The battle within: when conscious intelligence + logic clash are sabotaged by the subconscious autopilot
Have you ever found yourself in a situation where your conscious mind knows what's right, but there’s some part of you that just doesn’t believe that whatever it is is right or possible or true? Welcome to the intriguing and sometimes baffling world of the conscious-subconscious conflict, a realm where intelligence clashes with sabotage.
The Conscious Mind: Beacon of Wisdom
Our conscious mind is like the captain of the ship, steering us through the complex waters of life with logic, reason, and thoughtful decision-making. It's the part of our mind that analyzes, learns, and consciously understands the consequences of our actions. Armed with knowledge and intellect, the conscious mind is our beacon of wisdom, guiding us toward what we know is right and true based on what’s happening in our present experience. We may intellectually KNOW that we are smart and capable, but some part of us just…isn’t buying in.
It’s even crazier to consider that this logical, present, thoughtful part of our minds actually controls only 10% of the way we think, feel, and behave every day.
The Subconscious Saboteur
On the flip side, lurking beneath the surface lies the subconscious mind, a realm of deep-seated beliefs, emotions, and automatic responses. Unlike the conscious mind, the subconscious doesn't always play by the rules of logic. It's influenced by past experiences, fears, and ingrained patterns, often acting as a silent saboteur that undermines our conscious decisions.
The Intelligence Paradox
The paradox arises when our conscious mind intelligently knows the right course of action, but our subconscious mind seems determined to throw a wrench in the works. For example, you might consciously decide to pursue a healthier lifestyle, yet find yourself unconsciously reaching for that tempting bag of chips. It's a baffling tug-of-war between what we know and what we instinctively do.
Understanding the Subconscious Sabotage
The subconscious mind, while often considered the villain in this narrative, isn't necessarily out to get us. Instead, it operates on autopilot, relying on established patterns and associations formed over time. These patterns, sometimes rooted in past traumas, fears we don’t even realize we have, or ingrained limiting beliefs we “inherited” from the generations that came before us, can clash with our conscious desires and decisions.
No matter what our conscious mind may be processing and acknowledging in the present, our subconscious mind is still an autopilot software that is running entirely programmed from our past experiences. It’s designed to keep us safe, BUT if we’re not aware of our programming, it may just cause us to continue to create a repeating cycle over and over again, because it feels safe with familiarity - even when we know that our past is NOT what we want to recreate.
Breaking the Chains: Strategies for Harmony
So, how do we bridge the gap between our conscious wisdom and subconscious sabotage? It begins with awareness. Recognizing the patterns and triggers that lead to subconscious interference is the first step. Journaling, therapy, or mindful practices can help uncover these hidden influences, allowing us to address them head-on.
Another strategy involves reprogramming the subconscious (fancy that the course I teach is called “The ReProgram” and is designed for addressing this specific push-pull dynamic so we can get the hell out or our own way). Just as negative patterns can be ingrained, positive ones can be cultivated. Visualization techniques and repetition of desired behaviors can help reshape the subconscious landscape, aligning it more closely with our conscious goals through a process called neuroplasticity which actually creates entirely new pathways in the brain rather than automatically relying on the network that was already created.
The Power of Mindfulness
Mindfulness is a powerful ally in this internal struggle. By staying present and fully engaging with our thoughts and actions, we can create a space for conscious decisions to take precedence. Mindful practices, such as meditation or deep breathing, can help quiet the subconscious chatter, allowing the conscious mind to lead with greater clarity.
Conclusion: Getting your conscious and subconscious to play on the same playing field…and even on the same team!
Want to experience MUCH more ease in your life? This is the ticket. Until we learn how to align & recruit the 90% of our subconscious mind power with the 10% of our choice, logic, reason, and goal-setting, we’ll constantly be working uphill. In the arena of the mind, the conscious and subconscious play distinct but intertwined roles. While conflicts may arise, understanding, awareness, and intentional reprogramming can foster harmony. Recognize that the subconscious is not an adversary but a product of your unique journey, and by working together, the conscious and subconscious can create a powerful team that resonates with your deepest desires and aspirations.
After all, the true power lies in the unity of both minds, intelligently working towards a common goal.
This is possible for you. We can help. Click here to learn more and apply to The ReProgram