Feel first

When the environment changes there is a physical and cognitive reaction in the unconscious. After the reaction ‘reason’ is used to justify it in the self-conscious.

Then we are choosy about the ‘evidence’ that is available. We accept what agrees with our reaction and reject what disagrees. This is confirmation bias.

Experimental evidence in support of this pattern of thinking comes from recent social psychology and moral philosophy.

The European Enlightenment in the 17-18^th century reified reason and put the unconscious on the back burner. But there is no need to polarise the topic. Self-consciousness will have its uses. Perhaps in helping to shape slower and more thoughtful responses.

Note that ‘truth’ is not an issue. Fast pragmatism rules when the issue is snakes, impetuous chiefs or war like neighbours.

In my retirement there is rarely a rush. The intention is to shut down the busy self-conscious and leave the unconscious in control. The mind has a mind of its own. Non-egoic flow. And the cunning conundrum – which ‘I’ is or should be in charge?

The game plan - feel first and allow the emergence of motivation and intention.