Thoughts are complex and cannot be pinned down to a single definition because they are shaped by individual interpretation. Different people derive their thoughts from various sources, such as religion, spirituality, or scientific understanding.
Despite this diversity in origin, there is a universal sequence that captures how thoughts function in humans.
The process begins when we receive a thought, which manifests as a signal through our senses. These senses—sight, smell, hearing, taste, and touch—are the tools our bodies use to interpret external stimuli from our environment.
Upon receiving a thought, the brain engages in processing it through various mechanisms, including memory, emotion, knowledge, and perception.
Conceptualization is the process of forming a clear idea or perception about the thought, enabling us to categorize, recognize, and label different objects, events, and concepts.
After processing the initial signal, we arrive at a result that provides information, which we can then use to make decisions regarding our thoughts and actions. This entire process occurs continuously, often functioning beneath our level of awareness.
This ongoing activity of processing thoughts is divided into two aspects: the conscious mind, where we are aware of our thoughts and how they influence our actions and feelings, and the subconscious mind, where thoughts and their effects operate without our awareness.
Although everyone experiences this thought-processing mechanism, the way each person interprets and processes their thoughts is unique, shaped by personal perception and experiences.
Awareness plays a crucial role in our ability to reflect on and modify our thoughts. If we find that our thoughts lead to negative outcomes, it is possible to shift these outcomes toward a more neutral or positive direction. This shift requires a heightened sense of awareness, encouraging us to remain present and engaged with our thoughts.
Keeping an open mind, which involves being willing to explore new ideas and perspectives, further enhances our capacity to influence our thought outcomes. Thoughts are continuously formed and can be categorized in various ways, each leading to different results.
We can better understand our mental landscape by categorizing our thoughts. This categorization helps us recognize the different types of thoughts we generate and fosters awareness of the outcomes they can create.
If certain thoughts diminish our quality of life or overall well-being, developing an awareness of these thoughts allows us to address them effectively and work towards producing thoughts that lead to improved life outcomes.
Subconscious thoughts are those we do not consciously recognize. When we struggle to understand the reasons behind our actions and emotions, these feelings often stem from subconscious thoughts.
To unearth the underlying reasons for our behaviors, it is necessary to cultivate awareness around these subconscious thoughts. By doing so, we can explore the roots of our feelings and actions, opening pathways to change and personal growth.