Deconstructing Our Narratives

Often, we focus on altering others, fixing ourselves, or controlling our surroundings, but we rarely examine the concepts in our minds. By scrutinizing the idea of perfection and the narrative surrounding it, we can expand our perspective and challenge our assumptions. We might begin to question why we cannot have flaws or why perfectionism is held in such high regard. How long have we been confined by these beliefs? How do we respond to them?

By exploring our concepts and stories, we can deconstruct our belief systems. Michael S. Gazzaniga, a psychologist, and Joseph E. LeDoux, a neuroscientist, coined the term "left-hemisphere interpreter" to describe the way our brains construct narratives (Gazzaniga, 1988). The left-brain interpreter relies on various brain systems, such as the frontal lobes, parietal lobes, temporal lobes, occipital lobes, and the limbic system, to create meaning and interpretation to resolve ambiguity (Gazzaniga, 1988).

Neuroscientists have reported that we have up to 60,000 thoughts a day, indicating that we cannot rely solely on our left-brain interpreter (Wang et al., 2017). Thus, if we accept our thoughts without questioning them, we may become trapped in our minds. To alleviate this, Byron Katie, the author of Loving What Is, has devised four questions to help us become more curious and drop stressful thoughts: 1.) Is this thought true? 2.) Can I absolutely know that my thought is true? 3.) How do I react or feel when I believe my thought? and 4.) Who would I be without my thought?

By engaging in this process of self-inquiry and deconstructing our beliefs, we can become more aware of our thought patterns and develop a greater sense of mental clarity. It is a continuous practice that requires patience and commitment, but the rewards can be significant. By adopting a more curious and open-minded approach to our thoughts and beliefs, we can learn to live more peacefully and authentically. So, take some time to explore the stories you tell yourself, and remember that you have the power to transform your mind and your life.

References:

Gazzaniga, M. S. (1988). Brain and language. Scientific American, 259(4), 44-49. https://doi.org/10.1038/scient...

Katie, B. (2002). Loving what is: Four questions that can change your life. Three Rivers Press.

Wang, M., Reid, S. A., & Jaeggi, S. M. (2017). Neuroscience of mindfulness-based interventions: summary and critique. Frontiers in neuroscience, 11, 165. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnins....