24 Sep Personality change and meditation part 1
The truth about our personality – part 1
There has always been a question of how much, if any at all, our personality can be changed. In the Mahabharata, Lord Krishna said there cannot be happiness without accepting change. This lead me to think how easy or difficult is it to change our personality? We have to change our ways of thinking and therefore perception to accept change?
I was over the moon to see the Horizon documentary presented by Michael Mosely where he showed the science behind positive psychology and how to bring about changes in key features of our personality.
What is personality?
I like this definition:
“Our Personalities are a complex interaction of character traits that affect behaviour, emotions and ultimately the lives we lead and one of the fundamental drivers is how optimistic or pessimistic we are.This is also one of the hottest new areas of scientific research.” Horizon “The Truth about Personality” 2013
Can key aspects of our personality be changed?
Scientific research shows that yes key aspects can be changed and without drugs too! The tools of Cognitive Bias Modification (CBM) and meditation over a long time brought about neurological changes in the brain and perception of our environment and the changes were shown to be happening at an unconscious level. Michael Moseley was able to reduce his unconscious negative bias which meant that his mind was pre-set to see life and events through a negative lens: he identified himself as a catastrophic, anxious stricken individual. Having practiced meditation daily over 7 weeks his mind was able to change the pre-set so that the mind was now unconsciously looking at events and situations through a positive lens. He was able to focus his mind in the present moment. His mind was not wandering off to disastrous events that “may” happen. Having a more relaxed outlook meant he was now able to sleep a lot better.
Why is it important to change our personality?
continued………..,
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