It has been quite a revelation writing about myself and my past experiences. All that I have experienced include a cause and an effect. Nothing in the past was understood by me or anyone else. Naturally, I was the subject and could not possibly have known any better.
Early years between the age of five and ten are crucial years for a developing brain. At birth, we are endowed with a brain primed to learn almost anything before slowly demolishing redundant neurons. A child's age between 2 and 7 is known as the preoperational stage. It is a period when a child learns, among much else, to be egocentric and develops centration, the ability to focus on one perspective of a situation at a time.
Because of my early experiences, I did not respond to anything; I was a compulsive daydreamer and mentally elsewhere much of the time. It is a period when a child learns social patterns and can adjust or blend with others.
In time, the brain not knowing anything better sets the 'code in stone'. No matter how many beatings or disciplinary attempts are made to educate the child or person, nothing changes. This mental block introduces much distress as the adult begins to mature and recognise the inherent maladjustment.
This minor default dwells inconspicuously within the psyche forever, making the bearer unconsciously uneasy in communion with others. The default is few friends, a lack of self-assurance and missed opportunities. The alternative is withdrawal and focusing on something easily managed and can aid isolation.
I can easily imagine that in times gone by, variations of the infirmity, if that what it is, was presumed to be a mental impediment.
I presume the "minor default" you refer to is being a "compulsive daydreamer". In my opinion, it's only seen as a "default" to those whose minds are more focused on the immediacy of their surroundings. All animals focus on the moment that they are living in, and daydreaming is very much a human behaviour. The practice of liberating your mind from the present and entertaining it with its own thoughts forms the foundation for creativity. If you can't daydream, your can't imagine, and if you cant imagine, you can't innovate, create or invent. For all of human history, those who are less who are less inclined to dream have prided themselves in being "grounded", "pragmatic" and derided those who dream. Dreamers have always struggled with feelings of guilt and those who have been able to find a way to harness their abilities should support, guide and teach those whose minds are still untamed to do the same. Don't be ashamed! You have a gift; you gave me a gift; it's not a "default".
ReplyDeleteWell said! I completely agree.
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