The Walls Of Our Minds

Alda Helmsdal Benjaminsdóttir
3 min readJan 21, 2021

The human brain is a complex machine that is constantly changing. It’s been designed to adapt and change, but at the same time it has evolved dramatically since the beginning of time. The brain isn’t only about managing to move around and fit in with the rest of the society. We are all wired differently. We have different needs, wants and desires.

So although it may seem as though we’re all on the same page, some things are very hard to put into words. This may create barriers, not only in the real world and our social lives, but also in our minds. I’m sure you’ve heard of the phrase ‘don’t judge a book by it’s cover’, but have you ever heard of it from all perspectives?

As humans we all understand things differently, and therefore from time to time it’s important that we take a step back and look at things from another perspective.

When looking at an individual, you only see what they choose to project and put on display. You don’t see their emotions or what they’ve been through. When people refrain from expressing their feelings over an extended period of time, the mind creates a form of barriers that are very difficult to overcome. Seemingly, these walls are made to prevent being hurt or judged, but at the same time the very same walls hold us back from living life to the fullest and enjoying moments we share with others.

The walls of these minds tear an individual apart, and make them feel as though they’re not enough. Breaking free from these walls can be very challenging, as it often results in a so-called ‘mood disorder’, such as depression, anxiety and so on. Although breaking down the barriers is very hard, decorating them with love and affection can help you get through the tough times. Now metaphorically speaking it would be pictures and paintings that tell you about your past, but if you focus on putting the good memories in focus, it makes it so much easier to live with.

“Hang on the walls of your mind the memory of your successes. Take counsel of your strength, not your weakness.” — James Whistler

We also need to learn that everyone is different. We aren’t mirrors, each made to look alike. We’re made as different paintings, each with our own individual story.

With that being said, there’s still an ocean of unknown information on our brains, and the best way to describe it would be like this.

The human brain, no matter how highly educated, cannot comprehend the world. We are in the position of the small person, entering a large building whose walls are hidden to the ceiling with books in many other languages, that we just don’t understand. The books symbolize all the people we’ll meet in our lives, and how we won’t understand everyone, no matter if it’s by language or thoughts.

At the end of the day, we need to be more aware of our actions. Although a comment on your behalf may seem harmless, it may stick with the other person for the rest of their life.

It is important to remember that you are only as good as your own words.

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