Our mind tends to make the repetition of frequently performed actions easier. For example, when we are learning to drive, we may be told to look ahead through the front window and keep our hands on the wheel — and also keep an eye on the various mirrors, keep track of the various meters, ensure that our feet are on both the accelerator and the brake without pressing either suddenly or unnecessarily, and stay aware of not just the traffic in front of us immediately, but also the traffic situation further ahead on the road. Understandably, we may find our first experience of driving overwhelming. Yet, after a few weeks or a few months of practice, we may not only be able to do all of these smoothly but also do them so effortlessly that we can listen to an audiobook or have a meaningful conversation with someone.
How does that which initially seems unmanageable become unnoticeably manageable? Due to the mind, or more specifically, due to its tendency to be programmed by repeated actions and to thereafter automate those functions.
This tendency of the mind to do repeated actions automatically without requiring our constant conscious attention, is functionally both essential and desirable. It is essential because, while we navigate a complex world with frequent sensory overload, we need to be able to keep track of various stimuli, including new stimuli in our environment — not just be caught up in old and familiar stimuli. And it is desirable because while our survival requires certain basic activities of the physical body, we humans can find meaningful fulfillment only in higher-order activities — and we need our consciousness to be available for such higher functions without being perpetually consumed by basic bodily functions.
Ultimately, it is only due to our mind’s ability to free our consciousness from mechanical activities which have survival value that we can engage in activities which can bring value to our survival: activities such as composing art, developing science, enquiring into philosophy and ultimately finding spiritual meaning, purpose and fulfillment. Though few pursue such spiritual enrichment, as stated in the Bhagavad-gita (07.03), we all have the potential to do so.
Summary:
Our mind’s tendency to automate repeated actions is meant to free our consciousness from activities that have survival value to activities that bring value to our survival.
Think it over:
- Have you ever noticed that an activity that seemed unmanageable initially became unnoticeably manageable eventually?
- Why is the mind’s tendency to automate repeated actions essential?
- Why is the mind’s tendency to automate repeated actions desirable, even spiritually desirable?
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07.03: Out of many thousands among men, one may endeavor for perfection, and of those who have achieved perfection, hardly one knows Me in truth.
To know more about this verse, please click on the image
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