No Self No Problem

No Self No Problem is a provocative read about the implications of Buddhism in neuroscience, and more specifically about the idea that the self is only a product of the mind, meaning that there is no “I”.

What would you answer if somebody asked you who you are? Would you say you are your profession, your civilian status, or perhaps your gender? Would you say you are a doctor, a wife, a daughter, or something similar?

Yes, you would. Our brain is fooling us continuously into believing that we are something that language can define when we’re not. There is no such thing as a self. We are made up of many different parts that work together as one being.

The mind is simply a collection of thoughts, feelings and emotions that make up who we think we are. It all comes down to the left side of your brain, which is responsible for language and storytelling. This side is telling you who you are, and it is wrong.

It is also responsible for interpreting what you see, yet that’s also quite abstract, as it’s only as real as the language you use to describe your surroundings. Don’t get me wrong – these mechanisms are useful for humans. However, they’re only as real as we make them be!

When we use our language system and the mind to interpret what we see, hear, and feel, we’re essentially trying to make sense of the world. Everyone does it. That’s how we define the “I”, and everything that follows.

However, with benefits, disadvantages come. In our case, suffering and pain is a result of these thinking processes. We are used to patterns, and we use them to make sense of things too.

Therefore, if we see a pattern that our brain recognizes as something unpleasant, we suffer. Our suffering is real and palpable, and it can cause plenty of damage in the long run. However, these life scenarios can only cause us as much suffering as we let them.

If you choose not to take them for good and understand that everything you see is the interpretation of your brain, things will take a turn for the better. Always assume that there’s more to it that you’re not aware of and that your thoughts are not always reality.

The right brain is responsible for spatial consciousness and movement. It’s not surprising that the best way to tap into your right-brain side is through movement-based activities, such as yoga, exercise, or even meditation. When you move, you’re making use of certain brain functions that would otherwise remain silenced. Yoga can help you increase focus, reduce stress, and improve memory retention. In fact, non-language…