The butterfly Effect

“The flapping of a butterfly’s wings can cause a hurricane in another part of the world”…With this simple phrase we can summarize what the butterfly effect consists of. Small actions capable of generating big changes, positive or not. This idea taken from physics and the “idea of ​​chaos” can also be applied to the field of psychology.

All of us, in some way, are constantly flapping our invisible wings imitating the butterfly effect. Let’s think about that for a moment. Sometimes, a small, one-time act of kindness can bring about a tremendous change in other people. In turn, a word said at the right moment to a co-worker, a friend or a stranger can also shape a change of mentality that flows towards progress or a positive advance.

A famous song says “Life is like a boat, one oar is moved by my hand and another oar is moved by chance.”. This idea fits perfectly with this theory stated at the time by the physicist and mathematician James Yorke. There are aspects of our behavior that, even if left to chance, are capable of marking a before and after. To change everything. To promote a certain impact on our environment that we are not always fully aware of…

It is a topic of deep interest that is worth delving into.

The butterfly effect and chaos theory

The butterfly effect is a metaphor used to explain chaos theory, also exposed by Lorenz. According to this theory, in the universe there are systems that are highly susceptible to the presence of variations, which can generate very diverse (although limited) results in a chaotic and unpredictable manner.

The main model of chaos theory proposes that, if we imagine two identical worlds, where the only thing that differentiates them is the occurrence of an almost insignificant variable, Over time, this small difference can cause both worlds to become more and more different. Until it becomes practically impossible to determine that they were once the same.

The butterfly effect and chaos theory encourage various disciplines not to make accurate long-term predictions. Given that, Small variables can greatly modify the results.

The butterfly effect and psychology

Big changes sometimes start with small, casual acts. In psychology this relationship is well known and hence the butterfly effect is present in many theories and approaches. A fairly illustrative case of this scenario occurs within psychopathology. For example, even if a depressed person does not initially notice an improvement by starting to be more attentive to their daily hygiene, sooner or later they will realize that this fact will have helped them overcome depression.

And it is that From these small actions the person chooses to try other thingslike leaving home for the first time, returning to work, finding pleasure again, staying more active, etc.

Now, not only do we assume this principle as the key to understanding the processes of change, it is also incredibly useful for developing an essential psychological competence: adaptation to uncertainty and mental flexibility.

Thus, James Yorke, the aforementioned professor of mathematics and professor at the University of Maryland, tells us that without chaos theory and the butterfly effect, human beings would not have been able to adapt to each challenge throughout our evolution. We must be prepared for these unexpected events and for the effect that chance has on our lives.Sometimes, these unexpected alterations of destiny are positive and favor us. Others, such as the economic and social crises themselves, force us to have valuable personal resources: resilience, creativity, growth mindset, positive approach, etc.

On the other hand, John Gribbin, professor of astrophysics at the University of Sussex, wrote a very interesting book on the subject titled “Deep Simplicity.” In it he explained to us that People are one of the most sensitive “systems” in this world, and even more so during a very specific period of our lives: childhood.

Sometimes, a chance event is enough for that experience to stay forever in our minds. It can be something traumatic, but it can also be that specific and fascinating event that at a given moment gives us a purpose, a passion for life…

What can we do for our butterfly effect?

We already know that any specific dynamic can cause positive and negative effects on others. Thus, the butterfly effect reminds us that sometimes we can be like that stone that is thrown into a pond and that begins to generate waves and more waves on the surface of the water.

What we do, say or express has a direct impact on those around us., and as a consequence, also in ourselves. Therefore there are aspects of our behavior that we should attend to and take care of. Only in this way will we generate positive influences and a harmonious balance where we all benefit.

1. Speak directly

Instead of speculating about something or someone, talk directly to people to avoid misunderstandings. On many occasions, not everything we see or hear is true. It is better to ask and not hold anything back. This way we will also avoid getting “bad blood” for no reason.

2. Work on your attention

One way to have greater control over the chance that surrounds us and the butterfly effect is by working on our attention. Instead of allowing chance to generate these alterations around us, we can also be the ones who can consciously and directly bring about small positive changes.

Something like this can only be achieved by working our attention, being attentive and sensitive to everything that happens around us. Sometimes, if we are able to act at the right and ideal moment, we will bring about sensational changes.

3. Be kind

With just a smile or a good morning to a neighbor or someone you don’t know you will create a pleasant atmosphere around you. Being kind costs nothing and it gives us many good things. So don’t hesitate, be good to others and you will receive positivity. We have an example of how this virtue is capable of changing our environments in a study carried out at Stanford University.

Something that could be demonstrated is that kindness generated in any work environment creates happier and more productive climates. In an interesting aspect to take into account.

4. Enjoy small pleasures

A cup of coffee or chocolate while you watch it rain through the windows, watching a baby sleep, playing with the children or closing your eyes and smelling and perceiving the sound of the sea will provide you with an immediate source of pleasure that you will continue into the future. time. They will generate a “well of happiness inside you.”

The butterfly effect, as we see, begins with simple practices. capable of promoting in us not only great well-being, but also an improvement in health.

5. Do small things for others without expecting anything in return.

Small gestures such as going to help in campaigns against hunger, helping your neighbor, giving up a seat, sensing a problem in a friend and doing everything possible to help them, create butterfly effects in the short, medium and long term. To begin with, it is proven that altruism generates happiness in peopleOn the other hand, if we unite the small gestures of each one we will generate a great hurricane.

Can you imagine that each person brings a small package of rice for the most disadvantaged in the Christmas campaign against poverty; kilos and kilos of rice will accumulate… and all with a simple gesture; something simple with which to shape a better, more humane and happier society.

6. Stop for a minute when you’re angry

Take a deep breath and think that we are lucky for everything we have…another hurricane…Our anxiety levels will go down, we will get out of the spiral of anger and we will prevent unhealthy feelings.

Gestures like these prevent headaches, stomach pain, colds, etc. Illnesses are closely related to emotions and if not tell the Romans and their “Mens Sana in Corpore Sano”.

7. Think about today and not tomorrow

If you can now enjoy taking a walk with your partner or taking a trip to the beach in good company, do it. You will once again generate a hurricane of happiness with these small gestures…if bad times come to you, you will think how much you have laughed and enjoyed life in the past and they will help you cope better with bad times.

8. Practice good habits

Small bad habits, such as: starting the day in a bad mood, smoking to experience calm, constantly eating unhealthy foods, etc., end up determining the course of our lives.

In this case, the ideal is to learn to identify them and avoid them as much as possible. Once you start doing small things, like waking up with a better mood and disposition, you will notice big changes..

You already know small gestures can improve your life.

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