In my previous post, I introduced the concept of "the sock pile" as a visual representation of the thoughts, feelings, and desires bouncing around in our heads. I mentioned how my wife and I "sort the sock pile," but I didn't delve into the specifics. Let's explore that process now, because understanding how to organize our mental clutter is a crucial skill that's often overlooked.
The Art of Mental Tidying
Sorting through the sock pile of our mind requires effort, but it can be an enjoyable process if we approach it with the right mindset. Many of us don't realize that organizing our thoughts is a skill we can and should develop. Our education system often overlooks the importance of mental organization, focusing instead on academic knowledge and practical skills. But here we are, ready to fill that gap – better late than never, I suppose.
The process is straightforward, though it does require dedication and a willingness to confront our inner chaos:
Generate Information: Begin with a brain dump. This is what I wrote about previously. Go for a walk with a trusted companion and talk it out. Write down your thoughts on paper or a whiteboard, creating bubbles of all the random ideas in your head. Use sticky notes if that helps. The goal is to externalize everything related to the issue you're working through. Don't hold back – let it all out, no matter how trivial or embarrassing it might seem.
Embrace the Mess: This is the challenging part, folks. After your brain dump, you might feel overwhelmed, thinking it's impossible to make sense of it all. You may feel exposed and even a bit foolish. That's okay – we all experience this. You're going to feel stupid... because you are. Don't worry, it's part of the process. Resist the urge to cope by dismissing the process as overthinking or pointless. Instead, accept the messiness of your mind. Yes, you might sound crazy, overly critical, or dramatic. But that's you doing the work! Great job! Accept the mess of your mind, let it be what it is.
Zoom Out: Take a step back and look at your entire "brain vomit." Avoid getting caught up in the details at this stage. If you do, you'll start noticing inconsistencies in the details, and this is not helpful yet. Don't worry about logical contradictions – that's what we're working to resolve. Focus on seeing the bigger picture. It's like looking at a landscape painting – step back to appreciate the whole scene before examining individual brushstrokes.
Identify Patterns and Root Causes: From this bird's-eye view, look for high-level patterns in your thoughts, feelings, and desires. Maybe you notice that you feel everyone's out to get you, or that you never get a day off, or that you're always anticipating disaster. These patterns are symptoms of deeper issues. However, finding the pattern is a means to an end. On a philosophical note, patterns are an expression. They come from a deeper thing that is creating the pattern. That is what we're after. Your goal is to uncover the root cause generating these patterns. It's like being a detective in your own mind, looking for the hidden culprit behind your mental chaos.
Test Your Hypothesis: Once you think you've found the root cause, try it on like a new pair of jeans. It's okay if your first guess isn't correct – that's part of the process. Honestly, I rarely guess the right underlying problem on the first shot. But here's the coolest part: bad guesses often reveal what we wish the problem was, usually because it's less painful or embarrassing than the truth. If that happens, return to step 2 and show yourself some grace. Nobody's perfect. Have a little compassion for yourself. Keep exploring until you find the right fit. Once you've found the right root cause, congratulate yourself – you've made a significant breakthrough!
This method isn't limited to personal introspection. It's equally effective for solving design problems, engineering challenges, or making complex decisions. At its core, this process is about realigning ourselves with reality. When we're out of alignment, we struggle to do the right things (and to do things right). So whether you're expanding your portfolio, working through a mathematical proof, coding the next breakthrough in AI, or designing your dream home, this approach can help.
The Power of Trust
Underlying this process is a crucial assumption: we can trust our experiences and senses to generate useful information for analysis. This data helps us identify areas in our thinking, feeling, or wanting that are causing confusion with reality. Once we understand these misalignments, we can work towards becoming more intentional and in tune with the world around us.
If you ask me, this is a reasonable assumption because if it isn't true, we are in a heap of trouble.
Mastering the Process
By engaging in this process, we're not just tidying up our thoughts – we're building a stronger, more resilient connection with reality itself. And in a world that often feels chaotic and overwhelming, that connection can be our anchor and our guide. It allows us to navigate life's complexities with greater clarity and purpose, leading to more fulfilling personal and professional lives.
Remember, organizing your mind is a skill that improves with practice. Don't be discouraged if it feels challenging at first. Like any worthwhile endeavor, it takes time and patience to master. But the rewards – clarity of thought, improved decision-making, and a greater sense of alignment with reality – are well worth the effort.