How would you describe "Mind over matter"
By gtdonna
@gtdonna (1738)
July 15, 2008 3:51pm CST
I never really ever understood this saying, so my friends here on MyLot what would be your personal defination base on how you understand this saying.
Educate me, thanks!
3 responses
@LRB1111 (356)
• United States
15 Jul 08
Hi,
My personal understanding of "Mind Over Matter" is the idea that "Willpower can overcome physical obstacles" and that the "Mind is stronger than the body". Positive Thinking and Creating your own reality are based on the same concept. A person may have a physical disability yet go on to do extraordinary things because their "will" was stronger than the physical obstacle involved.
For example, I use "mind over matter" when it comes to getting rid of physical pain like headaches, without taking any medication. Also, If I am having a bad day I try to think positive no matter what my circumstances (although it's hard to do sometimes) I can usually focus my mind to perceive the situation differently, or alter my emotions so that I am feeling good even when the situation would be considered bad to most.
@LRB1111 (356)
• United States
16 Jul 08
Well, when I focus on the pain I'm experiencing, I continue to experience the pain I am focusing on. With Severe pain, I will relax my mind and body as much as possible. Depending on the type and severity of the pain, I clear my mind and use breathing techniques. Or I might just accept it, ignore it, and distract myself with something else. Instead of focusing on the actual pain and how much I wish it would go away, I imagine what it feels like to "not have the pain" and I focus on that. It doesn't always make the pain vanish immediately, but it lessens it and makes it more tolerable. 90% of the time my body will obey what my mind tells it(believes). Although, I don't consider mind over matter an alternative to seeing a doctor if it involves a serious problem that needs treatment. If I am in a hectic environment (like work) sometimes these solutions may be more difficult to carry through with and an aspirin may seem more logical. Different things work for different people.
I also wanted to add that this discussion reminded me of a beautiful video I saw awhile back. Some of you may or may not have seen it but it reminds me of the human will and what we can endure if we put our minds to it and have faith.
Take a look.. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z3WA9iHz5ww
And here are a couple links about Mind Over Matter for anyone interested. :-)
http://archives.cnn.com/2000/HEALTH/alternative/09/04/meditation.pain.wmd/index.html
http://personaldevelopment.suite101.com/article.cfm/relieve_pain_with_mindpower
@sk66rc (4250)
• United States
15 Jul 08
I guess it could mean different things to different people... I always took it as being able to complish something if you set your mind to it regardless of the obsticles... How's that saying go? "Obsticles are the things you see when you take your eyes off the goal..."
