The brain is not just a framework that considers, it is also an entity capable of scrutinizing its own thoughts.
The possession of this faculty is what differentiates man from the rest of the animals by a very thin line.
To have a thought is one thing, to be aware of that thought is quite another.
This level of awareness is metacognition the “thinking about thinking” process.
In a philosophical way, it is similar to the act of facing a mirror towards one’s own mental universe.
Knowing oneself is not only to recognize your emotions, but also to realize the thought patterns that led to the emotions.
When Descartes exclaimed, “I think, therefore I am,” he ignited the very first metacociative spark.
Though, today, this very phrase sounds different in our collective consciousness:
“I know what I’m thinking therefore I’m aware.”
The awareness is what indicates the transition to a higher level of consciousness.
Within the mind, you are no longer just a person rather, you become the one who can watch it.
Metacognition is mainly characterized by awareness however, it is further enhanced by self discipline, introspection and sincere self questioning.
A thought cannot come to you without you immediately trusting it.
Rather, you stop and ponder: “Where did this come from?”
At that very time the brain changes its wavelength.
One ceases to be under the control of thought and starts to have control over it.
By means of physical activities you condition your body.
But what about the training of the mind?
Metacognition is the training of the mind unnoticeable work that makes stronger the ability to see the flow of one’s own thoughts.
With such development of this capacity, the quiet inner sage in you is getting bigger.
You start to realize that behind every reaction there is a thought,
behind every thought a belief that supports it, and behind every belief a frequency.
Most significantly, in the very realization, you are not merely thinking
but rather, you have the consciousness of thinking.
Traits of Metacognitive Individuals
Metacognitive individuals are not overwhelmed by their ideas especially when these are negative.
Such people have the capability to even control their emotions as they look at them from a different perspective.
They obviously recognize their mental habits, empathize with the source of their feelings, and finally lead their inner world by themselves.
There are several typical traits that reflect such people:
* They possess a powerful observing self.
In case an issue arises, they are known for their non emotional and delayed reactions.
They first of all become aware of their instinct and then decide on the most rational response.
* Their emotional sensitivity is developed.
They don’t just stop to recognize their emotions they also investigate the reasons for those emotions.
Consequently, they have the right to control the emotions without putting them into reserve.
* They are aware of the faults in thinking that they themselves may have.
They also have the dignity to admit that “I might be mistaken.”
This is because, for them, the truth is not the goal but rather the broadening of awareness.
* They exercise mental control.
They consider their ideas as a kind of physical training that should be done regularly and thus they discipline their minds.
This furnishes them with both an inner strength and capability for self realization.
* They prefer being quiet.
Since quietness is the place where the mental faculties become apparent.
They even trade the outer world with its noise for the inner world of thoughts where they can listen to their own thinking.
As metacognitive awareness increases, one is no longer just a thinker but rather the person who own mind functions as a guide.
Certainly, no special schooling is necessary to reach this point only the bravery to be your own watcher.
From a philosopher’s perspective I consider thinking and thinking about thinking as the ultimate capability of human consciousness.
Since by moving the focus of the mind to itself, it not only sees it starts the process of its own change.
Such a mind that ‘thinks about itself’ is not just alive it actually starts to comprehend its being.