Today’s episode is "Perception Perspective" which dives deep into the inner workings of our mind's filtering system and how it shapes our reality. Today, we'll explore mental filtering through the eyes of emotional abuse survivors and provide insightful examples to help you understand and overcome this cognitive distortion.
- What is Mental Filtering?
- Impact of Mental filtering
- How to overcome Mental Filtering?
- Connect with me for a 121 Consultation
[00:00:00] Welcome to Mindset Growth Podcast. I am your host Mallika Murali. Today's episode is Perception Perspective which dives deep into the inner workings of our minds filtering system and how it shapes our reality.
[00:00:17] Today we will explore mental filtering through the eyes of emotional abuse survivors and provide insightful examples to help you understand and overcome this cognitive distortion.
[00:00:32] What is mental filtering? Mental filtering is a type of cognitive distortion where we focus solely on the negative aspects of a situation while filtering out the positive elements completely.
[00:00:50] It's like wearing a tinted glass that only allows us to see the world through a narrow perspective.
[00:00:58] For emotional abuse survivors, mental filtering can be a coping mechanism. After enduring repeated emotional trauma, our minds may become wired to automatically filter out positive experiences as a form of self-protection.
[00:01:18] Let us see an example. Imagine a survivor named Puja. The name is changed for confidentiality reasons who has recently started a new job.
[00:01:30] Her colleagues praise her work ethic and congratulate her on a successful project.
[00:01:36] However, Puja's mental filter causes her to fixate on a single critical comment from her boss filtering out all the positive feedback she received from her colleagues.
[00:01:51] She goes into self-doubt questioning her own worth and abilities.
[00:01:57] Let us see another example. Consider a survivor named Satish. Again, the name is changed. Who has begun dating again after leaving an emotionally abusive relationship?
[00:02:11] During a date, his new partner pays him a genuine compliment about his intelligence.
[00:02:17] However, Satish's mental filter immediately dismisses the compliment.
[00:02:24] He recalled countless instances where his ex-partner belittled him and mocked his intelligence.
[00:02:34] Now let us see what is the impact of mental filtering?
[00:02:39] Mental filtering can reinforce negative self-beliefs, induce feelings of inadequacy and hinder personal growth and healthy relationships.
[00:02:53] How to overcome mental filtering? While mental filtering can be a deeply ingrained pattern, it is possible to challenge and overcome it.
[00:03:04] Let us see some strategies.
[00:03:07] Strategy No. 1 is mindfulness. Practice being in the present and being aware of your thoughts.
[00:03:17] When you notice yourself filtering out the positives, pass for a while and consciously acknowledge the positive aspects.
[00:03:26] Strategy No. 2 is thought restructuring. Actively challenge the distorted thoughts by questioning their validity and seeking evidence to the contrary.
[00:03:39] Strategy No. 3 is self-compassion. Treat yourself with the same kindness and understanding that you will give to others.
[00:03:50] Recognize that mental filtering is only a coping mechanism, not a personal flaw at all.
[00:03:57] Strategy No. 4 supports systems around yourself with positive supportive individuals who can gently point out when your mental filter is active and provide a reality check.
[00:04:12] Now let us take an example. Let us revisit Pooja's situation.
[00:04:17] With practice, Pooja learns to pass and question her negative thoughts.
[00:04:23] She acknowledges her colleague's praise and actively seeks out evidence of her competence, slowly breaking free from the mental filters grip.
[00:04:34] Now mental filtering can be an enemy but with awareness and consistent effort, emotional abuse survivors can break free from its grips.
[00:04:48] Remember, your perception is not absolute reality. It is a lens that can be adjusted and redefined.
[00:04:58] Embrace a more balanced perspective and watch as new possibilities unfold before you.
[00:05:07] Please feel free to reach out to me in case you need any help in this regard.
[00:05:12] If you like this podcast, please share it with your friends. Let me meet you in my next podcast. Until then, it's Mallika signing off.