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How to get a beautiful mind? Intend to!

  • Andy MacArthur
  • Mar 16, 2023
  • 5 min read

The power of intention is where it's at if you are looking to dramatically change your life as it certainly changed my life in ways I never could have imagined.


The intention is like the GPS of your subconscious mind. You see when people wake up in the morning and say to themselves, "I just know it's going to be a bad day", guess what? they experience a bad day because they intended to have a bad day, so their unconscious mind starts seeking out and pointing to the evidence that they're having a bad day!


On the other hand, you could wake up and intend to have a good day, and again your unconscious mind will start looking for evidence that you are having a good day. If we looked at a video recording of your day, we would be hard pushed to work out if your day was good or bad as it was just your perception which caused your experience.


To give you an example of how this is a daily occurrence in our lives, I often hear of the story of when someone buys a new car, say for argument's sake a white VW Golf. Now when they buy the car they think it is a unique special car, but once they are out on the road driving it, they start seeing white VW Golfs everywhere! This is because subconsciously you are thinking about the car and your subconscious mind is constantly seeking them and pointing them out to you.


In technical terms, what we are using is the Reticular Activating System (RAS) which is the bridge between the conscious and unconscious minds. When we intend to do something it puts the RAS into high gear and it starts to filter out all the mental noise and distractions that are getting in the way of our goals and start to give us that clarity that we need so much. Basically, this proves we get what we focus on, so focus and intend to get what you want, not what you don't want. This one mind hack changed my life many years ago I just expected and intended my life was going to turn out very bad as it always had, or should I say my perception of it was. When I intended to start overcoming my low self-esteem and anxiety focused on getting better and start living my life with real purpose, my life got better very quickly.


Now, when I wake up, I Intend to have a really good day. I don't know how I just intend to and guess what? Just like the white VW Golf, I start seeing and experiencing evidence that I am having a good day!


If you want to get back your beautiful mind and life, just intend to! It works, it really does! In fact, even newer research has emerged in 2023 from esteemed Neuroscientist Andy Clark,

 

In the realm of Neuroscience and philosophy of mind, few names shine as brightly as that of Andy Clark. Known for his groundbreaking work in the fields of embodied cognition and extended mind, Clark continues to challenge our perceptions of consciousness and the human experience. His latest book, "The Experience Machine," promises to be another thought-provoking addition to his body of work. In this blog, we will delve into Andy Clark's contributions to the world of cognitive science and explore the key themes and ideas presented in his new book.


Andy Clark: A Pioneer in Cognitive Science

Before delving into "The Experience Machine," it's essential to understand the profound influence Andy Clark has had on the field of cognitive science. Over the past few decades, Clark has consistently pushed the boundaries of our understanding of cognition, consciousness, and the human mind. His ideas have redefined the way we perceive the interaction between the brain, the body, and the environment.


One of Clark's most influential concepts is that of "embodied cognition." This theory posits that cognitive processes are not solely confined to the brain but are deeply intertwined with our physical bodies and the environment in which we operate. This perspective challenges traditional notions of a detached, isolated mind and instead suggests that our cognitive abilities are inseparable from our bodily experiences.


In addition to embodied cognition, Clark's work on the "extended mind" theory has had a profound impact on the philosophy of mind. He argues that cognitive processes extend beyond the boundaries of our skull and into the tools and technologies we use in our daily lives. For example, a smartphone can be seen as an extension of our memory and cognitive abilities, blurring the line between the internal and external aspects of the mind.


"The Experience Machine": Unveiling a New Frontier

Andy Clark's latest book, "The Experience Machine, which I highly recommend,  " promises to continue his tradition of challenging conventional wisdom in the realm of cognitive science. While a detailed analysis of the book's content is beyond the scope of this blog (as my knowledge only extends up to September 2021), we can explore some of the central themes and ideas that Clark has been known to explore in his work.

  1. Embodiment and Experience: It is likely that "The Experience Machine" will delve into the relationship between embodiment and our subjective experiences. Clark may discuss how our bodily sensations and interactions with the world shape the way we perceive and understand reality.

  2. Extended Mind in the Digital Age: Given Clark's interest in the extended mind, it is possible that his new book will explore how our interactions with digital technologies, virtual environments, and artificial intelligence are redefining the boundaries of our cognitive processes.

  3. Ethics of Experience: Clark has often touched upon ethical considerations in his work, and "The Experience Machine" might explore the moral implications of our increasing ability to manipulate and control our experiences, particularly in virtual and augmented realities.

  4. Consciousness and Illusion: Given Clark's penchant for exploring the nature of consciousness, his new book may delve into questions surrounding the authenticity of our experiences and the potential for illusion in our increasingly digital and mediated world.


So in conclusion,

Andy Clark's contributions to the fields of cognitive science and philosophy of mind have been nothing short of revolutionary. With "The Experience Machine," he invites readers to embark on a journey into the intricate interplay between the mind, the body, and the ever-evolving landscape of technology. As we await the release of this eagerly anticipated work, it's clear that Andy Clark's ideas will continue to shape our understanding of what it means to be human in the 21st century.


 
 
 

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