Typical Human Mind

The mind is often understood as a faculty that manifests itself in mental phenomena like

  • sensation
  • perception
  • thinking
  • reasoning
  • memory
  • belief
  • desire
  • emotion
  • motivation

     and more

Mind or mentality is usually contrasted with body, matter or physicality. Central to this contrast is the intuition that minds exhibit various features not found in and maybe even incompatible with the material universe as described by the natural sciences. On the traditionally dominant substantialist view associated with René Descartes, minds are defined as independent thinking substances. But it is more common in contemporary philosophy to conceive minds not as substances but as properties or capacities possessed by humans and higher animals.



There are various ways to categorize levels of consciousness, but some commonly recognized ones are:


  1. Wakeful consciousness: A state of being awake and aware of one's surroundings and experiences.

  2. Sleep consciousness: A state in which the individual is unconscious and has limited awareness of the outside world.

  3. Dream consciousness: A state in which the individual is asleep but has vivid and often illogical experiences.

  4. Hypnotic consciousness: A state in which an individual is highly suggestible and responsive to suggestions made by a hypnotist.

  5. Altered states of consciousness: A term used to describe any state of consciousness that differs from a person's normal waking state, including trance states, meditative states, and psychedelic experiences.

  6. Coma: A state of unconsciousness in which an individual cannot be awakened and has no response to stimuli.

  7. Vegetative state: A state in which an individual is unconscious and has no awareness of their surroundings, but still has some automatic functions such as breathing and responding to stimuli.

  8. Minimally conscious state: A state in which an individual has limited awareness of their surroundings and some limited ability to communicate.

  1. Subconscious mind: The level of consciousness that contains memories, habits, and instincts that operate below the level of conscious awareness.

  2. Collective consciousness: A term used to describe the shared beliefs, attitudes, and values of a group or society.

  3. Cosmic consciousness: A level of consciousness beyond the personal self, characterized by a sense of unity with the universe and a heightened awareness of spirituality.

  4. Self-consciousness: A level of awareness of one's own thoughts, feelings, and behaviours.

  5. Transcendent consciousness: A state of consciousness beyond the limits of time and space, characterized by a sense of unity with all things and a feeling of transcendence.

  6. Higher consciousness: A state of increased awareness and understanding, characterized by spiritual insight and a sense of connection to a higher power.


Note: these definitions and categorizations can vary depending on the discipline or field of study, and the boundaries between levels of consciousness are not always clear-cut.



Perception:

1. The ability to see, hear, or become aware of something through the senses. [the normal limits to human perception]


 2. The way in which something is regarded, understood, or                  interpreted. [Hollywood's perception of the tastes of the American public]

Our perception is the mechanism or lens we interpret the world through.



Human perception refers to the way that the human brain processes and interprets sensory information from the environment. It is a complex process that involves the integration of information from various senses, such as vision, hearing, touch, taste, and smell, as well as previous experiences, expectations, and emotions.

Perception is often divided into two stages: sensation and interpretation. Sensation refers to the process of receiving and encoding sensory information, while interpretation refers to the process of organizing, identifying, and making sense of that information.

Perception can be influenced by a variety of factors, such as the individual's past experiences, expectations, attention, and emotions. For example, past experiences can shape an individual's expectations and influence how they perceive new information. Attention can also play a role in perception, as an individual's focus can direct their attention to certain aspects of the environment while disregarding others.

Humans can perceive a wide range of information from the environment, including visual, auditory, and tactile information, as well as information about temperature, pressure, and pain. The brain is able to integrate this information and create a coherent and meaningful representation of the world around us.

However, perception is not always accurate, and there are many examples of perceptual illusions that demonstrate how the brain can be deceived by certain types of information. Additionally, perception can be influenced by cognitive biases, which are systematic errors in thinking that can lead to distorted or inaccurate perceptions.

Human perception is a complex and dynamic process that involves the integration of sensory information, past experiences, expectations, and emotions. It plays a crucial role in our ability to navigate and understand the world around us, but it is not always an accurate representation of reality.



The characteristics of the different levels of the subconscious mind are subjective and may vary depending on the theory or framework being used. However, here is a general description of the characteristics of the subconscious mind in order of depth:

  1. The Unconscious:
  • Inaccessible to conscious awareness
  • Stores repressed memories, emotions, and impulses
  • Home to habits and instincts
  • Influences behaviour in ways that are not consciously controlled
  1. The Preconscious:
  • Not immediately conscious, but can be brought to consciousness with minimal effort
  • Contains information that is not consciously available, but can influence thoughts, emotions, and behaviour
  • Plays a role in shaping our perceptions, attitudes, and beliefs
  1. The Conscious:
  • Available to conscious awareness
  • Involved in decision-making, problem-solving, and controlling behaviour
  • Includes thoughts, feelings, and sensations that are experienced in the present moment.


It's important to note that these descriptions are general and may vary depending on the theory or framework being used. The subconscious mind is a complex and multifaceted concept, and its characteristics are still a subject of much research and debate in the fields of psychology and neuroscience.



Here are some examples of thought processes that might occur at each level of the mind:

  1. The Unconscious:
  • Habits, such as brushing your teeth in the morning
  • Automatic physical reactions, such as blinking when something comes too close to your eye
  • Repressed memories or emotions, such as feeling anxious without knowing why
  1. The Preconscious:
  • Thoughts or memories that are not currently in your conscious awareness but can be easily brought to mind with minimal effort, such as recalling a phone number you memorized yesterday
  • Attitudes or beliefs that influence your thoughts and behavior without you being aware of them, such as a preference for a certain brand of soda
  1. The Conscious:
  • Deliberate problem-solving, such as figuring out the solution to a math equation
  • Awareness of your current thoughts and emotions, such as recognizing that you're feeling angry or happy
  • Voluntary actions, such as typing on a keyboard or speaking to someone


It's important to note, as above, that these examples are general and may vary depending on the theory or framework being used. The workings of the different levels of the mind are still a subject of much research and debate in the fields of psychology and neuroscience, and different theories may have different explanations for the thought processes that occur at each level.




The brain operates at different frequencies in different states, but it is not as simple as different states having specific, distinct frequency ranges. There is a great deal of overlap and the transition from one state to another is not always clear cut. The following are some general observations about brain activity in different states:

  1. Wakefulness: The brain in a waking state produces beta waves (13-30 Hz) which are associated with conscious thought and high levels of mental activity.

  2. Relaxation: During relaxed states such as meditation, the brain produces alpha waves (8-13 Hz) which are associated with relaxation and decreased mental activity.

  3. Sleep: During sleep, the brain produces delta waves (0.5-4 Hz), which are associated with deep sleep and unconsciousness.

  4. Dreaming: During REM (rapid eye movement) sleep, the brain produces beta waves (13-30 Hz), similar to wakefulness. This is thought to be related to the vivid, dream-like nature of the REM state.

Please note that these generalizations are not absolute and individual brain activity can vary widely. Also, brain activity is not limited to just one frequency range at a time and multiple ranges can coexist in the same individual.




The Intelligence cycle is a methodology used by intelligence gathering authorities around the world. It is a suitable example of how intelligence is the ability to put information in sufficient order to enable a greater overall understanding and potentially greater or more leverage or influence.

The intelligence cycle is a process used in intelligence gathering and analysis to convert raw data into actionable intelligence. It is a cyclical process that includes the following steps:

  1. Planning and direction: This step involves setting goals and objectives for the intelligence gathering and analysis, determining what information is needed, and establishing a plan for how to collect and analyse the data.

  2. Collection: This step involves gathering data from a variety of sources, such as human intelligence, signals intelligence, and open-source intelligence. This can include techniques such as surveillance, interviews, and document analysis.

  3. Processing: This step involves converting the raw data collected into a form that can be analysed. This can include tasks such as transcribing, translation, and data entry.

  4. Analysis: This step involves using a variety of techniques, such as data analysis, pattern recognition, and critical thinking, to make sense of the data and uncover meaningful insights.

  5. Dissemination: This step involves sharing the insights and findings with the appropriate parties, such as decision-makers, policymakers, or military leaders.

  6. Feedback: This step involves evaluating the effectiveness of the intelligence cycle, including the quality of the data collected, the accuracy of the analysis, and the usefulness of the information disseminated.


The intelligence cycle is a continuous process, with the feedback from the final step being used to inform the planning and direction of the next cycle. The intelligence cycle can be applied to a wide range of fields, including national security, business, and criminal investigation. The goal of the intelligence cycle is to provide actionable intelligence that can be used to inform decisions and support effective planning.




Curiosity is a complex cognitive and emotional state that is thought to be associated with activity in several regions of the brain. Research has found that the striatum, a brain region involved in reward processing, is activated in response to novel and unexpected stimuli, which is thought to drive curiosity. The insula, a brain region involved in interoception and emotional processing, is also activated during curiosity. The prefrontal cortex, which is involved in decision-making and attention, is also thought to play a role in curiosity.

In terms of brain frequency, studies have shown that curiosity is associated with increased activity in the alpha and theta frequency bands. Alpha waves are typically associated with a relaxed, wakeful state and are thought to play a role in attention and mental flexibility. Theta waves, on the other hand, are associated with a more deep and meditative state and are thought to play a role in memory and creativity.

Additionally, functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies have shown that curiosity activates the dopaminergic system of the brain, which is associated with reward processing and motivation. This suggests that curiosity may be driven by the desire for new information and the potential rewards that come with it.

Research has also shown that when people are curious, the default mode network (DMN) of the brain, which is a network of brain regions that become active during periods of rest and self-reflection, becomes less active. This suggests that when we are curious, we are less focused on our internal thoughts and more focused on the external world.

To sum up, while it is clear that curiosity is associated with activity in several regions of the brain, such as the striatum, insula, prefrontal cortex, and dopaminergic system, and brain frequency such as alpha and theta waves. However, more research is needed to fully understand the neural mechanisms underlying curiosity and the complex relationships between different brain regions and frequencies during the experience of curiosity.




Amino acids neurotransmitters

The human nervous system uses a variety of neurotransmitters to transmit signals between neurons. Some of the most important neurotransmitters involved in most functions of the human nervous system include:

  1. Acetylcholine (ACh): ACh is involved in a wide range of functions in the nervous system, including muscle movement, memory, and cognitive processes. It is also involved in the regulation of heart rate, blood pressure, and other autonomic functions.

  2. Dopamine (DA): DA is involved in the regulation of movement, emotion, and motivation. It is also involved in the reward system, and is associated with feelings of pleasure and satisfaction. Deficiencies in dopamine are linked to conditions such as Parkinson's disease and schizophrenia.

  3. Serotonin (5-HT): Serotonin is involved in the regulation of mood, appetite, sleep, and other functions. It is also involved in the regulation of aggression, impulsivity, and other behaviours. Deficiencies in serotonin are linked to conditions such as depression and anxiety.

  4. Norepinephrine (NE): Norepinephrine is involved in the regulation of mood, attention, and arousal. It also plays a role in the fight-or-flight response, and is associated with the body's response to stress.

  5. Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA): GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that counterbalances the excitatory neurotransmitters such as glutamate. It helps to regulate the overall activity of the nervous system, and is involved in the regulation of anxiety, sleep, and other functions.

  6. Glutamate: Glutamate is an excitatory neurotransmitter that plays an important role in memory, learning, and cognitive function. It is also associated with the body's response to stress, and it's excitatory effects in the brain can lead to neurotoxicity if not regulated by inhibitory neurotransmitters like GABA.

These are some of the most important neurotransmitters involved in most functions of the human nervous system, and they play a crucial role in the regulation of behavior, mood, movement, and many other functions. However, it is worth noting that there are many other neurotransmitters that play important roles in the nervous system.


.

  • Glutamate. This is the most common excitatory neurotransmitter of your nervous system. It’s the most abundant neurotransmitter in your brain. It plays a key role in cognitive functions like thinking, learning and memory. Imbalances in glutamate levels are associated with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, Parkinson’s disease and seizures.
  • Gamma-aminobutryic acid (GABA). GABA is the most common inhibitory neurotransmitter of your nervous system, particularly in your brain. It regulates brain activity to prevent problems in the areas of anxiety, irritability, concentration, sleep, seizures and depression.
  • Glycine. Glycine is the most common inhibitory neurotransmitter in your spinal cord. Glycine is involved in controlling hearing processing, pain transmission and metabolism.


Another good hormone link



We change our way of thinking as our brain chemistry changes, ask yourself or anyone who smokes, drinks or takes pills. Even after a meal we think differently.




What we eat affects our thinking!

I recognise an opportunity to learn what is good to eat how much to eat and the best time to eat it, with regards to my mental as well as physical health. About food and mood.




Our neurochemistry changes our perception of the world and our updated perception changes our neurochemistry in a feedback loop. 




We are the masters, or useless wasters, of our own destiny so it is up to us to make a good future for ourselves and those who we wish to spend the future with. It is our sole responsibility to organise our future.  What we don't do ourselves to sustain our lives we must organise for ourselves one way or another. We often achieve what we aim for although not everyone seems to aim for success. Success is not a hit unless you aim for it.

Balance here and now, plan a path to your goal, organise your method of travel then get on with enjoying the time you spend managing and succeeding in your plans.



The subconscious mind is where we replicate and repeat learned patterns of thoughts. Our subconscious provides us with an expectation, a benchmark pattern which sets our way of thinking at that moment.  Our subconscious are read by researchers and written to by advertisers and broadcasters. Our subconscious is being manipulated constantly via the books we read, TV we watch, social media we engage in, in fact all the information we take in is subject to editorial bias.

We are all susceptible to the influence of news and advertising.  We are all a probability of profit, just like the sheep in the field. I judge information along side the likelihood of its accuracy as compared to my lived experience and understanding of things.

Identical information can be received differently depending on the source and content.

Some people won't believe a word coming from someone they don't like, even if the information is 100% accurate. This failure of understanding comes from perceiving through the lens of hatred and assuming all that will be encountered is based in hatred. Those same people would accept without question utter nonsense from someone they admire. 

Bias distorts reality; many if not most are so self-biased that they can't possibly perceive actual true reality.  Good scientists recognise and attempt to address biases when recording nature and deriving theories.

Our biases reside in our subconscious.

Media and advertisers are writing to our subconscious whenever we we exposed ourselves to them. It's their job, some of them are extremely good at it. We are all subjected to unquestioned questionable information from multiple sources. They attempt to open a channel to our subconscious to place unquestioned suggestions, notions, ideas or basically beliefs of their choosing.  It works really well, people have manipulated other people by manipulating information since literally the first records began. 

Nobody is immune from the psychological barrage of "sales information" but we can place each "message" in the context of our lived reality to weigh its actual value to us. Do we strive for things we actually don't need or even want when we think about it?

Many people assume more is always better. It isn't, it's just an emotional trick we play on ourselves when we are in a hurry. Just the right amount is always better in lived reality. I am not at my logical best when I am in an emotional hurry. Being in a hurry makes me focus on small pieces of time which inhibits my broader thinking.

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