Techniques to notice when my thoughts (mostly negativing and non-serving) are resurfacing habitually
David Bohm’s work offers a profound perspective on the habitual resurfacing of negative and non-serving thoughts. He emphasizes that when thoughts are repeated, they become habitual and we grow less and less aware of them-just as with any routine action, like brushing your teeth, which eventually happens almost automatically and unconsciously. This automaticity applies equally to our thoughts and feelings, which can become ingrained patterns we no longer notice.
Bohm argues that much of our thinking operates as a system that is largely automated and reflexive, often outside our conscious awareness. He points out that people generally assume their thoughts are passive reports on reality, but in fact, thought actively shapes perception and action. Problems arise when we are not aware of how our thinking itself is participating in the creation of our experiences, especially negative ones. We often fail to follow the effects of our thought, not realizing that the way we think determines our actions and the outcomes we experience.
A key concept Bohm introduces is "proprioception of thought"-the self-awareness of the activity of thinking, analogous to how we naturally sense the position and movement of our bodies (bodily proprioception). He suggests that while bodily proprioception is instinctive, we lack a similar immediate feedback system for thought. Developing this kind of awareness means noticing thoughts as they arise, without immediately acting on them or trying to fix them. Instead, one simply attends to the reflexive structure of thought, which can begin to dissipate its momentum and open the possibility for genuine insight and transformation.
Bohm cautions that trying to overcome negative thoughts with positive thinking is still incoherent, as it leaves the underlying negative thought patterns intact and active. Genuine change comes not from struggling against thought, but from understanding and observing the process of thought itself-seeing how it becomes habitual, how it shapes perception, and how it can be questioned rather than blindly accepted.
In summary, Bohm’s advice for noticing habitual negative thoughts centers on cultivating a non-judgmental, attentive awareness of the thinking process itself-what he calls proprioception of thought-so that we can become conscious participants in our own mental activity, rather than being unconsciously driven by it.
to apply this, it’s about catching our thoughts upstream - earlier in the process much like I try to focus on the thought of the mantra during meditation rather than the mantra itself.
Just as in meditation you focus on the thought of the mantra rather than the mantra itself-being aware of the process of thinking rather than the content-applying Bohm’s idea means cultivating awareness of your thinking process as it arises, before it fully forms into habitual negative patterns.
Shift attention from content to process: Instead of getting caught in the story or emotion of a negative thought, gently observe the very moment the thought begins to arise. Notice its texture, tone, and movement without judgment.
Develop “proprioception of thought”: Like sensing your body’s position, train yourself to sense your mind’s activity-the flow, speed, and quality of your thoughts-early on, before they solidify into full-blown narratives.
Pause and observe: When you catch a hint of a negative thought emerging, pause briefly. Don’t try to push it away or replace it immediately. Just watch it as a process happening in your mind.
Non-reactive awareness: By observing thoughts without reacting or engaging, you reduce their habitual power. This creates space for new, more constructive ways of thinking to arise naturally.
Regular practice: Just as meditation trains attention, regularly practicing this upstream noticing strengthens your ability to catch and gently redirect negative thought patterns before they take hold.
In essence, you’re becoming a mindful observer of your own mental activity-intervening early in the “thought stream” so that negative, non-serving thoughts don’t gain momentum or control. This aligns perfectly with Bohm’s vision of conscious participation in the flow of thought rather than unconscious reactivity.
The "second implicate order" is a concept from physicist David Bohm's work, which is referenced in the book "The Tao of Chaos". Bohm describes the universe as an "unbroken wholeness" where everything is interconnected. He proposes that there's an "implicate order" underlying the "explicate order" of observable phenomena. The "second implicate order" refers to a "superfield" or information that organizes the original field. It suggests that the chaos we experience can be seen as a manifestation of this underlying order, and by embracing chaos, we can access a deeper level of interconnectedness.
Science, Order, and Creativity, a collaborative work by David Bohm and F. David Peat, explores the limitations of traditional scientific approaches, particularly fragmentation and rigid adherence to paradigms, which hinder creativity and deeper understanding.
The authors propose a shift from viewing order as merely linear and sequential to understanding it as generative and implicate, encompassing interconnectedness and encompassing a spectrum from low-degree to infinite, chaotic orders.
They argue that this broader perspective can be applied not just to scientific inquiry, but also to social structures, individual consciousness, and the relationship between humanity and the cosmos, fostering creativity and a more holistic understanding of reality.
Drawing upon examples from physics, art, and Eastern philosophy, Bohm and Peat advocate for a "dialogue" between seemingly disparate disciplines and viewpoints to dissolve rigid cultural conditioning and facilitate a freer, more creative engagement with the world.
The book ultimately suggests that the potential for creativity is inherent in all aspects of life, but accessing it requires a shift in perspective and a willingness to challenge ingrained assumptions.
This FAQ delves into the themes explored in "Science, Order, and Creativity" by David Bohm and F. David Peat, addressing the nature of scientific progress, the limitations of traditional thinking, and the potential for a more holistic and creative approach to knowledge.
1. What are the limitations of specialization in science?
While specialization has led to significant advancements in specific scientific disciplines, Bohm and Peat argue that it has also fostered fragmentation in our understanding of the world. By focusing on isolated problems within narrow domains, we often lose sight of the interconnectedness of natural phenomena and the broader context that gives them meaning. This fragmentation limits creativity by hindering the emergence of new insights that arise from recognizing relationships across disciplines.
2. How does the scientific community's reliance on paradigms limit creativity?
Paradigms, according to Bohm and Peat, are sets of shared assumptions and methodologies that define "normal" science within a particular era. While providing a framework for research, paradigms can stifle creativity by discouraging alternative perspectives and leading to the dismissal of anomalies that don't fit the prevailing view. This can result in scientists "playing false" by trying to fit new observations into outdated frameworks, ultimately hindering the advancement of knowledge.
3. How does the concept of "tacit knowledge" influence scientific progress?
Tacit knowledge, or the unspoken assumptions and biases we bring to our understanding of the world, plays a crucial role in shaping scientific progress. Bohm and Peat argue that a significant portion of our knowledge operates at this subconscious level, influencing our perceptions and interpretations. Recognizing and questioning these ingrained assumptions is crucial for fostering creativity and achieving breakthroughs in scientific understanding.
4. What is the role of metaphor in scientific creativity?
Bohm and Peat emphasize the importance of metaphor in bridging the gap between different ways of seeing and understanding the world. Scientific metaphors, such as comparing an atom to a solar system, can provide new insights and lead to the development of innovative theories. By highlighting previously unseen similarities and relationships, metaphors become essential tools for scientific creativity.
5. What is the difference between "explicate" and "implicate" order, and how do they relate to creativity?
Bohm and Peat introduce the concepts of "explicate" and "implicate" order to describe different levels of reality. The explicate order is the world as we experience it through our senses -- a world of separate, distinct objects. The implicate order, on the other hand, represents a deeper, more interconnected level of reality where everything is enfolded within everything else. Creativity, they argue, arises from accessing this implicate order and uncovering hidden relationships that can lead to new understandings and solutions.
6. How can the concept of "generative order" lead to a more holistic understanding of the world?
Generative order, as described by Bohm and Peat, is a principle of dynamic unfolding that governs the development of complex systems, from natural phenomena to artistic expressions. It suggests that seemingly disparate events and objects are interconnected through underlying patterns and principles. Recognizing the generative order operating within various fields of study can lead to a more integrated and holistic understanding of the world.
7. What is the role of dialogue in fostering creativity, both within scientific communities and society at large?
Bohm and Peat highlight the importance of open and honest dialogue in overcoming the limitations of individual perspectives and fostering collective creativity. Through genuine engagement with diverse viewpoints, we can challenge our assumptions, expand our understanding, and co-create new solutions to complex problems. This spirit of dialogue is crucial for fostering creativity not only within scientific communities but also in society as a whole.
8. How can individuals cultivate greater creativity in their own lives?
Bohm and Peat suggest that cultivating creativity requires a willingness to question assumptions, embrace ambiguity, and look beyond the surface of things to perceive deeper, more fundamental orders. By cultivating an attitude of open-mindedness, engaging in dialogue with others, and nurturing our innate curiosity, we can tap into our inherent creative potential and contribute to the emergence of a more holistic and interconnected world.