The Hierarchical Structure Of The Mind
“The conscious mind may be compared to a fountain playing in the sun and falling back into the great subterranean pool of subconscious from which it rises.” — Sigmund Freud
I wrote an article some time ago titled: Harnessing the Power of the Subconscious Mind in which I explored the distinction between the conscious mind (CM) and the subconscious mind (SM).
Recapping some of those points:
1. Your conscious mind is the logical mind that functions using reason.
2. You think with the conscious mind and it is the programmer of the SM, the creative mind that carries out the program.
3. You process anywhere between 60,000–80,000 thoughts a day.
4. The SM is the automatic pilot of the mind.
5. The SM regulates your vital body functions.
Let’s examine the background relevant in understanding the SM mind.
The brain does not compute answers to problems, it merely retrieves them from your memory.
Your mind draws on information from its hierarchical structure, recalling events from the past.
When you see a person you know, your mind retrieves information relating to your history with the person. It identifies the individual as either a friend, enemy or unknown.
Untapped Potential
“Whatever we plant in our subconscious mind and nourish with repetition and emotion will one day become a reality.” — Earl Nightingale
In his book The Mind’s Eye author Oliver Sacks writes about his condition known as Prosopagnosia, the inability to recognise faces. Meeting people on many occasions, he is unable to recognise them in later encounters.
Being a qualified neurologist, he was courteous to acknowledge his impairment by asking the person if they had met before.
Whilst this is a rare condition, it highlights the complexity of the mind. Even the slightest malfunction can cause an impairment.
A great deal of literature has been written about the SM. As we learn more through scientific research, we discover the untapped potential of the inner workings of this mysterious organ.
So why all the fuss about the SM, you might ask?
How can you use this power to your advantage?
Most of your SM’s programming is formed from birth until the age of 6 years. During these formative years, your brain operates within specific brain waves conducive to your development.
Those brain waves are: beta, alpha, theta, delta & gamma.
The brain waves act at various frequencies known as Hertz. For example while you’re asleep, your brain wave functions within the theta and delta range, oscillating between 3.5–7 cycles per second.
This allows you to relax, and not tune in to external stimuli in your wakeful state. It permits the mind to regenerate itself, processing thoughts and emotions.
To fully explore and develop your mind’s capacity, it’s worth investing time and patience knowing your SM.
Your SM works best receiving the stimuli in a relaxed state. During beta and theta brain waves, you create an environment conducive to learning, formulating new ideas, thoughts and creativity.
You’re able to receive information and insights into events, processes and circumstances never thought possible.
Benefits of Harnessing Your Subconscious Mind
“ The law of the subconscious mind works for good and bad ideas alike. This law, when applied in a negative way, is the cause of failure, frustration, and unhappiness. However, when your habitual thinking is harmonious and constructive, you experience perfect health, success, and prosperity.” ― Joseph Murphy
Your SM processes approximately 100 billion bits of information per second.
In contrast, the CM processes 40 bits of information per second. Therefore, many geniuses knew of the potential of their SM.
It takes time to master this skill, so be patient if you’re dedicated to making breakthroughs as they may be slow and arduous.
The key benefits include:
- Enhanced relationships.
- Weight loss.
- Improved health and wellbeing.
- Higher levels of creativity.
- Problem solving capabilities.
- More relaxed and composed.
- Ability to transcend limiting beliefs.
- Creating a sense of happiness and purpose in your life.
- Sense of control and empowerment.
I engage my SM in various problem solving capacities, having trained it with some success.
I speak to my mind (yes, it may seem silly at first) as though it were a friend. I use affirmations such as: “Thank you subconscious mind for being my partner in success.”
I allow the right stimuli to enter my mind that includes the people I associate with, the music I listen to, the books I read and the news I listen to.
Have you noticed when associating with a group of friends, you pick up words they use? It might include phrases used in a conversational tone, yet you use it regularly.
I’m certain you did not consciously programme it into your mind, it took place unconsciously via repetitive exposure.
Similarly, you may have heard a song you began singing without your conscious awareness. This is your SM working in the background.
Most of your habits and actions are influenced by your SM.
Recall earlier I mentioned from birth to 6 years of age, you learned in a subconscious state. Most of your adult behaviour has been programmed via your SM during these impressionable years.
I reasoned earlier that the brain does not compute answers to problems, it retrieves them from your memory.
Given this, we can conclude why adults act out learned childhood behaviour of: misery, low self-esteem, depressive states and abuse.
While I may be painting a grim picture, I’ve met people who fit this description. Some have created fulfilling lives while others remain trapped in their childhood behaviour.
Similar to exercise, your mind responds to the stimuli it is exposed to. You may not see tangible results for weeks, possibly months. Trust and have faith it is working.
I have practiced these principles for years. I use them regularly, having little attachment to the outcome. I trust once I’ve done the work (workout), I wait for the results to show up (rest).
As evident in the analogy, it is akin to exercise.
So make it your mission to master your subconscious mind in an easy and effortless way.
Originally published at Medium