2007-06-12 04:03:21 · 7 answers · asked by skateboardboi 5 in Social Science ➔ Psychology
Yes if you have a brand new pair of running shoes and plenty of time to waste.
2007-06-14 04:19:31 · answer #1 · answered by Amanda 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, we cannot. Our minds are always active, and we will always have thoughts of one sort or another. This is why, even when we sleep, we dream. Our brains seek stimulation constantly, this is what the brain was built to do. All the stimulation the brain receives it will "process", which results in "thoughts". This is a mechanism for survival in the physical world because way back in ancient ancestral life we needed to know what was in our environment at all times to remain safe. It is also necessary to keeping brain cells alive, so the survival mechanism is macro-economic (efficient at both the cellular level and the whole organism level). If they do not get stimulation, they do not get used, and if they do not get used, they will self-destruct (called apoptosis) because they "think" they are no longer needed. The body is an efficient machine.
But we can *redirect* our thoughts through conscious choice. We are not "victims" of our brain's constant seeking of stimuli. There are several ways to do this... learn meditation techniques, take up an exercise program, take a college course, learn to play an instrument... the list of "redirecting" activities is endless. Our brains are amazingly pliable. In refocusing attention, it will "forget" to focus on what we don't want to think about. This makes problems and emotional pain shrink in intensity at the least, so that we can get a clearer grip on what we want to do about those problems/pains.
2007-06-12 05:01:36 · answer #2 · answered by 'llysa 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
.....In a way, yes. What you do is focus your mind on something else. You can't delete a memory, but the brain can only focus on one thing at a time...a memory, a problem, a fantasy, a perception, etc. So if you need to focus on something else, such as work or a project, concentrate on what you're doing and this will shift your conscious awareness away from the unwanted thoughts.
2007-06-12 04:07:25 · answer #3 · answered by ? 7 · 3⤊ 1⤋
Yes, sometimes it leads to denial - while other times it provides salvation.
2007-06-12 04:29:37 · answer #4 · answered by Giggly Giraffe 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Nope. Attempts to do so are useless.
2007-06-12 07:42:31 · answer #5 · answered by smt 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes, if you are super busy to even think of it
2007-06-12 04:06:46 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes, if you are able to block them
2007-06-12 04:08:05 · answer #7 · answered by sweetera 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋