Taming the Inner Horse: The Power of Rationality in Overcoming the Irrational Self

Introduction

In the vast landscape of our minds, two distinct forces vie for control: the rational and the irrational. Like a skilled rider guiding a powerful yet skittish horse, our rational self must learn to navigate and control the unpredictable terrain of our emotions.

In this article, we delve into the depths of the rational and irrational brain, exploring how emotions drive the irrational self and reasoning governs the rational self. We will draw inspiration from the metaphorical relationship between a rider and a horse, symbolizing the dynamic interplay between these two facets of our psyche. Join us on a thought-provoking journey as we uncover the secrets of taming the inner horse and embracing our rational selves.

Once upon a time, in a land where majestic forests thrived, a man embarked on a remarkable journey atop a magnificent horse. The horse, with its sleek coat shimmering under the dappled sunlight, possessed unparalleled strength and power. Yet, beneath its majestic exterior, there dwelled an undeniable skittishness, a restless spirit yearning to break free.

The man, a skilled rider with an unwavering determination, understood the delicate balance required to tame such a spirited creature. He knew that he must navigate the tumultuous landscape of the horse's emotions with the utmost care, for the horse's heart was as wild as the untamed forests they traversed.

As they ventured through the enchanting forest, the harmony between man and horse was tested. Suddenly, a deafening noise pierced the tranquility of the surroundings, shattering the serenity. In an instant, the horse's powerful muscles tensed, its hooves scraping the earth in a frantic dance. Sensing the horse's fear, the man instinctively tightened his grip, clinging to the reins with unyielding resolve.

The horse, overcome by a surge of primal instincts, reared up in a magnificent display of strength and fear. With every sinew strained, the man's steady hands guided the horse, maintaining a delicate balance between control and empathy. He knew that coercing the horse into submission would only amplify its trepidation, jeopardizing their shared journey.

Minutes passed, as the symphony of the forest gradually resumed its harmonious melody. The horse, breathing heavily, gradually lowered itself to the ground, its wild eyes searching for solace. The man, with a gentle touch, soothed the horse's trembling frame, whispering words of reassurance and understanding. Through his patience and empathy, he conveyed the message that fear was a natural emotion, and together they would conquer its grip.

As their odyssey unfolded, the man delved deeper into the horse's world of emotions. He studied the subtle nuances of its body language, deciphering the unspoken desires and fears that ebbed and flowed within its powerful spirit. With each passing day, he grew more adept at predicting when the horse might succumb to its anxieties, and he responded with steadfast composure, coaxing the horse back to a place of calm.

The trust between man and horse flourished like the vibrant blooms that adorned the forest floor. They became an inseparable team, forging an unbreakable bond through trials and triumphs. The man, with his unwavering commitment to understanding and nurturing the horse's emotional well-being, guided their shared journey with unwavering grace.

Together, they traversed treacherous terrains, conquered formidable obstacles, and ventured into uncharted territories. The man and the horse, in perfect synchrony, achieved extraordinary feats that surpassed the limits of their individual capabilities. Through their unwavering trust and unspoken communication, they discovered the true essence of unity—a harmonious alliance between the rational mind and the untamed soul.

Understanding the Horse and the Rider

Imagine the rider atop that magnificent horse. The horse embodies our emotional self, driven by instinct, impulses, and deeply rooted emotions. The rider represents our rational self, equipped with the power of reasoning, critical thinking, and self-control. For a harmonious journey, the rider must establish a symbiotic relationship with the horse, harnessing its energy while guiding it toward the intended destination.

The following steps will help you begin on the path toward rationality.

Recognizing Biases

The battle against our irrational self commences with self-awareness. We must acknowledge our biases, those hidden lenses through which we perceive the world. By recognizing and challenging these biases, we can strive for a more objective perspective. 

Here are a few examples of the biases:

• Confirmation bias: is the tendency to seek out information that confirms our existing beliefs, and to ignore or dismiss information that contradicts them. This bias can lead us to make poor decisions because we are not getting all the information we need to make an informed choice.

• Conviction bias: the belief that we are right, even in the face of contradictory evidence. This bias can lead us to become defensive and closed-minded and to be unwilling to change our beliefs, even when they are wrong.

• The group bias: is to favor our own group and to view members of other groups as being less intelligent, less trustworthy, or less valuable. This bias can lead to discrimination, and prejudice, and can make it difficult to work effectively with people from other groups.

• The superiority bias: is the belief that we are better than other people, in some way. This bias can lead us to be arrogant and condescending and to treat others with disrespect.

These biases can all harm our thinking, our decision-making, and our relationships with others. It is important to be aware of these biases so that we can try to counteract them.

Here are some tips for counteracting these biases:

• Be open to new information: Don't just seek out information that confirms your existing beliefs. Be willing to consider information that contradicts your beliefs, even if it is uncomfortable.

• Be aware of your own biases: Take some time to think about your own biases, and how they might be affecting your thinking. Once you are aware of your biases, you can start to counteract them.

• Seek out diverse perspectives: Talk to people from different backgrounds, with different beliefs, and with different experiences. This will help you to see the world from different perspectives and to challenge your own biases.

• Be willing to change your mind: If you are presented with new evidence that contradicts your beliefs, be willing to change your mind. This doesn't mean that you have to abandon your beliefs altogether, but it does mean that you should be willing to consider new information and adjust your beliefs accordingly.

Inflaming Factors

Additionally, we must be aware of inflaming factors that trigger irrationality, understanding these factors allows us to better control our responses.

• Childhood experiences: Our childhood experiences can have a profound impact on our emotional development. If we had negative experiences in our childhood, such as abuse or neglect, we may be more likely to react emotionally to situations in adulthood.
  
  
• Sudden gains or losses: Sudden changes in our lives, such as a promotion or a job loss, can also trigger emotional reactions. These changes can be stressful and overwhelming, and we may not have the time or resources to cope with them healthily.
  
  
• Rising pressure or stress: When we are under a lot of pressure or stress, we are more likely to react emotionally. This is because our brains are wired to focus on the threat and to react quickly. In these situations, we may not be able to think clearly or rationally.
  
  
• Individuals who incite emotional reactions: Some people are simply better at getting under our skin than others. These individuals may know our triggers and use them to their advantage. They may also be manipulative or aggressive, which can make it even more difficult to stay calm.

It is important to be aware of these triggers so that we can try to manage our emotions healthily. If we find ourselves reacting emotionally to a situation, it is helpful to take a step back and try to calm down. We can also try to identify the trigger and address it constructively.

Here are some tips for managing our irrationalities:

• Be aware of your triggers: What are the things that tend to make you react emotionally? Once you know your triggers, you can start to avoid them or healthily manage them.
  
  
• Take a step back: If you find yourself reacting emotionally, take a step back and try to calm down. Take some deep breaths and focus on your breathing.
  
  
• Identify the trigger: Once you have calmed down, try to identify the trigger. What was it that made you react emotionally? Once you know the trigger, you can start to address it constructively.
  
  
• Talk to someone you trust: If you are struggling to manage your irrationalities, talk to someone you trust. A therapist or counselor can help you to understand your triggers and to develop coping mechanisms.

Embracing Rationality

Guiding the Horse

To bring forth the rational self, we must embark on a journey of self-discovery and self-mastery.
Here are some valuable steps to guide the horse of our emotions:

• Knowing Oneself Thoroughly: By understanding our strengths, weaknesses, values, and beliefs, we gain insight into our emotional triggers. This self-awareness empowers us to navigate our emotions more effectively.
  
  
• Examining Emotions to Their Roots: Emotions often serve as signals, directing our attention to underlying needs or desires. By exploring the roots of our emotions, we can gain clarity and make rational choices aligned with our values.
  
  
• Increasing Reaction Time to Triggers: By cultivating mindfulness and self-reflection, we can enhance our ability to respond rather than react impulsively to triggers. This increased reaction time allows us to exercise rational thinking and make deliberate decisions.
  
  
• Accepting People as Facts: Recognizing that individuals are complex and multifaceted helps us avoid judgment and emotional reactions. Acceptance fosters empathy and opens doors to constructive dialogue and understanding.
  
  
• Finding the Optimal Balance of Thinking and Emotions: Rather than suppressing emotions or dismissing rationality, we must strive for equilibrium. Emotions provide valuable insights and motivations, while rationality ensures sound decision-making and effective problem-solving.

Conclusion

The journey to conquer the irrational self begins with acknowledging the dynamics of the horse and the rider within us. By recognizing our biases, understanding our triggers, and employing the tools of self-awareness and rationality, we can take control of our emotional landscape. Just as a skilled rider guides a powerful horse to its intended destination, we can harness the energy of our emotions while guiding ourselves toward our desired goals. Let us embark on this transformative journey, embracing our rational selves and unlocking the extraordinary potential that lies within.




Sources:
"The Law of Human Nature" by Robert Greene
"Emotional Intelligence" by Daniel Goleman
Treffers, T., & Putora, P. (2020). Emotions as Social Information in Shared Decision-Making in Oncology. Oncology.
Hanoch, Y. (2002). "Neither an Angel nor an Ant": Emotion as an Aid to Bounded Rationality. Journal of Economic Psychology.




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