Understanding Our Thoughts: The Power of the Subconscious Mind

The most difficult stressors in life are the ones that we create for ourselves. Our quality of life is not dependent on how much money we have, but on how much we enjoy and appreciate what we have, right here and now. Our appreciation is based on how we think and feel about things. Our thoughts can invoke strong emotions, having great impact on our well-being. Unfortunately, we cannot escape the often harassing nature of our own thoughts.

Do we ever not think? And, since we accept the belief that thinking is solely a function of using words, what words do we use and how do these words affect us? Can we think without words? What words do infants use before they have learned to speak? When do we ever not have inner conversations? These questions have been described as addiction to thought, and like any other addiction, we seem limited in our ability to control our habit. We feel an intense responsibility for the thoughts we have, and we feel an obligation to think them through to the bitter end.

Are we to blame for the thoughts we have? The answer is NO! We are not to blame for the thoughts we have; however, we ARE responsible for what we do with them once they appear in our conscious mind.

We have the right and the ability to choose to act upon our thoughts or not. Just because it pops into our mind, does not mean we are obligated to spend time on it or to think about it. We cannot always prevent thoughts from making an appearance, but we can let it go on its way. Don’t fight the thought or worry, just “let it go” by not judging it and spending time on it.

In order to do this; we must have an understanding of what creates our thoughts…where do they come from? Thoughts come from the conscious and subconscious mind. Consciously, we are exposed to external stimulus through conversations, reading, TV, or consciously reviewing things in our mind. Our subconscious mind, which is constantly doing what it thinks we want to do, tries to help us by presenting additional related thoughts, memories and feelings. By doing so, it also stimulates our imagination.

Albert Einstein said, “Imagination is more important than knowledge”. The fact is reality and knowledge can and may be overpowered by subconscious imagination and memories. Imagination is so powerful, that it can trigger physiological stress responses in our bodies, such as sweating, muscle tension and knotting your stomach. Our thoughts like to transport us the unreal realms of the past and the future. We can remain in the present by focusing on the reality of where we are at the moment.

Remaining in the present moment is very important to our well being. It is here, in the present, where we have all the power, control and serenity to direct our lives and our thoughts. Thoughts transporting you to the past and into the future consider things that may happen. The problem is, most of these thoughts are of a negative or distressing nature. Negative thoughts are more intense because of their association with negative emotions. These emotions make our memories more vivid and our worries frightful. Our subconscious mind keeps us thinking about the thoughts that are currently dominating our conscious mind.

If negative thoughts and emotions can direct the subconscious mind, certainly it can be directed with positive thoughts and emotions. Change your in-put for a better out-put. We have the ability to select our thoughts, as we desire, rather than having them chosen for us. Choosing positive and comforting thoughts begets positive and comforting feelings of the same process of the subconscious mind.

It is so very important to always be aware of what our messages are to ourselves, what words we use and how they affect our current dominant thinking. By doing so, our subconscious mind will do its work behind the scenes, like a compass pointing us in the right direction.