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Cooking dinner Quote by Michael A. Singer

“The problem is, we don’t exercise that control. Under normal circumstances, our state of openness is left to psychological factors. Basically, we are programmed to open or close based upon our past experiences. Impressions from the past are still inside of us, and they get stimulated by different…” quote by Michael A. Singer
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““The problem is, we don’t exercise that control. Under normal circumstances, our state of openness is left to psychological factors. Basically, we are programmed to open or close based upon our past experiences. Impressions from the past are still inside of us, and they get stimulated by different events. If they were negative impressions, we tend to close. If they were positive impressions, we tend to open. Let’s say you smell a certain scent that reminds you of what it was like when you were young and somebody was cooking dinner. How you react to this scent depends upon the impressions left by your past experiences. Did you enjoy having dinner with the family? Was the food good? If so, then the smell of that scent warms you and opens you. If it wasn’t so much fun eating together, or if you had to eat food you didn’t like, then you tighten up and close. It really is that sensitive. A smell can make you open or close, and so can seeing a car of a certain color, or even the type of shoes a person is wearing. We are programmed based upon our past impressions such that all kinds of things can cause us to open and close. If you pay attention, you will see it happen regularly throughout each day.””

Michael A. Singer

About This Quote

Source Interview: Live on the Edge, Michael A. Singer, 2015

Our openness or closeness is shaped by past experiences, which can be triggered by sensory cues, causing us to feel receptive or defensive.

In simple terms: Past experiences control how we react to sensory cues.

Key Takeaway

Notice triggers that close you and consciously choose openness.

Themes

psychology behavior memory sensory perception self-awareness

Mood

reflective insightful

Type

motivational psychological self-help

When to use this quote

  • daily interactions
  • marketing
  • therapy
  • personal development
  • relationships

Key Concepts

conditioning neuroplasticity emotional regulation

Questions to Reflect On

  • What sensory cues consistently close you?
  • How can you reframe negative past impressions?
A Different Perspective

The model may oversimplify complex social and biological factors influencing behavior.

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