Mindfull

According to NPR, there has been a discovery that grasshoppers and locusts are actually the same creature. This raises the questions: why did it take so long for us to figure this out and why have scientists been so reluctant to see this truth?

  

Psychology professor, Lisa Feldman Barett, explains that this reluctance may be caused by our own self-perception. We are all readily accepting of the fact that an ugly caterpillar turns into a beautiful butterfly. Humans are constantly craving positive change; however, we are less accepting when a cute solitary green grasshopper turns into a swarm of death and famine.

  

We all have some vague idea of who we are, and we like to think that even under the most extreme stress a piece of ourselves would remain. We hold onto this idea as an anchor to our core and true personality. However, Barett explains that our personalities are constantly changing, and that they are dependent on our circumstance. When there is a drought Locusts are forced together into a small patch of grass and chemicals are released that change their bodies and behavior. They become larger, yellow, and highly social. Much in the same way, when we change, we must accept our changes as adaptations and not blame ourselves. Self-acceptance will lead to less self-blame and an increased understanding of other people.