What is mindsight and how to use it to establish contact with yourself

What does "mindsite" mean?

This concept was introduced described in his book Mindsight. The New Science of Personal Transformation by neuropsychiatrist Daniel Siegel. Mindsight is a type of focused attention that allows us to see the inner workings of our mind. The author also speaks of it as the "seventh sense" or "intelligent sight". In fact, behind all these definitions is our ability to perceive and be aware of both our own thoughts and feelings, and the thoughts and feelings of others.

Mindsight helps us turn off “autopilot mode” and put aside habitual reactions and behaviors. It provides the opportunity to "name and tame" the emotions we will experience, rather than succumb to them. Compare two phrases: "I'm angry" and "I feel angry." In the first case, a person describes himself, limiting himself to one single feeling. In the second, it defines and recognizes it, while maintaining control over it.

Siegel thinksthat consciousness is a process that regulates the flow of energy and information within a person and between a person and the outside world. When we learn something new, we transform this flow, and the mind site is needed to manage it. In addition, when we develop a mindsite - change brain structure and stimulate the formation of new neural connections that help us process our emotions.

How to develop a mindsite

According to Siegel, mindsight brings together three components:

• insight - insight that helps to notice the internal processes in the mind;
• empathy - the ability to perceive the feelings of others and empathize with them;
• integration - the ability to see differences in detail and establish causal relationships.

Mindsight is not something innate, it must be developed independently through the constant practice of self-observation. The surest way to master this skill is to purposefully focus your mind and direct your attention to what interests you. It can be anything from your own body to relationships with other people.

There are various mindsight practices, but Siegel himself advises start with two simple exercises.

1. Pay attention to those around you

Try to observe people when you are in some public place. First pay attention to their appearance, then connect with empathy and imagine what they might be thinking and feeling, and finally compare the results. Usually they are very different from each other. At first glance, a person may not look very pleasant, but produce a completely different impression at the level of sensations. For example, you will notice that he is just sad or depressed.

2. listen to yourself

Most often, we lose control of our emotions and succumb to automatic reactions when we lose touch with bodily sensations. So do it regularly. pauses and check with your body and mind. How do you feel in your body right now? Do you feel connected to him or not? Scan all the organs and note the areas where you feel tension. Then address your mental state. What emotions are you experiencing at the moment? Are they strong or weak? What are you thinking about? The answers to these questions will help you understand yourself and change the situation for the better.