East VS West ~ Metacognition Vs. Swadyaya (Self-Study)
Here’s another fun comparison between East and West. We can also say that this is a comparison between Eastern Philosophy concepts and Modern science concepts.
Let’s take the western word metacognition.
What does this word mean?
The word metacognition means thinking about how you think.
It is the ability to observe how you act, react, and problem solve. It also includes self-monitoring and self-evaluation skills.
Some examples are, asking yourself, “How did I handle that?” “How am I doing?”
Our level of awareness decides where we live.
Inside our thoughts, or outside of our thoughts.
When we live inside our thoughts we live in reaction, repetition and rumination.
When we live outside of our thoughts be live in observation, direction and choice.
Metacognition asks us to PAUSE when the mind wants to react. It takes a committed practice of self-awareness to do this.
Why?
Because most people never slow down enough to observe their patterns. This is why most of us live as if we are our thoughts. The hard task is taking the plunge to step outside of your thoughts. The East would say, “Become the witness to your thoughts.”
When we make the commitment to observe a thought, we activate the prefrontal cortex. This eventually will quiet the stress response. We begin to see that we do have a choice. The moment we are able to observe your thoughts; we can begin to interpret them. The moment, we can interpret them, we can begin to rewire your thinking.
Here’s an example of how to practice Metacognition around our thoughts, behaviors, actions:
1. AWARENESS & ANTICIPATE (Before)
Identify problems Predict variables
Identify goals Anticipate need for strategies
2. PLAN & EXECUTE (During)
Identify specific steps Initiate and execute
Select strategies Plan
3. REVIEW & ADJUST (After)
Self-monitor and review performance Adjust and modify as needed
Now let’s move to the Eastern side of this fun topic.
The word Svadhyaya is a Sanskrit word which means self-study, self-reflect or self-inquiry. It is one of the Niyamas, from Patanjali’s 8 limbs of Yoga. The practice of Svadhyaya consists of observing the mind without judgement, ask “Why” you do things the way you do. It asks to discern between ego driven actions, versus those aligned with our true selves and core values. Patanjali talks about Svadhyaya being a life long journey.
You might be asking, “Who is this Patanjali guy?” Patanjali was an ancient eastern philosopher. Some refer to him as the, “Father of Yoga.” He wrote the Yoga Sutras, approx. 2,000 years ago, which systematically outlines the path to self-realization through the Eight Limbs of Yoga.
Here’s the next tie in… Let’s talk about the concept of “Pause” from the Vedic perspective. Vedic science tells us that creation moves like this SILENCE ~ SOUND ~ SILENCE ~ SOUND. The Vedas explain how every sound is born from silence. A sound is created, pauses, then dissolves…and a new sound emerges. This silent pause is where transformation happens. Between the two sounds is a gap of silence. This gap is not empty. This space is full of pure consciousness. This is where the magic happens. The first step is when the sound gently fades back into silence. It’s like a wave receding into the ocean. Then there is complete stillness. No sound, or movement. All possibilities rest here. Within this silence, intelligence becomes stimulated. There’s a quiet bubbling of what’s to come. Creation is prepared but nothing has been articulated yet. Then the next sound naturally arises, and the flow continues.
Side note….What are the Vedas? The Vedas are ancient foundational texts of Hinduism. The word Veda is a Sanskrit word that means knowledge or wisdom. There are 4 main Vedas. The Upanishads are a sub-category of the Vedas. Vedanta is also based on the Vedas. (Just thought this is helpful information.)
Now chew on this…When we practice pranayama (breathing) we are controlling and redirecting the breath. Our breath is directly related to life. One of the practices is the art of Kumbahaka. This is part of a pranayama practice that involves breath retention, or a PAUSE. The pause in between breaths helps cultivate stillness, activate deeper awareness, release tensions and invites clarity.
Ya see where I’m going with this?
Metacognition is the science of self-observation, with the PAUSE being a key factor.
Patanjali teaches us the art of understanding the self and uses self-inquiry as one of the tools.
Yoga teaches us to PAUSE
While the science of Metacognition isn’t directly based on Vedanta, there are strong parallels. Probably the biggest difference is that western science aims to describe how metacognition works from the perspective of the brain, while Eastern Philosophy focuses on attaining liberation through the understanding of the true self. We might be splitting hairs here, but you can see the parallels and where they may split off. This also runs parallel with the Western goal of psychotherapy being self-regulation. The Eastern goal is self-realization. Again, more hair splitting. The integration and synergy between the East and West are incredibly beautiful.
Tomato TOMAATO…We can choose to focus on the differences between these concepts, or we can embrace the integration and flow fluidly through them.
The blessing is....these are tools to support all HUMANS!
