Asleep: Your subconscious mind writes the script, calls the shots.
Awake: Your conscious mind is in charge.
But, there are times, rare for some people, common for others, where one mind takes charge within the domain of the other. Thus, the conscious mind can direct perceptions during lucid dreaming and the subconscious mind, well, let’s face it, can run the show when we zone out during mundane activities.
The conscious and subconscious share other tasks as well, like breathing. This is mostly handled subconsciously, but conscious awareness can take over breathing. This is one area in which the two minds can meet.
Why would you want your subconscious and conscious minds to hang out together? Sometimes your subconscious mind is running routines in your mental and physical space that are no longer beneficial. Your conscious mind has to take charge to redirect the subconscious. For example, if emotionally walling yourself off from other people was protective to you as a child, it may be getting in the way as an adult. In that case, your subconscious mind is unlikely to change old habits on its own; your conscious mind, which is the more rational of the two, has to rewire your brain so that the subconscious mind can start a new routine, one that allows closer relationships.
Changing subconscious behavior is a matter of changing habits, which takes practice; new neuropathways have to be established that are stronger than the old. This usually takes time and patience. To speed things up, you can try tricking your subconscious mind through meditation and mindfulness. To do this, practice imagining the behavior and life experience you want, rather than those you want to let go. You can always thank your subconscious mind for a good job protecting you with those old patterns, but they are no longer needed. Then, notice the old and replace it with the new.
Here’s how that might work. Say you are addicted to unhealthy eating. That might have been self-soothing behavior, so thank your subconscious mind for calming you and helping you feel empowered. But now, it’s doing more harm than good. Meditate on a healthy eating lifestyle. Create some strong visualizations — what would healthy eating look like and, more importantly, feel like. Not just physically but mentally. Evoke some positive emotions to attach to these visions, including gratitude. Your subconscious mind reacts as if the visions are real. It begins to associate good feelings with healthy eating. That’s the meditation part. The mindfulness part involves being aware of what’s triggering unwanted behavior right in the moment and satisfying your needs in alternative ways — breaking the cycle.
Finally, there is a form of consciousness that goes beyond the subconscious and conscious minds. I call it ultraconsciousness. If you want to understand it, I suggest that you meditate for at least 20 minutes on the word “ultraconsciousness.” Mentally repeat it, as a mantra, while sitting comfortable with a straight spine. You can listen to soothing music, maybe light candles, whatever practice you are comfortable with.
For me ultraconsciousness is akin to universal consciousness, and I will be writing about it later. I think it’s best to first explore what it might mean to you before hearing my interpretation.
Just remember to mind your own business… that’s what your mind is for!
