In this three part video series, Institute of Wellbeing founder – Dr Mike Kelly, explores the state of mind, a concept that deeply influences our thoughts, emotions, and behaviours. This discussion is not just about defining what a state of mind is but about understanding its complexities and learning how to shift our mindset towards growth and active learning.
Exploring the Mind and Its Functions
The human brain is incredibly intricate, with different sections managing various functions, emotions, and responses. Philosophers and scientists have long debated the distinction between the mind and the brain, but for today, let’s focus on how our state of mind shapes our reality.
A state of mind is essentially the status of our consciousness—our perception of the world around us and our inner world. It influences our moods, our reactions to experiences, and even our long-term behaviors. Mental states can range from fear, love, hate, and joy to cognition (thought processing) and perception (awareness of stimuli).
Memories and Emotional Recall
Our minds store memories along with the emotions attached to them. A simple word like holiday can trigger either joy from a fantastic trip or frustration from a negative experience. These unconscious emotional connections shape how we interpret new experiences and respond to challenges.
For instance, a traumatic event, such as witnessing an accident, can create a fear-based association in our subconscious. Weeks later, merely hearing the screech of brakes can bring back the same fear, even though there is no actual danger present. This is an example of how past experiences shape our state of mind unconsciously.
The Power of Fear
Fear is one of the strongest emotions, deeply rooted in our evolutionary survival mechanisms. Neuroscientists like Dr. Joseph LeDoux have studied how fear creates emotional memories that trigger physiological responses—such as increased heart rate and blood pressure—without us fully understanding why.
In today’s world, we may not fear wild predators, but modern anxieties—from job security and social acceptance to global issues like climate change and pandemics—activate the same primal fear responses. These unchecked fears can contribute to mental health challenges like anxiety disorders, panic attacks, and post-traumatic stress.
Understanding Conditioned Responses
Our brains create associations between stimuli and experiences, leading to conditioned emotional responses. For example:
- A dog trainer rings a bell before feeding a dog; soon, the dog salivates at the sound of the bell alone.
- A rat in a lab learns to avoid an area that previously delivered an electric shock, even when the shock is no longer present.
- A person who had a negative experience at a restaurant may feel uneasy whenever they see a red and white checkered tablecloth, despite no actual threat being present.
This conditioning also applies to human experiences—our gut instincts may sometimes be past emotional responses rather than true intuition.
The Battle Between Fear and Faith
Many of us struggle with imposter syndrome—feeling unworthy or inadequate despite our achievements. This fear can be deeply rooted in past criticisms or societal expectations. However, as Tracy shared, overcoming these fears involves reframing our beliefs and embracing who we truly are. Instead of allowing past failures or insecurities to dictate our state of mind, we can actively reshape our thinking.
How do we shift from a state of fear to faith?
- Awareness – Recognise unconscious fears and their triggers.
- Reframing – Challenge negative thoughts with new, empowering beliefs.
- Spiritual Growth – Ground yourself in faith, understanding that your worth is not defined by fear.
- Knowledge & Rational Thinking – Educate yourself to differentiate between real and perceived threats.
Final Thoughts: Can We Change Our State of Mind?
96% of people believe they can change their state of mind. The real question is: Will you?
Fear-based thinking can keep us trapped, but through self-awareness, reflection, and intentional action, we can reprogram our minds to operate from a place of clarity, confidence, and peace. In our next video, we will dive into practical steps on how to transform our thinking using the prefrontal cortex—the part of our brain responsible for decision-making and rational thought.
Reflection Questions
- Have you ever felt an unconscious fear that you couldn’t explain? What triggered it?
- How often do you allow your past experiences to dictate your present mindset?
- What steps can you take today to reframe a fear-based thought?
