we live unconsciously
There is a lot of focus on ML models that bias towards certain predictions. As a developer and owner of the system, a data scientist develops and follows techniques to reduce biases ultimately increasing the strength and validity of predictions during inference.
But what about us humans? When studying reinforcement learning, I noticed it is quite applicable to our experience with life as humans. Our minds function like models - learning, adapting, evolving.
Approaching to develop our thought process and mindset like a ML model has the first step to disassociate with the mind and look at it from outside. To not be influenced by its current tendencies and then evolve it step by step - sort of like the mind re-programming itself. It is an extremely rational way to approach life.
Life has series of external events that guide evolution and alignment of internal ecosystem.
We cant control external events, things happen to us and we respond to them. The internal ecosystem, the "mind space" is also not in complete conscious control.
Internal ecosystem of humans include thoughts, emotions, sensory signals, likes/dislikes, expectations, tendencies and impressions of the mind.
Through logical reasoning and rigor, clarity and understanding, we may deepen our awareness of the internal ecosystem.
Somebody in the street abuses me, picks a fight with me - I flare with anger, my internal equilibrium is lost.
It's not to say that we turn a blind eye to people abusing us. But this example is quite revolting, it shakes us up, it brings forth an unfiltered natural reaction.
If I can witness the abuse without getting too invested, without getting too involved, as if disassociated, as if it didn't happen to "me" - if I can keep awareness of my internal ecosystem with full attention in that moment, then I could be completely conscious.
I could be free to act without getting affected. I could act out anger without getting angry. I could act out kindness without feeling satisfaction. The internal equilibrium could be maintained with or without external anger / kindness.
It's similar to the thought about being alone in the midst of crowds. Like being calm in the midst of a storm - the eye of the storm. The center is calm while the world outside is moving. There are moments where we could capture this feeling - objective disassociation while being completely alert and consciously involved. When it is captured, the mind is resting and without effort but still in heightened alertness.
The change is not sudden, not immediate, it takes time. Similar to how boiling water reaches a boil at 100 degrees. It doesn't boil at 99, the threshold is 100. It means to push till 99, differences are hard to notice. The switch flips at 100.
To nurture constant awareness of the internal ecosystem refines, polishes and makes the ecosystem clear. When the internal ecosystem is refined, it frees itself of conflicts, of tangles and functions like a radio attuned to it's natural equilibrium.
An equilibrium that is fearless and without bias.