COVID Meditations: Autoscript

Premature Cognitive Commitments / Autoscripts

Autoscript is the third was example of mindless living habits (first two are autopilot and autoreation). To move towards mindful living, we will need to tackle this beast. The brain is programmed to come to quick conclusions based on minimal information (because such function provided survival advantage). Such conclusions are key examples of what Dr. Ellen Langer in her book titled Mindfulness termed premature cognitive commitments (PCCs). Judgmental thinking is typically based on PCCs. This tendency of the brain is valuable in emergency situations but can be counterproductive and at times even destructive in day-to-day situations - especially close relationships. As you become more aware of your thoughts and feelings through mindfulness training, you will be able to catch yourself in such acts of prematurely committing to an understanding of what is going on (especially challenging behaviors). For example, your child is having an angry outburst and you quickly decide that this is “manipulative, attention-seeking behavior” or that the child is “just being mean.” Many PCCs involve harsh judgment (e.g., “I am a terrible parent”) or catastrophic prediction (e.g., “It is downhill from here”). PCC will push you to react as if this conclusion were absolutely correct and there is no alternative explanation for the behavior or alternative future scenarios (especially positive ones). PCCs will further increase the intensity of the negative emotions that triggered them in the first place. Autoreaction and PCCs often worsen negative behaviors of others :(. Mindfulness will slowly but surely help you become aware of how often PCCs are incorrect. As you learn to pause, take in the context, and get to know your own narrative (how you arrived at this point), your understanding of negative behaviors and emotional outbursts will become more nuanced, what needs to be done to address the stressful situation will become clearer, and your success in addressing your negative behavior will greatly improve. 

Our current global, local and personal tragedies are taking a huge toll on our mental and physical health. By living mindfully, not only will we be able to mitigate the negative effects but also spur spiritual and emotional growth in ourselves and have the energy to improve our relationships, help others and protect mother Earth.

Source: Book by my wife and I titled “One Day Mindfulness Millionaire.” https://store.bookbaby.com/book/one-day-mindfulness-millionaire