The Prediction Machine?

The Prediction Machine sounds like the title of a classic sci-fi novel that Ray Bradbury or Isaac Asimov may have written. Actually, it is something that nature has implanted in all of us without our knowledge.

Advances in the understanding of how the autonomic nervous system works indicate that the brain often subconsciously predicts and creates a response to changes in your inner and outer environment rather than simply responding to them. 

An example: someone says that they can always tell when a storm is coming because their creaky knee or elbow flares up. The question becomes whether the change in the atmosphere causes the discomfort or has the person unconsciously learned to expect the drop in barometric pressure will bring it about? It’s not always easy to tell.

Then there is the famous story about a construction worker in the UK who stepped on a large spike that passed through the sole of his work boot and poked out clear through the top. Scary right? He was understandably distressed and howled in pain, prompting his co-workers to rush him to the emergency department at the local hospital. It was there the medical staff discovered through an x-ray that the spike had passed between two of his toes and although he was out of a pair of work boots, he was unscathed physically . 

The thing is, the pain that gentleman experienced was quite real. His brain created a pain signal based on what it perceived in order to prevent him from causing further damage as well as to motivate him to seek help, just as it would with a genuine physical injury. The subconscious mind has these kinds of predictive protective responses based on our past experiences. 

Sometimes these ‘predictive errors’ of the brain become chronic and can lead to frustrating problems of the mind and body that don’t have a medical explanation. This can include conditions such as chronic pain, IBS, tinnitus, and others.  Hypnosis is an effective tool for rewiring your Prediction Machine when it is making errors due to past programming. Of course it is important to first receive a thorough medical examination to rule out any treatable physical causes of your symptoms. Feel free to connect if you would like to learn more, call/text (732) 714-7040 to set up a time for us to talk. 

P.S. The graphic at the top of this post illustrates one way the Prediction Machine works. When most people look at the darkened center, it seems to expand. Why? Because it tricks your optic system into believing you are about to enter a dark room or cave, which causes your pupils to involuntarily dilate or open wider. Pretty wild, huh?