Question: What role(s) do one’s thoughts play in influencing one’s physiological responses?
Across the world, in the vast diversity of humanity, backgrounds and cultures connect through similarities involving the body, mind, and soul. These connections create links and paths that build up a map where these common factors overcome cultural, geographical, and racial differences. In this blog post, I will explore the intricacies of how different cultures perceive the “center” of the human being by examining Western and Eastern perspectives. As individuals we are shaped and influenced by the beliefs and norms of our cultures, so understanding these differences, we can better understand the way we think and live.
In “Western” cultures, the centre of the human body and essence is often perceived as the mind. (1) The mind, as perceived in the West, governs thoughts, and decisions, and ultimately shapes the individual. (1) This perspective is reflected in the philosophical and psychological doctrines and norms as well as the ways of living and personalities that emerge from this belief system. (1) This creates and shapes individuals who think logically and rely on their minds and knowledge to guide them through life. (1) Western philosophy aims to find the meaning of life focuses on facts and breaks down information into categories and topics. (1) Western philosophy also focuses on individualism and teaches us that you can use reasoning and logic to solve problems and overcome challenges. (2) Rationality and cognitive processes are highlighted in this culture and influence societal structures and individual norms. (3)
In contrast, Eastern and Oriental cultures focus on the heart being the center of the human body. (5) They introduce an alternative view through which to understand our existence. In Islam, for example, the heart is considered the centre of knowledge and consciousness. (4) While most people believe the mind to be where our thinking happens, in Islam, it is believed the heart has the function to comprehend, reflect and feel. (4) This belief extends beyond the idea of a physical organ and explores a space of emotions and connections. (5) The heart is the compass and guide of moral decisions and reasoning and is used to shape the cultural norms of this way of thinking. (5)
By exploring these practically opposite cultural perspectives, it becomes obvious that our way of living is greatly influenced by these beliefs. Western societies emphasize cognitive reasoning and analytical thinking, which shape educational systems and professional spaces. (6) Eastern cultures introduce a sense of spirituality and emotional intelligence into our daily lives, which changes and affects societal norms and political views. (7) Understanding and appreciating both perspectives, individuals can use an encompassing approach to comprehend their thoughts and bodies.
Eastern and Western cultures shape our society today. The mind and the heart, though perceived differently, are interconnected in shaping our thoughts and actions. Exploring these cultural differences introduces us to the diversity that defines human beings. The exploration of cultural perspectives on the mind and body serves as a window to understanding the complexities between tradition and modern life. This creates a path for a wider explanation of how these beliefs have evolved and how we, as a society, have evolved with them.
In my next blog, I will be delving into the physical aspects and factors in our body that control the intricate connection between our hormones and physical reactions. I will be exploring diets and the importance of understanding what goes into your body, hormones and how they may affect your physical being and healthy ways of living that will allow your body to live sustainably.
Thank you for reading!!
Citations:
(1) – Karim, Rayyan. “Eastern vs Western Philosophy: Which Approach Is Best?” LinkedIn, 9 May 2023, www.linkedin.com/pulse/eastern-vs-western-philosophy-which-approach-best-rayyan-karim.
(2) – “General Considerations.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, inc., www.britannica.com/topic/Western-philosophy/General-considerations. Accessed 11 Dec. 2023.
(3) – What Are Cognitive Processes? Definition, Types and Uses, www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/cognitive-processes. Accessed 11 Dec. 2023.
(4) – “Islamic Philosophy.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, inc., www.britannica.com/topic/Islam/Islamic-philosophy. Accessed 11 Dec. 2023.
(5) -Herman. “The Heart & Mind in Chinese Medicine and Culture.” AcuMedic Clinic, 30 Jan. 2014, clinic.acumedic.com/the-heart-and-mind-in-chinese-medicine-and-culture-2/.
(6)- chris.drew.98031506. “Western Culture – 10 Examples, Characteristics & Values.” Helpful Professor, 2 Sept. 2023, helpfulprofessor.com/western-culture-examples/.
(7) – Middle Eastern Tribal Societies – JSTOR, www.jstor.org/stable/2801253. Accessed 12 Dec. 2023.
These are some incredibly thoughtful explorations of Western and Eastern perspectives on the center of human existence and the impact of cultural beliefs on thoughts and actions. Well done! Here’s a few pointers that you could use for your next blog post that you can use to hopefully make it better:
You could try and use a few more transitional phrases to guide the reader smoothly between different ideas. For example, you could use phrases like “Now, let’s delve into…” or “Building on this perspective…”
Another thing that you can use or incorporate more so that the reader is less bombarded by a wall of text, are a few simple bullet points which would create some more clarity between ideas.
Hi Sarah,
I enjoyed reading your blog. I especially liked the topics you chose to explore, including mentioning that cultural differences and traditons can really impact our physiological responses. This topic is also not easy to understand and you did a great job of explaining and pointing out the major factors.
You could try to delve further into other influences (work, environment, beliefs), but overall, you have gone into incredible detail. I’m excited to read your next blog!
Hi Sarah,
I really enjoyed reading your in depth blog about the Western and Eastern perspectives about the impact that cultural beliefs have on thoughts and actions, along with their reasoning on the center of human existence and their purpose. This blog is very well written and shows a great explanation on what your goal and studies are for the future.
For your next blog post, I believe that going in depth a little more about the influences such as thoughts, actions, environments etc. would bring your blog post to another level of greatness.
Overall, this blog post was very pleasant to read, and I am excited to see where this will go. Good job!
Hi Sarah,
I appreciate your insights and research about how where people grow up, the backgrounds of their family, and their culture create an impact on the way people think and act. I notice how you are able to organize your information between western and eastern world perspectives and further explain its connection to one’s mind, body and soul.
However, I suggest that it might be helpful to others if you were able to link it back to your original subquestion. With all the research and extensive information, it is easy to get lost and forget the original prompt. It is would great if you could help readers understand why this is important and how it relates to your question of “what role(s) do one’s thoughts play in influencing ones physiological response?”.
Nonetheless, I really admire your explanation of how western countries tend to lean towards logical and cognitive reasoning. Whereas eastern countries will rely on their heart and emotions.
Thanks!
Hi Sarah,
Great Blog Post! I love how you made many connections to the different cultures between many aspects of life, such as our psychology. I like the visual representations you included as it allows the reader to visualize what you’re saying and organize both your thoughts and their opinions. I wish you would have touched on some more specific areas/locations in the East and West.
A question I have is, how does traditions from cultures have a positive impact on one’s mental health?
Some sources that may be helpful in your next blog post:
https://www.who.int/initiatives/behealthy/healthy-diet#:~:text=A%20healthy%20diet%20is%20essential,are%20essential%20for%20healthy%20diet.
https://www.sutterhealth.org/health/nutrition/eating-well-for-mental-health#:~:text=A%20healthy%2C%20well%2Dbalanced%20diet,can%20slow%20down%20reaction%20time.
Overall great job and I cannot wait to watch you delve deeper into your chosen topic. Good luck on your future research!
Perla 🙂
Hello Sarah,
I really enjoyed your blog post! I thought that dividing the general population into groups was very smart, and will make your data much more specific and useful. I also liked how you gave examples as to how the Eastern people focus more on the heart and how the Western people focus more on the mind.
I believe that you could delve more into what physiological responses happen when linked to the thoughts and you could also consider different cultures and religions, such as Judaism, Christianity, Hinduism, and Buddhism.
Overall, I think that your blog post was very intriguing and well structured, with helpful images and good citations! I look forward to your next post!