I am becoming more keenly aware of the influence of my unconscious voice. You know, that first thought that leaps into your mind when you encounter something new or strange? It's occasionally that voice that we try to stiffle as it bypasses the pre-frontal lobe and speaks without our permission. Perhaps age has something to do with it, but I find myself not wanting to control my mouth or my judgements. My wife and daughter are constantly shaking their heads at me saying, "you shouldn't say that." My son-in-law just laughs in appreciation of my frustration with the current state of affairs. While I'm not a full-blown Libertarian, I find myself agreeing with that perspective more often of late.
"Blink" (Malcolm Gladwell) brings to light the influence of our "adaptive mind" on our perceptions of the world around us. Our unconscious mind is developed by our experiences in life and encounters with the people that make up our world. Listening to this voice is both good and bad. It protects us and it also can lead us astray from the truth. As in all things, we must find the tipping point of when to listen and when to ignore; when to speak and when to be quiet.
Early in the book, Gladwell notes that the speeches of Warren Harding were once described as "an army of pompous phrases moving over the landscape in search of an idea." Harding was the "tall, dark, and handsome" president who died suddenly in his second year of office. He managed to get elected to office because he was the lesser of two evils in the Republican party. Harding was the one who "looked" more presidential.
My point in this brief note is to highlight how important it is that we are aware of this inner voice and its influence on our perspective of our sense of reality. Where did it come from? How did it develop? Can I always trust it?
It feels good to speak what's on my mind. It's a freeing experience! But should I say whatever thought comes into my head? Are there times when I should engage the pre-frontal area that God gave me and filter those impressions and feelings?
Not that I give a lot of speeches, but I do not want my words to be "pompous phrases moving over the landscape in search of an idea." I'd like to think that once in a while I say something of substance and meaning. I'd like to say things that are true, insightful, and valuable to those who hear. It's just that given the current political climate it's very hard not to yell at the television or radio. I mean, what are they thinking?!
Okay, I'm done... 'nuff said.
Bless you, my human friends. Be careful which voice you listen to.
