In my limited awareness bubble, I start an experience with an intention that is a prediction. Based on a mixture of complex processes, I use these predictions to perceive and interpret my world. My intention builds certainty as I perceive repetition of confirmation of my predictions.
Some complex processes I use to insure the certainty of my predictions:
- Imagination
- Scotoma – lock on/lock out attention
- Storytelling
- Justification
- Creative license
- Etc.
Strengthening Trust in Predictions
The stronger my certainty, the more likely I am to build expectation out of prediction. Out of the certainty derived from those successes came a sense of trust in my ability to predict my future. That trust leads to productive action, which confirms and thus strengthens my trust.
Prediction is useful as a mental shortcut. Generally, trusting my predictions is faster, more efficient, and more reliable than trying to figure out all possible outcomes as my life evolves. Over time and experience with my predictions, I seldom question them. And yet, as most of us have experienced, this trust can be misplaced. Consider predictive text. I usually look to make sure my text message says what I want it to say. I challenge my phone’s predictions!
How would I know if my prediction is incorrect unless I question it? Why one asks a question affects the level of enlightenment one may derive from their inquiry. Whatever purpose I have for questioning will likely achieve that purpose. For example, if I ask you for agreement, I’ll probably get it regardless of your feedback to me. Thus defending my position and strengthening my certainty.
A questioning mind is an aware mind.
As long as I continue to think as I have, I’ll continue to get what I’ve gotten – until I question my thinking.
To get in a questioning “mood”, I may have to break my current mental state of trust and focus. This may mean using a technique like this brain hemisphere switching technique.
To question my current “reality” and my prediction for my next “reality,” I might ask, for example:
- Why am I making this prediction?
- How does expecting this outcome build my trust in my prediction of it?
- What’s the purpose of this prediction?
- What other purpose might there be that I’m not considering because I’m sold on the current purpose?
- What else…?
- What’s next…?
