What does “mindsight” mean?
This concept was introduced by described in his book “Mindsight. The New Science of Personal Transformation” by neuropsychiatrist Daniel Siegel. He calls mindsight a type of focused attention that allows us to see the inner workings of our mind. The author also speaks of it as the “seventh sense” or “smart vision.” Essentially, behind all these definitions is our ability to perceive and be aware of both our own thoughts and feelings and the thoughts and feelings of others.
Mindsight helps us turn off “autopilot mode” and set aside habitual reactions and behavior patterns. It provides an opportunity to “name and tame” the emotions we experience rather than giving in to them. Compare two phrases: “I am angry” and “I feel angry.” In the first case, a person describes himself, limiting himself to one single feeling. In the second, it defines and recognizes it, while maintaining control over it.
Siegel believesthat consciousness is a process that regulates the flow of energy and information within a person and between a person and the outside world. When we learn something new, we transform this flow, and we need a mindsight to manage it. Moreover, when we develop a mindsight – change brain structure and stimulate the formation of new neural connections that help us process our emotions.
How to develop a mindsight
According to Siegel, mindsight unites three components:
- insight – insight that helps to notice internal processes in the mind;
- empathy – the ability to perceive the feelings of others and empathize with them;
- integration – the ability to see differences in details and establish cause-and-effect relationships.
Mindsight is not something innate; it must be developed independently through constant practice of self-observation. The surest way to master this skill is to deliberately focus your mind and direct your attention to what interests you. This could be anything from your own body to relationships with other people.
There are different mindsight practices, but Siegel himself advises start with two simple exercises.
1. Show attention to others
Try people-watching when you are in a public place. First, pay attention to their appearance, then connect empathy and imagine what they might be thinking and feeling, and finally compare the results. They are usually very different from each other. At first glance, a person may not look very pleasant, but make a completely different impression at the level of sensations. For example, you may notice that he is simply sad or depressed.
2. Listen to yourself
Most often, we lose control of our emotions and succumb to automatic reactions when we lose touch with bodily sensations. So pause regularly and check in with your body and mind. How do you feel in your body right now? Do you feel in touch with him or not? Scan all your organs and note the areas where you feel tension. Then turn to your mental state. What emotions are you experiencing at the moment? Are they strong or weak? What are you thinking about? Answers to questions like these will help you understand yourself and change the situation for the better.
Find harmony with yourself 🥰
