Child Mind versus Mature Mind

2009 June 22
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by Scott Jeffrey

We each possess two distinct styles of mind: the Child Mind and the Mature Mind.

Lacking attention, the child mind is easily confused and quickly distracted.

The mature mind has the capacity to focus, concentrate and work intently on a problem.

Our A.D.D.-driven world—emails, texts, IMs, Twitter and other social networks—feeds the child mind. Information overload reinforces the primitive aspects of our brain.

The “animal brain” associated with our limbic system is constantly surveying, sensing, detecting and evaluating in an effort to survive.

Notice how your eyes always go to what’s moving. Sit in an airport and your gaze is naturally averted to the streaming news on the ceiling monitors—whether you want them to or not. When we are in front of our email program—or worse yet, a Twitter application—our eyes instinctively go to the newest message. (That’s why it’s not a good idea to keep your email program or Twitter application open while you’re trying to focus on a task.)

The child mind hops from moment to moment dictated by the demands of the world.

Sitting and staring into nothingness nurtures and supports the mature mind, guided by our Higher Self. The mature mind can contemplate a single thought, holding it in mind for an extended length of time. This more evolved aspect of the mind can observe the bigger picture and can evaluate information from multiple perspectives.

You can’t feed them both minds simultaneously. At any moment you are either feeding the child mind or the mature mind. Which one will rule your destiny?


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One Response leave one →
  1. 2009 June 24
    Tova permalink

    what a simple concept!
    It reminds me of a lesson in ACIM – in every moment your choosing between heaven or hell.

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