Most people today are familiar with the basics of how a computer works. You have two sides of the equation, hardware and software. The hardware consists of your processor, hard drive, RAM, CD drives and all of the components that make up your physical computer that sits in front of you.
What is less tangible is the software running on that computer. A computer is worthless with out software to instruct it how to operate and communicate with the various components within itself. Software can be written to perform various tasks but the most important peice of software on your computer is your operating system or OS. Your operating system sets the parameters for how each peice of hardware and software will be allowed to interact and communicate as a whole system. Your operating system is a set of rules and instructions for your computer to achieve certain tasks.
When we look at the human body, specifically the brain, we see an integration and interaction very similar to what we saw when we were looking at the computer. Our brain acts as the hardware or processor of the human body. Your skin, eyes and appendages act like a computers peripherals. Instead of having a webcam to see with, you have eyes to bring in information about your environment. Your skin gives information on temprature. Your hands are able to write things down in the same way a hard drive would store information.
On the less tangible side of the brain we have the operating system of our brain. Our operating system consists of our beliefs and learned behaviors, what we consider to be right and wrong, etc. Just as a computer is bound by the rules of its operating system, so too are we bound by our beliefs and paradigms about reality. We are not able to think outside of what we consider to be acceptable or realistic.
This is the difference between the average person and those who possess genius. The genius has an operating system with less rules. Their operating system allows for greater possibilties and so they are able to see the world in a way that few others can.
I remember hearing Tony Robbins say that the definition of insanity was 'doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result'. If we want different outcomes in our lives then we must use different means than we are accustomed to. The question then must be, "how does one alter or change their 'mental operating system' to achieve different results?" Can we install a new operating system in our brains? The answer is yes.
In part two we will be looking at how we can decipher what our current operating system is and how we can change it.
To learn more about your thoughts, how they are shaped, and how you can better direct them to a more positive life experience, I recommend Thought Reflection from the Higher Balance Institute. Thought Reflection contains nearly 2 hours of in depth step by step breakdowns of how we think and why we think the way that we do. It is a must have for anyone serious about spiritual or personal growth.