We usually believe our subconscious mind to be only that which is responsible for regulating our automatic bodily functions such as breathing, heartbeat and digestion, but it is much more than this. Most mental phenomena such as inner sight, intuition and even so-called future readings, can be explained as an inner communication between our conscious and subconscious minds.
The many roles of our subconscious
It communicates with us
Our subconscious minds are always communicating with us, usually in the form of sensations, impressions, spontaneous thoughts and ideas as well as symbolic images during dreams, though we are mostly unaware of them, or how important they are. Occasionally thoughts pop into our consciousness, which we simply call moments of creative inspiration, guidance or intuition. In this case, intuition is defined in psychology as having immediate insight into a problem or situation.
It provides a protective filter for our thinking mind
Our subconscious mind stores huge amounts of information and is not limited to our conscious perception, what we see and hear at any moment. In fact, it actually forms the interface between our conscious minds and what we call reality, processing huge amounts of input, but it only allows us to process what we need at that moment. In other words, it serves as a protective filter preventing information overload. For example, at a party or in a crowded supermarket we see and hear only what our spouse or partner is saying (if we are listening to them at all), and all the other conversations going on around us are cut off. The fact is, that we simply could not cope if we were exposed to all this sensory information at once.
It can shape what we see and experience
Our subconscious minds also filter what we see and experience to make it fit our psychological and emotional ‘profile’ and level of readiness. In this way it can be seen as a ‘lens’ with which we view the world.
For example, people are often accused of seeing what they want to see in any event or situation. This happens because of the person’s beliefs and ethical values. People will usually not accept or even consider anything which clashes with what they believe in.
A lot of our beliefs and values are stored at a subconscious level in schemas, which are like
‘programs’ made up from our past experiences. We usually act in line with these programs. For example, a person who has been previously badly bitten by a dog may avoid dogs in the future, whereas a person who has only good memories of dogs may seek them out. In other words, the schema for a dog of the first person could be that of ‘a vicious creature that will bite you if it gets a chance’, and the others with pleasant memories of dogs, will not have such a negative schema at all, and behave differently to dogs.
It houses our authentic and shadow-selves
Unfortunately, it also hides our shadow-selves, the sum of our primal drives, darkest desires, negative memories and past trauma and pain. This is kept stored away at a subconscious level until we are strong enough to deal with it. In this way, exploring the depths of your subconscious mind can bring about great self-insight, both of your authentic as well as your shadow-selves.
How do I access my subconscious mind?
You can communicate with your subconscious mind under the right conditions. All you really need is a totally quiet, clear and uncluttered state of mind. For instance, during moments of deep reflection, contemplation or meditation. Once your conscious mind is quietened, the impressions, promptings and even images from your subconscious will be more noticeable.
Build a relationship with your subconscious mind
Your moments of connection can be increased by building and strengthening your relationship with your subconscious mind. Strange as it may sound, with the proper techniques, you will be able to consciously communicate with it and it with you. I have found it rather useful to see and treat my own subconscious mind in the same way as I would another person. In fact, you can see this building of this relationship of trust and cooperation metaphorically, as wooing a lover.
There are a number of stages in building this relationship, such as introducing yourself during quiet moments of contemplation or meditation and clearly communicating your desire for a more intimate relationship. Early on, you can try affirmations. ii
An affirmation is a phrase that is said over and over until it filters through into your subconscious mind. For example, “I open myself to a deeper relationship with my subconscious mind”.
Repeat this at different times, for a number of weeks.
Your subconscious ‘lover’ will gauge your sincerity from your level of commitment and discipline. In other words, the affirmations must be spoken (and felt) with respect, sincerity and confidence. Metaphorically speaking, you would not make much of a first impression to a new potential lover if you came across as indecisive and lacking in confidence and self-worth.
Your subconscious ‘lover’ will only accept your advances once you have clearly communicated your true intentions and demonstrated that you are trustworthy, willing and ready to assume the responsibility for any new experiences at this level of functioning. Remember, your subconscious is ultimately the protector of your conscious mind, which can be quite fragile.
Cementing this relationship can be done with intentions. An intention is similar to an affirmation, but more powerful. It is set by formulating a single, simple and precise self-instruction or thought, absolutely without any doubt or hesitation, as to exactly what you desire or wish to achieve. Unlike an affirmation, which is usually repeated over and over, an intention is stated only once. It is this single act of pure intent and absolute conviction that sets it apart from an affirmation. This assures your subconscious mind that you are ready and prepared for the experience.
An example of an intention is ‘I now connect with my subconscious mind’.
This could be metaphorically seen as banging on the door of your ‘beloved’, insisting on being admitted into her (or his) inner chamber.
Communicating during dreams
This is quite a big area of study and for this purpose I have written a guide to help you interpret your dreams. This is available on Amazon and other digital platforms as an e-book.
The final connection with your subconscious mind
If you are successful, after a period of ‘courtship’, usually a few months, your subconscious ‘lover’ may open the doors for you, and you could begin to have new and more powerful dreams, impressions and more moments of intuition. This means that the relationship of trust has been cemented.
Always express gratitude (shower your lover with appreciation) during these times of connection.
