Cognitive Awareness vs Cognitive Dissonance: The Societal Framework Showdown
Thoughts are not just fleeting notions;
They are the
architects
In the realm of profound concepts, "cognitive awareness"
and “cognitive dissonance” might sound like complex terms, leaving us
wondering, "WTF do they actually mean?" So, let's unravel this enigma
and put our minds at ease.
To put it in the simplest terms possible: to be cognitive is to be aware. But it's not just about self-awareness, mindfulness, or being ‘woke’; it's about understanding how your mind perceives and receives information from the world you exist in. Because, my friend, the way your mind processes this information holds the key to shaping your reality, beliefs and the very thing that makes you you.
“He who fights with monsters should be careful lest he thereby become a monster. And if you gaze long enough into an abyss, the abyss will gaze back into you.”
- Friedrich Nietzsche
At its core, cognitive awareness is the art of being conscious, it’s about taking a step back, observing the patterns of your mind, actions and emotions. Then trying to acknowledge the impact these patterns have on your reality and how they can affect the environment around you. Every decision you make and every belief you have, is guided by the thought patterns you may or may not have had a hand in creating yourself. Our thoughts become our narrative, our reality. The way we see ourselves, other people and the world.
On the flip side of that mental coin you have cognitive dissonance, and it is that nagging feeling you get when your actions don’t line up with your beliefs. It creates a mental tug-of-war, and it’s a signal pushing us to reassess, realign and grow. We’ve all been there—caught between what we know is right and what we actually do. This inner conflict can be uncomfortable, but it’s also a powerful reminder that we’re wired to seek harmony between our thoughts and actions.
In the intricate workings of our minds, there are six cognitive
functions that define how we navigate the world, and are considered the
six pillars of mental mastery:
Attention: What captures your focus? How do you direct your mental spotlight in a sea of supernormal stimuli?
Language:The tool through which thoughts are expressed. How does your vocabulary shape and convey your inner world?
Learning: The ability to acquire new knowledge. How do you absorb, process, and integrate information?
Memory:The repository of experiences and information. How does your mind store and retrieve the moments that define you?
Perception:The lens through which you interpret the world. How does your perception color your reality?
Thought:The engine of creativity and problem-solving. How do your thoughts drive your actions and decisions?
"When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves." –Viktor Frankl
In the grand tapestry of existence, the way we perceive the world is the way we are interacting with it. Our cognitive functions are in constant dialogue with the world around us. Remember that our thoughts are not just solitary echoes but they are vibrations and harmonies that resonate throughout our very being.
By understanding the way our mind operates, and how every thought, every function, and every perception is what makes us us, and sometimes the narrative we have made up for ourselves is not what we thought it would be. Which is why now, more than ever, is it crucial in helping us take the right next steps towards a better tomorrow.