Mastering Mindset

By Joe Van Staden

To Change Your World, Change Your Mind.

This book addresses, as never before, the Anatomy of Mindset. It answers the fundamental question of how we arrive at our conclusions about our world and existence. We find out why we wind up with the particular reality we experience as true. We also get to understand the difference between a functional and dysfunctional mindset.

Author, Joe van Staden, has been working with, and researching, mindset and consciousness for more than 40 years. His studies of the human perspective of ‘reality’ has taken him to all corners of the globe. Understanding that truth and reality are creations of mindset, his work shows how the most empowering skill anyone can acquire is being enabled to change their mind at will. By changing your mind, you change your truth and you change your world.

In this book, mindset is shown as the bridge between consciousness and the world we experience as real. The truth which defines our world and by which we live, regardless of how it may seem, is determined by the ‘angle’ of our perspective and not by the ‘actual facts of existence’.

Part 1 examines the Anatomy of Mindset as the determining factor in how we look at our world and consequently how we experience it. This will leave you in little doubt that achieving mastery over mindset—mastery over perceptions—must qualify as the ultimate skill.

Part 2 explores the Nature of Consciousness based on the supposition that consciousness is creation. By owning your consciousness, you own your creation and thus own your reality.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Quickfox Publishing
• Release date: Jun 8, 2013
• ISBN: 9781301466481

Book preview

PART ONE:

A FEASIBLE APPROACH TO MASTERING MINDSET

Changing the angle of perspective changes the scenery

Introduction

Throughout the ages inquiring minds have asked, ‘what is the truth behind existence – what is really real?’ The supposition is that this question is unanswerable until we first understand how we decide what is true – how we determine what is real. So, how do we arrive at our conclusions about our world and existence? In the simplest of terms, what we see and accept as reality and consequently experience as real is determined by the prevailing mindset.

Regardless of the facts we are exposed to, our conclusions about the validity of any one thing is, first and foremost, shaped by mindset. The only truth and reality we live by, and respond to, is based on how our mindset interprets what we are looking at.

Most people have some idea that they personally play a part in how their lives unfold – but just how big a part is generally not realised. When people become even slightly more aware of the extent to which their attitudes and frame of mind shape their destiny, the consequences are remarkable. If significant sections of society were to understand that they are more than simply pawns in the game of life, the impact of this awakening could be spectacular – for themselves, as well as for the larger world community.

When addressing human perception and experience – when looking to discover how we decide what is real – three factors in particular cannot be ignored: the brain, the mind and consciousness. Some will say that the mind is simply an aspect of a brain that has evolved since the beginning of life on earth. The mind and consciousness are seen as emerging during evolution of the brain and neurological phenomena. The implication of this is that consciousness is an illusory by-product of evolving life, and the mind merely a reflection of brain activity.

On the other hand, there are those who reject the theory that the mind and consciousness are merely derivatives of the brain. To them the view that mind and consciousness are evolving biological adaptations is typical of a mindset oriented in material realism. Many see consciousness as always having been in existence and the mind as a manifestation of consciousness and not merely an aspect of the brain.

It should come as no surprise, however, that humankind’s material orientation – humanity’s compelling physical experience – will favor the brain as the source of how we see and experience existence. This assumption accepts the brain as the source of mind and consciousness.

The approach that is presented here differs in that the brain has its part in how our world is seen and experienced. However, whatever the information obtained through biological sensors – the physical senses – its meaning and relevance is determined by mindset, which in turn is a manifestation of consciousness. In short, the mind uses the brain but it is essentially mindset through which consciousness interprets and defines whatever we become aware of.

A study of the brain will take us just so far in understanding how things work, while a study of the mind will take us considerably further. But, in the end, it is the exploration of consciousness that is the key to understanding existence beyond the physical realm, as well as the key to staying in touch in an ever-changing physical world.

Qualifying as an explorer of consciousness

Anyone aware of being aware, and capable of experiencing interaction with their environment, qualifies as an explorer of consciousness.

There is probably nothing that is more definitive of life or that we are closer to than consciousness. Our very sense of self is an experience in consciousness. Yet our current understanding of it does not match its actual relevance to our existence. To qualify as a truly groundbreaking answer to the question of what consciousness is, it should be capable of awakening humanity to its innermost nature and significantly raise awareness of our connectedness to everything in existence. If the current debate around consciousness is anything to go by, it seems that the exploration of consciousness is still wide open.

‘To boldly go where no man has gone before’, was the motto of those who ventured into deep space aboard the star ship Enterprise in the once popular Star Trek TV series. No doubt the exploration of space is an exciting prospect. It is often referred to as the final frontier. But in terms of finding answers to questions topping the lists of science, philosophy and metaphysics, the exploration of consciousness is probably the most fruitful and significant domain to be explored.

The most daunting challenge

Explorers of consciousness are faced with several challenges. One of these is reflected in the following quote by D T Suzuki, Japanese author: ‘The contradiction so puzzling to the ordinary way of thinking comes from the fact that we have to use language to communicate our inner experience, which in its very nature transcends linguistics.’

Probably the most daunting of challenges in the exploration of consciousness, is dealing with the mindset factor. No matter how we approach the challenge of discovering how we decide what is true and real – how we determine the ‘actuality’ of existence – it begins with mindset. Yet, despite its essential importance in unraveling the mysteries of life mindset is mostly overlooked in the study of consciousness, as well as the study of every other aspect of existence.

It is a typical human trait to think that what is being perceived and experienced is real – that what our sensory receptors register is the way things actually are. In other words, we do not question what we see and experience as being anything other than the way the world actually is. Yet within this conviction of what is real lies a well-hidden assumption. We assume that we are objective observers, able to investigate natural phenomena and view the human condition from an unbiased vantage point.

The idea that our observations may be defined in terms of a biased human perspective is generally not factored into our worldview. Actually, how we define aspects of existence, such as time and space, matter and energy, life and consciousness, primarily reflect the human perspective – the mindset of those doing the defining. In many specialized fields this has resulted in the development of language beyond the understanding of all but ‘initiates’ – language that first and foremost reflects the background, and consequently the mindset, of the specialists.

In the end, interpretation of what enters our awareness via our physical senses, intellect and/or intuition amounts to mindset. To all intents and purposes it is our perspective that determines what is true and real. Hence the claim that, arguably the most empowering skill a human being can acquire is the ability to change his or her mind at will.

Mindset and human destiny

Mindset has been the basis of every right and wrong choice and decision made by anyone in every sphere of human Endeavour throughout history. Apart from natural disasters this means mindset has been, and still is, behind every disaster in which the human factor plays a role – from the most destructive conflicts in history to the sinking of the Titanic. The current health of the planet, as well as the current global economic crisis, are both due to choices and decisions made by those involved.

Global warming, nuclear war or any other popular doomsday scenario is unlikely to be the cause of human extinction. Dysfunctional mindsets are far more likely to bring about the demise of humankind.

Not only does beauty lie in the eye of the beholder so do the meaning, relevance and value of everything. The human perspective, whether defined in terms of a frame of reference, a paradigm, a point of view or opinion, is a mindset construct.

Our worldview or opinion of someone more often than not reveals little of the world or the other person but says a great deal about us. Whatever our frame of reference in life, whatever the basis of our worldview, be it science, religion, metaphysics, culture or simply common sense, all are subject to mindset. The ‘language’ of science does not essentially reflect what is real. The picture of our world provided by science first and foremost reflects the scientist’s mindset.

One does not have to speak Italian in order to experience the unique magnificence of opera. Its wonder is not to be found in the words but in its music and voice. In many cases understanding the language prevents us from becoming completely immersed in the music. We do not have to speak the language of neurology or psychology to be in touch with who we are. In some cases the language of science puts us out of touch with the ‘music’ of our Being.

Psychologists now acknowledge that our worldview is a psychological construct and scientists have known for some time that what we observe isn’t necessarily what is out there.

The dilemma of what is really real, and how real the existence is that we experience from one moment to the next, has been the focus of many an enquiring mind.

•‘There is no independent evidence by which to decide between two different paradigms. All evidence is interpreted in the light of either one or the other.’ – Thomas Kuhn

•‘What we observe is not nature itself, but nature exposed to our method of questioning.’ Werner Heisenberg

•‘We don’t see things as they are, we see them as we are.’ – Anais Nin

•‘Science reflects the content of our consciousness.’ – Ernst Mach

•‘Physical concepts are free creations of the human mind, and are not, however it may seem, uniquely determined by the external world.’ – Albert Einstein

•‘What we see depends on the theories we use to interpret our observations.’ – Amit Goswami

•‘Man has closed himself up, till he sees all things through the narrow chinks of his cavern.’ – William Blake

•‘It is in the nature of human beings to bend information in the direction of desired conclusions.’ – John Naisbitt

It’s not a question of whether our perspective is influenced by mindset or not – it always is. The question is, how is our perspective interpreted by mindset – how in touch is the prevailing mindset in an ever-changing world.

It should be obvious that acquiring the ability to change one’s mind at will, gaining mastery over perceptions, which is synonymous with acquiring a functional mindset and staying in touch, is probably as close to the ultimate skill as one can get.

Whatever it is we are looking at, it is possible to see it differently and consequently experience it differently, which then opens the door to a different perspective – a different ‘reality’.

Often, all that is required to transform a seemingly hopeless situation into a promising one is that we tilt the angle of our perspective just a bit this way or that to bring into view what was not visible before. Observe an artist as he steps back from his work to get a different perspective. Watch how he tilts his head to change the angle of his view. Simple as it may sound, all that is needed for the resolution of several seemingly irresolvable human conditions is to change the angle from which they are viewed.

Dealing with the challenges and problems facing us does not necessarily mean having the latest technological gimmickry. It means gaining mastery over perceptions. It means being enabled to change our minds and see conditions from different angles. Real empowerment is gaining the wisdom to assume the most appropriate attitude in the moment and consequently make the right decisions and choices as required at the time. This, first and foremost, depends on our ability to change our minds proactively, and at will.

As far as humanity is concerned, mastery over mindset – over perceptions – is central to empowerment and real freedom. Much of Part One of this book is conventional wisdom but it also highlights certain key aspects of the human condition that are invariably missed or overlooked. In more ways than one, Part One lays the groundwork for Part Two. It essentially serves as a stepping stone to Part Two – The Nature of consciousness – which reveals a unique look into the origins of the mind and mindset – the source of what we see and experience as reality.

Chapter 1: The human perspective

Failure to take into consideration the human perspective when attempting to understand how our world works is a crucial omission. Yet this is precisely what has happened in the past and still continues today.

The architects of classical science did not realize that the nature of reality, as measured and defined by them, was in accordance with their own personal prejudices as well as the prevailing scientific mindset. So, the idea that the scientist’s observations may be subjected to a hidden personal frame of reference or paradigm was not, and is still not, factored into scientific methodology.

However, despite the apparent limitations of the human perspective, it is one that is nonetheless remarkably insightful and diverse. Many varying, as well as conflicting points of view are part and parcel of being human. No matter whether we consider the rational and scientific approach, or a philosophical, religious, metaphysical or mystical approach on how things work, each has a significant number of dedicated exponents and devout followers, each with its own worldview.

Of course, the human perspective can and does change. If it weren’t for the periodic widening of perspective, no new insights and knowledge would be gained. Consider for example the transition from the idea that the earth was flat, to a Ptolemaic view that the earth was at the centre of the universe to the sun-centered picture of Copernicus. Other examples are the industrial revolution and the supplanting of Newtonian physics by quantum mechanics. Certainly there can be no doubt that perspective can change and that the human perspective is capable of expansion, opening up and widening from time to time. With all the changes we, or our ancestors, have already experienced, it seems highly likely that there are still amazing vistas beyond the current conventional worldview awaiting the human gaze.

With this in mind, consider the well-known question: Is the glass half full or half empty? The implication here is that how we look at the glass will determine how we see it. This in turn will determine our experience, and consequently our responses. Now let’s take this simple example a bit further. If we are able to change our mind about how we see the glass, we will at the same time be changing our sense and experience of what is real.

Mindset – the inescapable box

Figure 1: How we see the glass, or anything else for that matter, is determined by the various benchmarks that constitute mindset – the frame of reference through which we look at our world.

All that really stands between us seeing the glass half full instead of half empty and then actually experiencing a different reality is our current perspective – our mindset. Failure to resolve certain major issues in our lives can be traced to a failure to really grasp and accept that how we look at our world and how we see it, determines our decisions and actions. When our responses turn out to be appropriate and we get it ‘right’ this is indicative of being ‘in touch’ in an ever-changing world. However, should our responses be inappropriate and we get it ‘wrong’, that would be indicative of ‘not being in touch’.

Keep in mind though that getting it right and being in touch on the one hand, and getting it wrong and being out of touch on the other hand, are both context-related. We may be in touch and in sync when addressing money matters for instance but when it comes to relationships we find ourselves confused and lost. Now consider the effects of being out of touch with several areas of life at the same time. This is the source of much human distress and anxiety. So, a mindset that keeps us in touch can be said to be functional, and a mindset failing to do so, to be dysfunctional.

Mastering perceptions then, which is the same as being able to change one’s mind at will or managing mindset really well, is the foundation of personal empowerment and the wellbeing of organizations. It is the key to sustaining an effective level of performance in a world of constant change.

Mindset provides the measure, the standards, the benchmarks, the values, facts and truth against which everything encountered, is measured and evaluated. What is looked at or experienced is not the source of your feelings about it. You are the source. You determine your own attitude and responses. A flat tyre may be the cause of your journey being interrupted, but you determine how the incident is experienced and how you responded to it. If you desperately want to get to your destination, you may be devastated by the incident. However, if for some reason you dread arriving, you may be relieved or even elated by the occurrence of the flat tyre. So the very same set of circumstances can be viewed and experienced as a lucky break or as a catastrophe. (See Figure 1)

Are the two dots far apart or close together?

Figure 2: If you answer the question using the page as your frame of reference, you will see the dots as being far apart. However, if you see the dots within the context of the room, you will see them as close together.

Mindset provides the benchmarks – the frame of reference or context – through which all decisions and evaluations in life are made. This means nothing is actually as it seems but as determined by the mindset of the observer.

Similarly, a patriot looking at his country’s flag may be overcome by feelings of pride and love and be inspired to make the supreme sacrifice for the nation. To a bitter enemy of the same country, the flag may stir up murderous hatred. For someone from a lost tribe emerging out of the Amazon rain forest for the first time who has never even heard of the place in question, the flag may simply be a pretty piece of cloth with several possible uses. Each of the three individuals sees the same object in a completely different light. It is clear then that the meaning, relevance, and value of the flag does not emanate from the flag – it originates from the person looking at it. Thus each of us is the source of how the moment is perceived and experienced, as determined by the ‘angle’ of our perspective – our mindset.

For instance, there are more ways than one of looking at the present. In response to this statement most people are likely to say: the present is what it is, how can it be different. Yet, on the one hand we could see it as an outcome – an end of a cycle – the result of preceding causes and experienced as a product of the past. On the other hand, the present could be seen and experienced as a new beginning, with all the possibilities and potential usually accompanying a fresh start. In each case, the perception and experience of the present will be different, depending on the slant or angle of the prevailing mindset. If this is in beginning mode, it will undoubtedly result in an attitude and behaviour different from that resulting from a mindset in end mode.

Even a devastating natural disaster can be perceived and experienced differently. Devout believers in a traditional faith, who see the hand of God in the devastation, are more likely to accept the tragedy than those who identify with the material possessions and loved ones they have lost.

Most people will be familiar at least in part, with the sinking of the Titanic. Invariably the first thing that comes to mind as the cause of the Titanic sinking is an iceberg. Although some may be more familiar with the many factors that are seen as having contributed to her tragic end, the general consensus is that an iceberg sank the Titanic.

However, consider the following points.

•Captain E J Smith, the captain of the Titanic, did not