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Unfortunately I missed Thursday’s class, but I’ll talk about the gist of what I’ve heard was discussed.

The brain as a “site of story construction” is an expected yet perfect loop toward the first week of class all over again.

I’ve had this notion that mind is separate from brain. Brain being more of an organ used to survive in my world, and the mind capable of great emotions and indescribable feelings. What is the difference, if any, between brain and mind?

I think it’s really interesting that I often allow other people’s realities to influence my own. For example, if I’m feeling negative toward something, and someone that I respect feels highly of that same thing, I’ll suddenly allow myself to change. Sometimes, I’ll become happier/more content if I can change from a possibly judgmental or pessimistic view. My reality is changing to match someone else’s. People often do this the opposite way as well – they change their views to be contrary. Because of this, I often try to consciously do it to other people.  Simple out-loud appreciation of goodness in life can often influence the mood of those around you. Possibly especially at this age or time in our life where we’re still so open to influence.

Another thing that I cannot possibly ignore for too long a time is our unconscious movements during the day. Most basically, walking or breathing. And more complicatedly, things like forging friendships or striving to reach a goal. It’s very challenging for me to make the connections between taking in information, processing it, and acting upon that. How can I possibly understand the way that our thoughts transfer to our actions. I’ve struggled with this for too much time already. Hmm…

If biological change influences cultural change and cultural change influences biological change, can environment influence brain and vice versa?