The materialist view in the context of philosophy would be called the belief that there is only matter, and it is the source of consciousness, and therefore of emotions or thoughts and all other phenomena. That is, for example: “my thoughts are created by the brain” or “it is the body that produces emotions.” A consequence of such a view is, for example, the opinion that after physical death there is a definitive end to our existence. Since the physical body disintegrates, our consciousness will also disintegrate.
While such a view nowadays may be considered somewhat outdated by philosophy or science, which goes further and further in proving particular components, a lot of doubt still arises in many cases about the actual impact of our mind, not so much as on our body, but also on what surrounds us. Added to this is the lack of broader and proven education about how to apply it in practice.
Already a rather trite example that challenges the materialist view is the mention of examples of operations after which, despite the removal of portions of the brain, the patient had no disturbance of consciousness. This shows that the brain serves as a relay. This, however, is still not enough evidence for many. And that’s okay. My job is not to convince anyone. I’m just reminding you that you can look at the world differently. What you do with it is up to you.
That’s why I encourage you to look at everything “invisible” as just another matter, which is just much more subtle and not so easy to see. Spiritual development is not about following religious paradigms, it is about consciously seeing subtle matter and the relationship between you and the world around you on a different level than the strictly physical one. You could say that spiritual development is learning to be aware of a different quality. In fact, everyone develops spiritually, only we are not always aware of it.
But let’s get back to the axis of this post – why do I believe that mind is “above” matter, and what do I mean by that? Why is it worth adopting, if only experimentally, this attitude? Because by doing so we broaden our perspective on what we experience. It is not about blindly following the statement: “Before you hit your head against the wall, this thought came first.” It’s about awakening curiosity about life and exploring. By doing so, we can find answers to questions where no further explanations were previously possible. We can draw additional conclusions and be enriched by new experiences.
To be able to explain why the mind is above matter, it is useful to bring up some examples from everyday life. Here the key word will be the word conviction and how it directly affects our environment. If you are convinced that you are poor, then, despite your sincere intentions, you will neither surround yourself with enterprising people nor specifically gain wealth, even using proven methods. Your conviction, which is subconscious (unconscious), will not allow you to make other moves, other methods, than those that fall within the limitations of your imagination. The reason you are convinced of your poverty is something that is hard to pry out of the subconscious and bring to the surface. It’s so fused to you that it’s hard for you to see the difference and realize that’s not how reality is. You have identified yourself with who you are, and this further cements the problem.
It can be said that this is a normal matter resulting from the consequences of specific experiences, because someone with a poverty conviction simply did not make the right moves, did not receive the right guidance, teachings in advance, etc. Based on materialistic views, we will further indulge in actively fighting the problem (by doing), instead of creating reality by being and accepting. The easiest solution is the “mundane” one, e.g. strenuous work, which only seemingly gives faster results, which will possibly change our attitude after a long time. We feel “closed” and without a way out. However, there is much more room for change when we recognize that all these events are the result of our subconscious perception of the world. A worldview is not just a set of values and principles that we follow every day. It is also a subconscious interpretation of this world, and thus an unconscious creation of what surrounds us. It is also interesting to note that these low-vibrational beliefs come out most easily for us.
The effect of this, for example, is to sink into a discussion with the inner narrator who sits in your head and thinks “out loud,” adding more bricks to the wall that prevents you from seeing reality as it is. The more you identify with the thoughts in your head, the more they will take you on unconscious walks. Some of these walks even last for years.
Here is where the opportunity to break out of this marasm arises – the opportunity to be conscious. The opportunity to step out of the illusion. The opportunity to practice mindfulness and be in the present moment. Therefore, just changing your thinking is the best work you can do to start changing your life. In general, all you need to start is to realize that you can do things differently. That’s the first step. It doesn’t matter how. Just do something differently. You can’t expect different results from yourself when you do something the same way over and over again.
I encourage you to do a simple exercise. Imagine yourself in a different state than you are. In a target state that will fulfill your desire. Imagine it in detail and intensely with all your senses, evoking the appropriate emotions, creating different scenery, and while maintaining this state, fall asleep in the evening as you normally go to sleep. Or, at least do it in a state of light slumber or meditation.
You have just made an interesting attempt to change your subconscious thinking. With the execution of this exercise, new connections, new ideas, new insights appear in your nervous system. Thus, new possibilities and new versions of the outside world. Since the mind is above matter, such a scenario you imagined should take place somewhere. Even if it doesn’t immediately turn your life upside down, it’s the first step toward change.
When you start the work, more questions will arise, a reshuffling of values will begin.
How tuned in are you to the new version of yourself? How much are you willing to give up and change your worldview, and that includes your identity, in favor of a new, unfamiliar life? How ready are you?
The question – for what reasons do you envision yourself this way and not otherwise.
What are you looking for?
Since you can achieve anything, what do you choose?
What is in tune with your heart?
Imagine – give yourself the opportunity.
Choose, and it will happen.
Stay aware.
Chris