The Psychiatry of Stereotyping, Prejudice, and Resilience
“You cannot control the behavior of others, but you can always choose how you respond to it.” ― Roy T. Bennett (Zimbabwe)
Wisdom is not solely about knowledge, but how it's utilized in one's actions, decisions, and problem-solving. Traits of wisdom, as reviewed by Meeks and Jeste, include prosocial behaviors, practical life knowledge, emotional stability, reflective self-understanding, tolerance, and dealing with uncertainty. To cultivate wisdom, daily mindfulness and reflective practices are recommended.
Mindfulness, a state of heightened awareness, contrasts with mindlessness or "monkey brain." It extends beyond neocortical thought to encompass feelings, art, music, and intuition. Techniques like deep breathing refocus attention internally and fosters comfort with change. It improves emotional regulation. Meditation cultivates focused, experiential reflection, enhancing one's sense of control and presence.