The Light Inside

Experiential Rationalization: Why We Justify Our Decisions & Actions Based On Past Experiences


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In this episode, Clarissa, a 36 year old hairdresser from a small Midwestern town, struggles to find her place in the world amidst her family's criticism and judgements while navigating the power dynamics of experiential rationalization.


Self-doubt. We often wear her blanket of insecurity like a well-worn and bloodied shield. Her insidious torment, a thunderous echoing in our ears. You have probably heard them - the millions of questions that sometimes filter through our mental framing as we consider everything that might have gone wrong within a scenario. 

When faced with the inherent challenges of life, we each tend to search for the safety and security discovered in our blankets of certainty - feeling as it our past experiences provide an accurate insight into our state of being. Yet unconscious, the often story changes….and our emotions tell a different story. Stories base on how we relate our present perspectives compared to the past. Therefore - our stories…are incorrect. 


In this episode, you will be able to:


  • Grasp the significance of experiential rationalization in shaping your decisions and actions.
  • Hone your emotional self-regulation skills through introspection and receptive feedback.
  • Rise above detrimental influences for an enriched path to personal growth.
  • Confront cognitive biases to arrive at impartial decision-making.
  • The resources mentioned in this episode are:

    • Acknowledge and accept both the positive and negative aspects of your past experiences, without using them to justify future decisions.
    • Focus on evidence-based decision-making rather than relying solely on your emotions or past experiences.
    • Recognize that your past experiences do not define your future decisions, but can provide context for growth and learning.
    • Continuously work on improving your self-awareness and emotional self-regulation through meditation, therapy, or other personal growth practices.
    • Dissociation and Self-Reflection

      When faced with stressful situations or unacknowledged emotions, individuals may resort to dissociation as a means of coping. While this unconscious behavior allows them to temporarily escape from their emotional struggles, it ultimately hinders their self-discovery and personal growth. To overcome dissociation, individuals should practice self-reflection and seek feedback from empathetic sources who can provide valuable perspectives on their potential blind spots. 

      By taking a conscious effort to understand their triggers and remaining present, people can gradually shift towards healthier emotional self-regulation. Jeffrey Besecker shared the story of Clarissa, a woman who struggled with dissociation as a result of her difficult experiences. He emphasized that acknowledging and addressing one's dissociative tendencies is crucial in reconnecting with one's true self. 

      In a conversation with transformational coach, Hoda Zekavat, Besecker discussed the importance of a non-judgmental approach to managing dissociation, taking note of patterns and practicing self-compassion to encourage positive change.


      Related Episodes:


      Shadow Integration: Removing Emotional Baggage to Release False Beliefs with Hoda Zekavat

      From Hamsters to Happiness: How to Ditch The Hedonic Treadmill of Dissatisfaction

      The Autonomic Ladder: Unlock Your Natural Inner Power w/ John Eli Garay


      Credits:


      JOIN US ON INSTAGRAM: @thelightinsidepodcast

      SUBSCRIBE: pod.link/thelightinside


      Featured Guests:

      Hoda Zekavat

      Chandra Lynn

      Kate Dudzik


      Credits: Music Score by Epidemic Sound

      Executive Producer: Jeffrey Besecker

      Mixing, Engineering, Production, and Mastering: Aloft Media Studio

      Senior Program Director: Anna Getz


      Resources:


      Individual differences in intuitive–experiential and analytical–rational thinking styles

      https://psycnet.apa.org/buy/1996-06400-015


      Gut feelings, deliberative thought, and paranoid ideation: A study of experiential and rational reasoning

      https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0165178111008158



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      The Light InsideBy Jeffrey Besecker

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