Awareness and Self-Image

The authors examine the neural basis and phenomenological aspects of the development of sensory processing of motor effects, and how the two processing modes serve as integrated functional system, subserving interaction with the real world. The motor cortex and the somatosensory system engage muscular movements by monitoring the associated bodily sensations, which are proposed to be the basis. for the development of a body image, the core of a self-image. Development of an interactive language system in the brain used for the reception as well as the expression of speech becomes the basis for the development of verbal awareness. Verbal awarenes~ help monitoring the meaning recreated while listening to speech as well as while creating meaning during thinking and expressive speech. Such monitoring of the thoughts created helps in making judgmental decisions on the appropriateness of the meaning recreated or created. That we tend to transcode all experiences verbally, result in the development of verbal awareness of such experiences. Awareness develops as a privileged state of the brain-mind, different from recognition. Body image and awareness serve as mirror images for the development of self-image in an individual.