What happens when your brain goes on auto pilot?

Question

I drive a lot, and sometimes I just “scare” back into reality and I realize I wasn’t even paying attention the last few seconds, and it feels weird. Why and how does this happen?

In: 2885

Answer 1

I really don’t think it’s answered here in an important sense

There is of course the part of you that has neural and muscle memory, you don’t need to think about changing gears because it is engrained.

More importantly though

Most people are lost in thought, they are in auto pilot the majority of the time, in that they are thinking without knowing that they are thinking.

Once you begin to analyse consciousness and its contents, through forms of mindfulness and meditation you can begin to break the spell somewhat!

Notice how you are doing this when you are also not driving or requiring memorized motor control (no pun)

Plato- ” An unexamined life is not worth living”

Whether that quote is true or not is up for debate

I’d recommend Vipassana and some Sam harris

Answer 2

I really don’t think it’s answered here in an important sense

There is of course the part of you that has neural and muscle memory, you don’t need to think about changing gears because it is engrained.

More importantly though

Most people are lost in thought, they are in auto pilot the majority of the time, in that they are thinking without knowing that they are thinking.

Once you begin to analyse consciousness and its contents, through forms of mindfulness and meditation you can begin to break the spell somewhat!

Notice how you are doing this when you are also not driving or requiring memorized motor control (no pun)

Plato- ” An unexamined life is not worth living”

Whether that quote is true or not is up for debate

I’d recommend Vipassana and some Sam harris