#78 Unconscious categorization

ByLukas
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Within a split second, I’ve categorized an object as an apple. Now I don’t pay attention to the dimensions, color, smell, and texture anymore.

Within a split second, I’ve categorized an emotion as anger, fear, frustration, love. So I don’t pay attention to the physiological changes in my body anymore.

I’m always categorizing – but I didn’t consciously create the categories.

But what if I’m categorizing inaccurately?

Can I interrupt instant categorization, governed by language, habits, patterns, past experience?

Can I re-open my senses and see, smell, touch, hear, feel again?

Can I start sensing nuances between the objects I behold?

Can I discern nuances between the feelings I feel?

Mindfulness, journaling, meditation, and learning languages can help with more conscious categorization.

Because what if the anger I feel is nothing but fear?

What if the fear I feel is nothing but frustration?

What if the frustration I feel is nothing but unrequited love?

And what if the love I feel is nothing but infatuation?

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    If I don’t go for that run today, will I ever become a runner?

    If I don’t stick to my diet today, will I ever get in shape?

    There’s a time and place for being a hardliner about your habits – the first 30-45 days when the naysayer voice in your head still says, “let’s see how long it takes before I give up again.”

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