Think of the subconscious mind as a huge memory bank. It takes literally all ideas and images that we accept as truth that validate our intrinsic beliefs. It stores whatever has happened to us. Every moment we are awake our senses are taking in a constant stream of information which is stored as memories. All our mundane acts, habits, and memories are controlled by the subconscious.
We also bring with us in our subconscious and DNA certain beliefs and imbalanced vibrations which we created in past lifetimes. We know this as karma or others call it original sin to rectify and heal in this lifetime. In addition, we have our chosen ancestral lineage.
Our conscious mind contains those things that we have accepted as valid and true, either positive or negative. It stores and is influenced and controlled by impulses, beliefs, addictions, and the worldly collective consciousness via our subconscious. The conscious mind is constantly affected by our subconscious mind and brings in all past experiences into the present. This is why we are so resistant to change unless we make an effort to change.
Our minds are constantly talking. It does not stay quiet; it is programed to think. If we are not consciously engaging the mind, the self-talk that we are not aware of comes directly from the subconscious. This in turn reinforces any discordant energies. My guru Mataji kept repeating “an idle mind is a devil’s workshop.”
The question arises are we what we think? We are not the voice in our mind, just the one that hears it. We do not need to identify with the mental chatter. It is best to observe that chatter and bring it into the light, examine it and try to find the cause. We know the chatter by our emotions. A particular unconscious thought crosses the mind, and we begin to feel a certain way but nothing outside has really caused it. What was the cause?
Psychology indicates that unconscious impressions influence 90 to 95% of our behavior. The subconscious causes us to feel emotionally and physically uncomfortable whenever we do anything new or different from established patterns. Change creates a sense of fear or discomfort. This is why habits are so difficult to break. We want to go back to our comfort zone.
Because the subconscious has such a control over our positive and negative behavior, we need to train it in our favor. We use our conscious mind to reprogram the subconscious. Right now, we are reading or listening to this discourse and trying to absorb the meaning, while doing so the subconscious is busily either rejecting or absorbing information on existing perceptions we have stored there from the world around us. We are never really absorbing information as is, but according to our previous impressions. All this is stored below our conscious awareness. Many limiting beliefs such as “I am not good enough” come from the subconscious rather than who we really are.
Every action, every thought, every experience creates conclusions or judgement that are stored within us and guide us in the future. If in a moment you are feeling that you are not good enough, the subconscious will look through the memories to confirm this belief. But if someone tells you that you are good enough and you feel it, a conflict will arise. The subconscious will either reject or change depending on your present confidence of that statement.
Since the unconscious is mostly focusing on the negative, we will know that we are successful if our life begins to change. We attract what we project emotionally and mentally from both conscious and subconscious mind. If our life is not where we would like to be we need to examine what our mind is doing.
It is important to limit negativity because our subconscious is absorbing information constantly. We need to avoid spending too much time with negative people, gossip, and watching news. Instead, we need to surround ourselves with positive information to read or watch, and successful positive people.
Both conscious and unconscious respond well to what we see whether real or visualized. Virtualization is a wonderful way to reprogram the mind. My first yoga teacher used to project a scene of nature on the wall for us to meditate on. Then he requested us to feel as if we are in that scene. So, if we are on the beach at sunrise, we need to feel the glow of the sun, the ocean air mist against our skin, the breeze, the sand between our toes and so on. By doing so we give the mind something to bring up that was positive. The subconscious is continually running in the background and needs something to chew.
Affirmations are also effective. But we must word them in the “now” moment. “I am abundant,” rather than “I will be abundant.” Words are empty if not coupled with emotions. Feel abundant while saying the words. Not in the future, but right now even though you may not be. Take a breath, straighten the body, and feel as if abundance has arrived. Whatever words we say we need to feel the corresponding emotion so that the unconscious will believe. Repetition is important. Recite affirmations as many times during the day as possible.
When the mind is relaxed or in an alpha state our subconscious is more receptive. Relaxation and meditation has a positive influence because the subconscious is not running around searching for past experiences and therefore can more easily absorb that we wish to program in.
Regular practice of a gratitude journal and meditation will automatically change the subconscious mind. Other methods are hypnosis, subliminal audios, vision boards and a determination to change.
If the mind holds us back from pursuing something that we love, it is because we hold conflicting beliefs. Therefore, we need to identify our resistance. Helpful is also to have a master plan for our life, our core values and what is the ultimate goal that we want to accomplish. What legacy do we want.
We have more control of our life than we think, if we are willing to make an effort to change our mind. Discipline is difficult. But more difficult is living in a place of lack. They say what is difficult in the beginning is sweet at the end and what is sweet in the beginning is difficult at the end. Most accept their present situation as a fact, but that is not necessarily true.
“Your subconscious is a powerful and mysterious force which can either hold you back or help you move forward. Without its cooperation, your best goals will go unrealized; with its help, you are unbeatable.”
― Jenny Davidow
