Mojo Monday - Understanding Peripheral Consciousness: A New Perspective on Emotions with Morita Therapy

In this Week's Mojo Monday, Carly Taylor delves into how our attention affects mental wellbeing, exploring the concept of peripheral consciousness through Morita Therapy. Carly explains that peripheral consciousness allows us to focus on one thing while remaining subtly aware of our surroundings. Using anxiety as an example, she contrasts the Western approach of symptom reduction with Morita's view that emotions are natural and should be left to take their course. Rather than focusing and trying to control these feelings, Carly suggests allowing emotions to exist in the background and continue with purposeful actions. This approach, developed by Japanese psychiatrist Shoma Morita in the 1920s, emphasises accepting emotions and shifting attention to necessary tasks, fostering a healthier relationship with one's feelings.

00:00 Introduction to Mojo Monday

00:40 Understanding Peripheral Consciousness

01:26 Anxiety and Misdirected Attention

01:55 Morita Therapy's Unique Approach

04:05 The Paradox of Controlling Anxiety

05:43 Allowing Emotions to Exist

07:28 Morita Therapy in Practice

08:51 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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