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Shifting the World

Small changes in the way we think about something can have pronounced effects. However, it's better to experience this for yourself than to just hear about it.

Walk. You don't have to go too far, but get up and walk somewhere and then come back. If you're like most people, you think that you move when you're walking. This is a good model. Just to experience some variety, however, try thinking that you're standing still and the world is moving. Don't look down; look ahead. Think about how your feet are moving the world towards you, and if you were to walk backwards, your feet would be propelling the world in the other direction. Think of yourself as standing on top of a giant sphere which rotates as your feet touch it; you stay in the same place on top, but the world rotates under you as you walk. Doing this outside may work best. It should feel a little weird.

Now, try playing with your concept of what "you" are. If you normally think of "yourself" as something which includes your body, try thinking of yourself as being something which is encased in the body, possesses the body, or uses the body. If you normally think of yourself as having a body, try thinking of yourself as being a body. Imagine situations like being injured, or being overweight, and see how your reaction to these things changes.

Finally, try changing your idea of what your emotions are. If you usually think of your emotions as being a part of you, think of your emotions as something that happens to you. If you think of your emotions as something external, think of yourself as a being which includes emotions. Now imagine situations in which you were angry or sad, and observe how your response changes.

You may want to spend awhile thinking about these things. If it takes you an hour or two, that's perfectly fine.


Prev: What is the world?
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Next: More About Thought