Exploration of the Mind & Metaphysics

This post is about exploration, not exploration of the outside world, but rather, exploration of the mind and its possibilities, branching over to metaphysics.

Exploration

When most people hear the word exploration, they think about exploration of the physical world, such as exploring the planet Earth, and for some, expanding out into space and the Universe.

However, there is another form of exploration that is often overlooked, and not even considered. This is the exploration of our own minds, or exploration of the inner world, and the possibilities of existence.

What’s Possible?

Asking “what’s possible” is a very thought-provoking question. Many people get their beliefs on what’s possible from others and groups. This is gaining knowledge from the collective. People often mistake a consensus view for what is right or possible. However, consensus views have often been proved not to be correct or to represent the truth. This could also be called an external frame of reference or locus of control.

Thinking for Yourself

Thinking for oneself is vital if we wish to expand our minds in order to realise what is possible. However, for most people, the desire to be part of a group is so strong that they will likely never see beyond their need to conform. Not surprising really, because not conforming is risky and dangerous. Also, it will inevitably lead to a loss of friends and a general decline of popularity. For many, this is their worst fear. These people, the majority, prioritize comfort, contentment, and fitting in, rather than evolving.

Exploring our inner world

This includes self-reflection, self-analysis, generally understanding who we are, and what we are capable of. It also includes understanding the connections and patterns in the world. An understanding of the outer world is needed to enhance your inner reality. Only then can we start exploring the depths of our minds. With such an understanding, then we can start exploring the possibilities of our existence.

There are obviously limitations to what can be achieved and what is possible. However, how do we know what these limitations are, where is the line that can’t be crossed? As individuals, we all have strengths and weaknesses which are partly determined by genetics, physically, and mentally.

Possibilities of Existence

Realising the possibilities of existence goes far beyond developing our weaknesses. It’s about breaking down barriers, removing regulations and therefore limitations to see how far we can go. Restrictions have to be removed if you want to see how far you can go.

Metaphysics

We are moving into the realm of the metaphysical. Metaphysics is a branch of philosophy that explores the nature of reality, existence, and the relationship between mind and matter, substance and attribute, or potentiality and actuality. It deals with questions like: What is the nature of being? What is real? It often delves into abstract concepts such as time, space, causality, and the existence of entities beyond the physical world. Historically, philosophers like Aristotle, Kant, and Heidegger have contributed significantly to metaphysical thought.

Mind Over Matter

The placebo effect is something that has received a fair amount of study and research. In clinical trials, patients with pain or depression often report feeling better after taking a placebo, demonstrating how belief can influence physical or psychological outcomes.

A good question is, does the placebo effect only influence our psychology, or can it actually affect our biology? The answer is both, because we already know our psychology does affect our biology. The real question is, what are the limits to that influence?

If this can work in a positive sense, negative thoughts could make us feel worse. Some researchers have suggested it could make us physically ill.

Telekinesis: Now we are moving into examples that are a little more farfetched. Telekinesis is an idea that has been explored in many works of fiction. Is it possible to manipulate matter with the power of your mind? I haven’t achieved it yet, but I give it a try occasionally.

Telepathy: Telepathy is the purported ability to communicate thoughts, feelings, or information directly from one mind to another without using physical senses or external tools.

There is very little credible evidence or research on whether telekinesis or telepathy are possible. If they’re possible, they might not be possible for the human brain at our current stage in evolution. However, with enough time, perhaps one day, in the distant future, it could be.

This type of exploration requires a very open-mind, a mind that naturally seeks to break down barriers, to remove limitations and to resist traditions. This is a mind that is very high in trait openness.