The Image of Transformation and Cognitive Flexibility

Abstract

The article suggests to view the image of transformation as an idea, that affects cognitive flexibility (the ability to overcome responses or thinking that have become habitual and adapt to new situations). We may notice, that cultural stereotypes of thinking are partly predetermined by mythology. Myths represent our mind’s view of mental capabilities, the way our conscience interprets unconscious processes. The following describes the images of transformations in ancient Greek and Hindu mythologies as two points of view on psychic processes, letting us notice possibilities and limitations of transformation processes offered by Western and Eastern myths. Transformation is considered a basic task in Jungian theory. Today, the entire world mythology has become accessible due to globalization. The purpose of this work is to consider different versions of the transformation image, making it possible to enrich emotionally significant, archetypal symbols that are used in practice, as well as to think about which symbols and mythological images most accurately represent modern consciousness, today’s reality perception. The signs underlying the image of transformation in Eastern myths are compared with modern empirical data on physiology and psyche. Based on this comparison, it is suggested that modern knowledge on cognitive flexibility is closer to Eastern mythology.