Go Beyond Strange for A?Change

We all experience strange situations, people, concepts, etc. Have you thought about what makes them feel strange, and why we try to avoid strangeness rather than pursue it? What could be the benefits of going beyond strange and exploring the territory of unknown potential?

At its core, strange refers to something outside the norm or different from what we would typically expect. Something unusual or surprising; hard to understand, not previously seen or encountered. It looks, sounds, feels, tastes or smells strange — or so it seems.

Our perception of strangeness is shaped by the natural tendency of the brain to seek patterns, fill in missing information, and engage in fast, intuitive thinking. When we encounter something that does not fit our preconceived patterns and gut reactions, we call it strange and see it as a warning.

The perception of strangeness is a projection based on confusion and caution. Incoming sensory data cannot be recognized and categorized. This sends a signal to the higher brain centers to search for more information, and a message to the lower centers of something could be wrong, and action may be needed. Should you abandon or approach?

Pattern recognition is the process of identifying regularities or repeating structures in data, information, or experience. We look for matches and fits. It is crucial to make sense of the world around us, anticipate events, and respond appropriately to different situations.?

Mental projection refers to the tendency to fill in gaps in information with our own hypotheses or expectations. We guess and fabulate. This can be an effective way to make sense of the world, but it can also lead to prejudices and misconceptions.

A sense of strangeness signals that something differs from expectation and could go wrong. The range can be wide. From subtle nuances to far beyond pale, from quiet wonder to loud alarm, from slight discomfort to danger or death. Created by the brain in seconds.?

Withdrawal or rejection is the default reaction to perceived strangeness. We fear the unknown more than anything else. All new feels strange, and that’s why we most often try to avoid it. However, if we can absorb the emotions and stay calm, we get the opportunity to explore what’s outside the ordinary.

In statistics, the normal distribution or bell curve refers to a data pattern within a certain range of values, with most data points clustering around a central point or mean, and a smaller amount of data at the periphery.

The occurrence of strangeness can be seen as a deviation from the mean. This can apply to many areas of life, from physical attributes like height or weight to social behaviors or cultural practices.?

Psychologically, peripheral phenomena are perceived strange; either too low or too high, too slow or too fast, too little or too much. But strangeness is not just a matter of falling outside the norm. It can also be an invitation to go beyond expectation, understanding and imagination.?

The warning of adversity can also be the calling for adventure. The good news is that there are exciting experiences waiting beyond the predicted projections. The bad news is that it can be challenging to get past the mental and emotional limitations.

Away from the mess, beyond the thick wall of doubt and impatience, in blissful stillness, you find the void. Nothing waiting to be something. The unified field, infinite potential, and quantum reality, ready to become what emerges and matters. Bursts of passion and good will. Cracks to open, hacks to make, destinies to carve. Insights lingering to be revealed, received, appreciated, and articulated. — The author

Beyond strange lies the freedom to play, experiment, and gain new insight. Far out ideas and crazy visions flourish in their natural habitat. The main pursuits are surfing on the edge of chaos, spotting new ideas at the source, and diving into the sea of all possibilities.

Preparing to go beyond strange means forming a mindset open to new experiences, perspectives and ideas. For the fun of it, I asked the Chatgpt for a few strategies that could be helpful:

1. Cultivate curiosity. Being curious about the world around you can help you approach new or unfamiliar situations with an open mind. Ask questions, seek information, and be willing to learn from others.
2. Practice mindfulness. Meditation or yoga can help you develop greater awareness of your thoughts and emotions, which can be useful when encountering unfamiliar or challenging situations.
3. Challenge your assumptions. Identify your own biases and pre-set views, and be willing to challenge them. This can help you approach new situations with a more receptive attitude.
4. Develop resilience. Going beyond strange can be challenging, so it’s important to have the strength to bounce back. Practice self-care and develop coping mechanisms that work for you.
5. Embrace discomfort. Recognize that discomfort or uncertainty is a normal part of exploring new or unfamiliar situations. Embrace the discomfort as an opportunity for growth and learning.
6. Seek support. Surround yourself with supportive people who can offer guidance and encouragement as you navigate new or challenging situations.

By practicing these strategies, I am sure, you will become better at going beyond strange for new experiences and perspectives. You can find more inspiration in my articles about experimentation beyond.

From the mysteries of the human brain to the secrets of the cosmos, there is always more to explore and discover. Going beyond strange is to embrace the richness and complexity of the world around us.

By pushing past your initial perceptions and reactions, you open ways of understanding yourself and the world. The next time you find something strange, it could be a sign that magical change is entering your life. Enjoy it all.