How are the Thoughts of Mind Different from the Heart?

Thinking with your head involves a rational thought process, whereas thinking with your heart is based on emotional judgments. Emotions, while powerful, do not provide a logical basis for decision-making, as they cannot predict future outcomes or accurately gauge the consequences of actions. Similarly, emotions are merely a product of the brain's chemical responses and cannot influence the decision-making process independently.

How Emotions Influence Decision-making

The heart, in reality, does not house any thoughts or decision-making processes. Thoughts and judgments occur exclusively in the mind and brain. These thoughts and judgments then affect the heart, which we often perceive as emotions. This interplay between the mind and emotions can lead to varying outcomes depending on the depth of rational analysis versus the impulsiveness of emotional responses.

Thoughts vs Emotions in Decision-making

Scenario 1: Making a Decision Due to a Feeling

Consider the following scenario: You have a cold and feel the sudden urge to have some ice cream.

Thinking with Mind:

"Don’t you dare eat even a spoon of ice cream. You already have a cold because of it, and now, don’t make it worse…."

Thinking with Heart:

"It's totally fine to have a little. It will not cause much harm. Everyone has to die someday, so maybe it’s your time. JUST DO IT!!!"

Scenario 2: Impulsive Consumption

Picture this: You are enjoying delicious pani-puri and desire to have one more.

Thinking with Mind:

"Leave it now; you already had one. Enough of staring; just pay and go home. It would sound really awful if you ask for more. What if he refuses? Stay happy with what you have. Stop carving for more…."

Thinking with Heart:

"Let others think what they want. Anyways, you won’t meet them again. Just ask for one. He won’t charge you extra for even trying. Come on, now it’s worth a try. JUST DO IT!!!"

Scenario 3: Temptation During a Celebration

Imagine you are at a wedding, enjoying mouthwatering milk sweets, such as rabdi, and have already had two to three cups.

Thinking with Mind:

"Alright boy, you need to stop now. You already had three cups of it. That guy at the counter is starting to make faces. So, enough of it now…."

Thinking with Heart:

"Just look at that heavenly sweet rabdi. Maybe it will be thrown once the wedding is over. So, it's better to eat as much as you want. And about the counter guy part, IGNORE HIM. Anyways, you won’t meet him ever again. EAT IT!!!!"

Clearing the Confusion

These scenarios make it clear how rational thoughts and emotional impulses can conflict and influence decision-making. The mind provides a logical analysis that considers long-term consequences and practicality, while the heart can lead to impulsive action driven by immediate desires.