The subconscious mind has an enormous influence on our lives. It is often said that the conscious mind accounts for approximately 5 percent of our mental activity, while the subconscious mind accounts for the rest.

The conscious mind is responsible for analysis, logic, reasoning, planning, and willpower. It is the part of us that makes conscious decisions and is often associated with common sense and rational thinking.

The subconscious mind functions more like a vast database where memories, experiences, emotions, learned behaviors, and beliefs are stored. It contains everything we have seen, heard, experienced, and learned since childhood.

The subconscious mind reacts quickly and is particularly responsive to emotions. Its primary purpose is to protect us from danger and discomfort. If we have previously experienced something painful or frightening, the subconscious mind may react when a similar situation arises and signal that we should avoid it.

This is where many of our so-called ”miswiring” patterns develop. The brain sometimes creates associations that were once logical and helpful, but later in life may become limiting. A failure, for example, may lead to a fear of trying again. Criticism during childhood can develop into very low self-esteem in adulthood.

The subconscious mind influences our self-image, how we interpret the world, and the choices we make. It tends to guide us toward what feels familiar, even when it is no longer what serves us best. This is why there is often a natural resistance to change.

Many of our fears, limiting beliefs, and old reactions are stored in the subconscious because they were originally created to protect us. The problem is that they do not always serve us today.

If we do not understand how the subconscious mind works, it becomes difficult to work with ourselves. When we begin to understand our patterns, however, we also gain the opportunity to change them.

If there is something you would like to change in your life, start by taking out a pen and paper and asking yourself a few simple questions:

• What do I want to change?
• What am I avoiding?
• What am I worried about?
• What patterns keep repeating in my life?

Write down your answers without censoring yourself. Simply by observing and reflecting, new insights can emerge.

Awareness is everything. Awareness is the first step toward change. When you can clearly see your patterns, you can also begin to create new ones.

We can connect with the subconscious mind when the body and mind are relaxed, through meditation, visualization, or hypnosis. In these states, we have the opportunity to create change.

When you want to influence the subconscious mind, you also need to use a language that it understands. The subconscious responds to clear, positive, and specific messages. That is why it is more effective to focus on what you want to achieve rather than what you want to avoid.

For example, say:

I am calm and at ease.
I am healthy and well.

Instead of:

I don’t want to be stressed.
I don’t want to get sick.

Use the present tense, as if the change is already beginning to happen. Also reinforce the message with a positive emotion. Emotions are one of the strongest languages of the subconscious mind. Even if you are not feeling your best, you can consciously evoke a sense of gratitude and calm while writing your message.

Keep your statements simple, clear, and concise. Be as specific as possible. The clearer the direction you give your subconscious mind, the easier it becomes to create new thought patterns and behaviors.

If you would like help identifying your patterns on a deeper level and understanding how everything is connected, and then changing those patterns through hypnosis, you are warmly welcome to contact me.