift. But few people ever ask it of them. We are too rushed, too inconsiderate and too involved in our self centred intent to display our own independence. We find it difficult to tolerate those who are slow, too self seeking to really care about the needs of our familiar older friends and family. And we are insensitive to the fact that without our older parents we would not even have a physical existence.
Would it not be a kind question, instead of curiosity about genealogical matters, to ask the old ones in your family pertinent questions that would allow them to communicate their wisdom to you now?
Sally Janssen’s wonderful book “Mental Fitness: A Simple Self-Help Guide”, offers simple and timely solutions. Read more…
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