Have you ever had a moment in which an event was taking place and you were able to tell right away how it was going to end? You're not alone, since most people have this ability, thanks to human brain potential.
But just how individuals are able to do perform these minor acts of clairvoyance has remained a mystery, until now. Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis conducted a study to see what happens in a person's brain as they watch actions take place and form expectations.
It's been determined that the brain's dopamine system is largely responsible for giving the body cues on the proper course of action to take. So, the team of scientists studied this region of the mind using imaging techniques.
They found that most volunteers were successful in predicting events that were shown on a screen and suddenly stopped.
"When we watch everyday activity unfold around us, we make predictions about what will happen a few seconds out," said researcher Jeffrey Zacks, Ph.D. "Most of the time, our predictions are right. Successful predictions are associated with the subjective experience of a smooth stream of consciousness."
Previous research has suggested that meditation can help in unlocking brain potential. What's interesting is that a key component in the mind-body practice is not thinking about the future, focusing on the present feelings without judgement.
Perhaps it is possible that strengthening the mind through meditation can help individuals increase their mental abilities enough that their view of the near future becomes more clear. This is not to say that individuals should give up their day jobs to be fortune tellers, but that a sharp mind is better able to think clearly and realistically.
