I’ve been thinking about thinking, which leads me to the word “meta”. Do read the wikipedia entry on meta for more information, it is one of those words that I think I know but I realise that I didn’t know as much until I read more about it.
Metacognition, metafiction, metareference. These are words that I’ve read, researched, wrote about. Somehow I like the thinking about thinking. Does it amaze you that you can be aware of what, how, why you are thinking? That each thought goes through your mind and you can track it down? Are neurons sending neurons after neurons? Where does it begin and end? How does it not become an endless feedback loop? Have you ever thought of thinking until the point of stupor, whereby your brain becomes paralysed by all your thoughts?
Evidently, I’ve been thinking too much. What strikes me is the self-awareness? How did humans become self-aware? How is it that some people are more self-aware (perhaps self-conscious) than others? Does it make it different that someone thinks back on some little thing s/he said and go “oh gosh, I shouldn’t have put it that way. That may actually sound hurtful” while another continues on his/her merry way without such a thought? And how will we have known who has reflected and who has not?
The thing about self-awareness that it is all in your mind. Thinking about thinking is a process that no one can see. What you see of yourself is something that only you alone are privy to. What a great relief but also a great burden!
Precisely because it is all in your mind, it is so confusing. Thus, I will try (not resolve, because some things are best kept in my mind) to write things out than letting them circle and tragically start chasing each other.
