Something the brain does

[kenny]

My brain holds the expectation that oranges should be sweet.
When I bite into one that's tart I'm disappointed.
I'll usually finish the orange but won't enjoy it as much because it is not the way it should be.
Oranges are supposed to be sweet ... at least that's the recording in my head.

Now I like lemons.
I'll squeeze them on salads and fish, etc.
Once in a while I'll even eat a wedge and enjoy it, even though lemons are much more tart than oranges.

So why do I enjoy an orange less when it is tart?
It's like a category thing the brain does.

There are a zillion other expectations my brain has recorded over the years.
It sucks.

It's kind of related to being fully here in the moment as opposed to constantly comparing the moment to how the moment, or an orange, or a person should be.

Do you ever think about such things?

 

[monarch64]

It's learning. It's a good thing, because it means the brain can be re-taught. I hated rice when I was a child. Then I ate it in a different environment, with new information, and now I enjoy some varieties of rice.

I absolutely think about things like this. For example, the other day I was thinking about how my child goes after anything cord-like. Drawstrings, shoe strings, actual cords on appliances, etc. Babies are fascinated by them. My mind wondered if babies are so attracted to cord-like objects because it reminds them of the umbilical cord in utero. I'm sure it's not an original thought, but my point is that yes, I do think about why things are the way they are.

 

[iLander]

My DH is very thinky like that. Your story reminds me of his story: he ate an orange in front of his college roommate. He ate it like an apple, chomped right through the peel and all. Ate the whole thing. They were having an existential discussion about why things have to be a certain way. This freaked out his roomie, who talked about it for years. And years.

Point is, questioning the status quo is what being artistic and creative is all about. I think you think about those things because you are artistic, Kenny.

Or autistic, I dunno . . .











Lol! I just couldn't let it pass . . .

 

[minousbijoux]

I hate it when I think out loud about things like you just described, Kenny, and people make fun of me for it. I can't help the way my mind was wired and that I'm curious in non-mainstream ways. But really who isn't? And if they aren't, doesn't that mean that they're missing out on a lot?

 

[rosetta]

I think it's natural curiosity. And doesn't everyone question things sometimes?

 

[chrono]

Conditioning of the brain. It will take time for it to learn a new experience. Why is vanilla a popular flavour? Because it tastes like Mother's milk.

 

[kenny]

I hate it when I think out loud about things like you just described, Kenny, and people make fun of me for it. I can't help the way my mind was wired and that I'm curious in non-mainstream ways. But really who isn't? And if they aren't, doesn't that mean that they're missing out on a lot?

Oh I don't mind.
Again it's all in how your brain categorizes what happens.
I don't think anyone is making fun of me, and certainly not in a mean way.

I love thinking out loud and I love pursuing stuff at the edge of my consciousness.
The mundane intrigues me.

Back when I was a toddler I gave up trying to keep people liking me by conforming.
That's when I was rejected by my dad and two brothers.
It's been all uphill since then, liberating even.

 

[kenny]

Conditioning of the brain. It will take time for it to learn a new experience. Why is vanilla a popular flavour? Because it tastes like Mother's milk.

Fascinating.

 

[smitcompton]

Hi,

I have been testing out a question. I am out shopping, visiting, etc and i have no need to use the ladies room. As soon as I put my key in the door the need arises to use the bathroom quickly. My brain, unconsiously tells my body that ist is now alright to use the bathroom.

I realize this has been happening a good part of my life, but has only become more apparent as I age. The key in the door is a signal to my body.

I think its amazing stuff what the brain does.

Annette