We don't react to a situation, we react to our past.
So instead of going in with a curiosity, we go in with a conclusion.
It got me thinking...
Have you ever found yourself feeling anxious or fearful in a situation that logically shouldn't be dangerous? Maybe you're walking down a quiet street at night, and your heart starts racing, even though you know there's no real threat. This is because our brains have evolved to react to potential threats, even when they're not actually there.
Or maybe you've had an experience in the past where you were deeply hurt or betrayed by someone you trusted. Now, every time a similar situation arises, you find yourself feeling defensive or closed off, even when the person or situation isn't actually a threat. This is because our brains are wired to create associations between past experiences and potential threats.
And let's not forget about our innate desire for connection and validation. Have you ever found yourself seeking out attention or validation from someone, even when you know deep down that they're not good for you? This is because our brains release dopamine when we experience positive social interactions, leading us to crave more of that feeling, even when it's not rational to do so.
Why is it that we always seem to bring our baggage into new experiences? Think about it, when we meet someone new, we often make assumptions based on our past experiences. We jump to conclusions and make snap judgments before even giving the person a chance. It's like we're wearing a pair of tinted glasses that colour our perceptions of the present based on our past experiences. But why do we do this? Is it a defence mechanism to protect ourselves from potential pain or disappointment? Or is it simply a habit that we've developed over time? Our brains have evolved to help us survive and thrive, but sometimes those survival instincts can work against us.
As human beings, we like to think of ourselves as rational creatures, capable of logical thinking and decision-making. However, the reality is that our emotions and past experiences often dictate our reactions and behaviour in a given situation. This is because our responses are not solely based on logic, but are deeply rooted in our biology and psychology.
Our brain is wired to store and recall information based on past experiences. This information, in turn, shapes our perceptions and expectations of future events. For example, if we had a traumatic experience in our childhood, we may react with fear and anxiety in similar situations later in life, even if the current situation is not actually dangerous.
This biological response to past experiences can hinder our ability to approach new situations with an open mind and curiosity. Instead of being curious and open to new experiences, we often go in with preconceived conclusions based on our past experiences. This can cause us to miss out on new opportunities or potential positive experiences.
For instance, if we have a negative past experience with a certain type of food, we may avoid trying new dishes that contain similar ingredients, even though we might enjoy them. Similarly, if we have had bad experiences with certain people, we may approach new relationships with distrust and suspicion, even if the new person is trustworthy and kind.
To overcome this biological bias, it is important to recognize and acknowledge the role that past experiences play in shaping our perceptions and behaviour. By acknowledging our biases, we can take steps to challenge them and approach new situations with a more open and curious mindset.
So keep in mind that our reactions to a situation are not always rational, but are deeply rooted in our biology and past experiences. The key is to be aware of our automatic responses and try to approach new situations with an open mind and a willingness to challenge our instincts. After all, as the great philosopher Aristotle once said, "Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom." So, let's get wise and learn to navigate the sometimes irrational, but always biological, nature of our reactions.
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