The rear-view mirror and the mental GPS
Looking through the past trying to envision the future
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In our daily lives, from the simplest or most irrelevant things to the most complex or decisive, a large part of what we do and experience is the result of unconscious processes that are therefore beyond our rational control.
This can be frightening in itself and, as such, potentially generate fear.
Fear generally sharpens the need we all have to control the world around us. One way of doing this is by calculating probabilities(based on the data I have about the situation, this is likely to happen)... in this way, some people guide their lives using two instruments that (they think) contribute to a greater sense of security and inner stability: a rear-view mirror and a mental GPS.
The purpose of the "mental rear-view mirror" is to observe and analyse what has happened, how it could have been avoided, modified or enhanced. It also serves to try, using probabilistic logic, to predict what might happen as a result of our actions, based on past events.
The "mental GPS" is often used as a tool for controlling and predicting future events, as support for decision-making, setting purposes or projecting what the course of our lives might be from now on.
When used moderately and appropriately, the rear-view mirror and mental GPS are useful and effective tools.
But have you ever tried driving your car looking only in the rear-view mirror? Or driving looking only at the GPS?
I'm sure you haven't. In the same way, driving through life based only on the past and using only the "mental rear-view mirror causes emotional, cognitive and behavioural blockages that prevent us from moving forward.
I can't let go of the past; it was so strong that I've never forgotten it; if it hadn't been for what happened to me, my life would have been better; every day I think about what happened
These are typical statements from people who overuse the logic of the "mental rear-view mirror" when leading their lives.
On the other hand, using only the "mental GPS" can lead to blockages or eternal indecision which is usually frustrating, conditioning and painful.
I'm afraid to take a risk; I've never done it because I think I'll be afraid; I've thought about it many times, but I've never put it into practice; I'm afraid of what others will think
These are the thoughts or expressions of people who use their "mental GPS" excessively as a tool for managing their lives.
While you're distracted by excessive evaluations and analyses of the past and the future, there are countless things happening within and around us that, if properly valued and felt, would allow us to be happier and more complete in the present and would probably drastically alter our view of the past and prospects for the future.
Being who you are depends to a large extent on finding a healthy balance between seeing the past, experiencing the present and a balanced projection of the future.
Basically, accepting to feel what you really feel, without distortions or disguises, whether it's positive or negative, pleasurable or painful, acceptable or unacceptable, empowers and equips us with emotional, cognitive and behavioural tools of great value. useful and valid for building the future.
That way, you won't feel stuck in the past or disabled by a frightening projection of the future.
I believe it's like being willing to sit in the discomfort and uncertainty so we can figure out what it's about and let it dissolve.
This is an excellent analogy Rolando, the mental GPS and rear-view mirror. It's easy to visualize what we're doing when you put it that way, thanks.