Not everyone can clearly articulate what consciousness is. What to say about the subconscious? Why bother to invent such a confusing word. How to distinguish between the conscious and subconscious? What is the subconscious and how does it differ from other mental processes? Is it possible to control it? What are the possibilities of the subconscious? Do all people equally developed? How to penetrate your subconscious to better understand yourself?
What is the subconscious?
The subconscious is the mental processes that occur without display in the consciousness, which does not allow consciously controlling them. It turns out that the subconscious mind is a real entity, not covered with social “masks” or roles.
Three interrelated levels of mental activity:
- Unconscious;
- Subconscious;
- Conscious.
They differ in the depth of penetration into the psyche, the automatism of the reaction to changes in the surrounding or internal environment. This classification is conditional, since the subconscious and unconscious behavior is very often confused when trying to interpret them. For example, one of the fathers of psychology, Sigmund Freud, in his early works used the word "subconscious", which was later replaced by him with "unconscious". But other scientists, such as Carl Jung, again applied the concept of the subconscious to determine the stereotypical behavior of a person.
Unconscious, conscious and subconscious are the levels of mental processes:
- Unconscious level - instincts and reflexes, which are laid down before birth, appearing in response to the appearance of the stimulus.
- The subconscious level is a generalized experience consisting of stereotypes of behavior repeated in familiar situations or conditions.
- Conscious level - the sphere of socialization of the individual, her knowledge, culture of behavior, moral qualities and principles corresponding to the chosen role in society.
There are concepts of the preconscious and the unconscious. The first is information that may be perceived in the future, but not yet realized. The second relates to all processes that a person has not realized, regardless of his ability to do it.
By the way, the subconscious of a person also has its own levels, the highest of which is considered intuition - the ability to make decisions unconsciously, bypassing logic.
The role of the subconscious in human life
The subconscious and its capabilities - the subject of heated scientific debate and debate. Some scientists attribute the unconscious to the category of pseudoscience, while others try to see in it the deep foundations of the psyche. Whatever it was, the subconscious determines the nature, the present "I", free from "masks" and conventions.
Insofar as intuition manifests itself at a subconscious level, even this alone confirms the great importance that the subconscious has in the life of a person. It is necessary for dialogue with people, especially when choosing a partner for life.
All previous life experience, multiplied by the "natural sense" helps not to step on the same "rake", although a person is capable of much. For example, to tread on this "agricultural tool" contrary to your intuition or common sense.
In addition to the benefits subconscious mind can play a destructive role. Since it manifests itself contrary to awareness, by acting on the subconscious mind, people can be manipulated. On this principle, many technologies are built, including NLP - neuro-linguistic programming, which is gaining popularity in the services or sales.
Influencing the subconscious, you can benefit, but if you do it with evil intentions, then harm. The insecurity of people in front of manipulators, makes us think about the need to understand their subconscious.
How to penetrate your subconscious?
Informed, so armed. On this principle, protection against any threats in its direction is built. Manipulators are much more difficult to influence someone who understands their weaknesses and shortcomings. Is it possible to learn how to manage your subconscious? Do all people develop it equally? The answer is "yes" to both questions. The subconscious is the same part of the body as organs or systems. Accordingly, everyone has it, just the degree of its manifestation is individual.
Everyone has the ability to control their subconscious, just not everyone starts to do it. Self-suggestion is considered the best method - consciously programming yourself for certain actions and events. Positive examples are affirmations - the psychological attitudes of one's self for success and well-being. According to this principle, the placebo effect works - when someone treats himself with the power of faith in the possibility of this. But there is also a dark side of the coin - the nocebo effect - the attraction of negative events with thoughts about them. In this case, demonstrates the role of the subconscious for health. By force of thought, people can both heal themselves and kill.
In order for the subconscious to work for the benefit, it is worth to begin to understand yourself, understand your hidden essence. To do this, you can use the following techniques:
- Meditation - a way of self-knowledge and calm your mind, by seclusion from the city bustle;
- "Stream of Consciousness" - writing down on a piece of paper all the words that come to mind, with their subsequent analysis;
- Visual arts - the ability to give shape to their inner experiences and emotions;
- Consultation with a psychologist - in the case of his professionalism, greatly simplifies the process of introspection;
- Visualization - the embodiment of their thoughts and emotions in certain forms that help to understand their nature;
- Coaching session - since the subconscious is manifested in socialization, it is easier to find answers to many questions with the help of a coach;
- Attention to your dreams - because dreams are an effective tool of the subconscious in dialogue with a person.
Using these simple techniques, it is enough just to penetrate into your subconscious. Once this happens, consider that half the work has already been done. Next you should build your life, given the information received. In addition to understanding yourself, it is also desirable to adjust your subconscious mind in the right direction, in which affirmations and a positive attitude will help.
The subconscious is an important tool in the development and socialization. But, like other tools, it requires a skillful and careful attitude. In order for the subconscious to become an ally, it is necessary to study and understand it, and then take care of your mental health, which includes the conscious and subconscious. You should learn to hear your "inner voice", follow its prompts and tips. After all, human nature is like an iceberg, in which consciousness is just a peak.