Life sessionMental health

On Strengthening our own mental security system

In the contemporary world, security measures have assumed paramount importance across various domains such as airports, office buildings, the banking and finance sector, and even in the realm of computer technology.  Over time, these security measures have evolved, becoming increasingly automated and potent, thanks to iterative training processes. It is noteworthy that this progress has been significantly catalyzed by the lessons learned from various security breaches, ranging from human errors to cyberattacks. In essence, the overarching theme here is the pivotal role of training in enhancing security measures.

Extending the analogy of fortifying security systems, it becomes apparent that we, as individuals, also require an enhanced mental security system. As humans, we possess the unique ability to engage in complex thought processes. However, this cognitive prowess often leads to a cacophony of thoughts that infiltrate our minds and disrupt our inner tranquility. Many of these thoughts are superfluous and unnecessary. Subconsciously, we allow these thoughts to infiltrate our minds, and our feeble mental security system fails to filter them out. Consequently, we find ourselves burdened with imaginary worries and unnecessary anxieties.

Mark Twain aptly captured this human predicament, “I am an old man and I have known many troubles, but most of them never happened.“

Indeed, our mental landscape is a vast terrain filled with a multitude of potential thoughts, both positive and negative. While it is crucial to contemplate matters of genuine significance, it is counterproductive to dwell on uncertainties and improbable scenarios.

Thus, the imperative arises for us to fortify our mental security system. We must cultivate mindfulness and vigilance whenever a thought enters our consciousness. The first step is subjecting the thought to scrutiny, assessing its necessity. If found superfluous, we must summon our willpower and discard it. This process, when diligently practiced over several months, gradually becomes an ingrained habit. Eventually, our minds autonomously scrutinize incoming thoughts and make informed decisions regarding their relevance.

This transformation, while reminiscent of machine learning principles, carries with it the essence of human emotion – we are not machines; we are beings driven by emotions. The key challenge lies in striking a harmonious balance between training our minds and acknowledging our emotional intricacies.

In short, just as evolving security measures benefit from iterative training and improvements, our mental well-being can be greatly enhanced by strengthening our mental security system. By conscientiously monitoring our thoughts and judiciously discarding the unnecessary ones, we can cultivate a healthier and more peaceful mental landscape. In this endeavor, we are tasked with the delicate but rewarding mission of harmonizing the principles of training with the complexities of our emotional nature.

Hi, I’m Ankit Pramanik