The Silence Within
Exploring the Subconscious
The other day, I came across a video where someone was breaking down self-realization in a way that was completely new to me—scientific, without the usual spiritual flavor. This concept they referred to as the "subconscious mind" caught my attention. I’ve always known about the subconscious, but I never sat down to really think about what it does in the background of our lives.
Our subconscious mind manages a ton of key tasks we rarely think about. Take breathing, for example: we go about our day without having to remember to breathe because our subconscious handles that for us while we focus on other things. This thought brought me back to a meditation session where I had a vision of myself walking, with my higher-self managing my breaths like squeezing an accordion. That moment resonated deeply; it made clear how much is done for us behind the scenes by this part of our mind.
This inner mechanism doesn’t just help us manage bodily functions; it’s the same energy that guides a seed to grow into a forest, or a drop of water to become river. It’s a foundational force of life. A friend described it as the "power of creation," but I like to think of it as nature itself—it’s all around us, in everything we do and everything we are.
Adapting with the Natural World
A striking example of this natural adaptability and synchronicity came from the documentary My Octopus Teacher. The film follows an octopus that, when it started hunting larger, more challenging prey, triggered a remarkable response from its environment. As the octopus adapted its skills to tackle these bigger challenges, the ecosystem around it began to provide more of that same type of prey. It was as if the environment itself was responding to the octopus’s new needs and abilities, a perfect metaphor for how our own growth can influence the resources and opportunities that come our way.
Embracing Serendipity
In our lives, too, when we let go of our grip on expectations, what we need tends to flow towards us with less effort. This idea hit home when I was looking to learn boxing. I tried several classes, none of which felt right, until I finally let go of the search. Not long after, at a local gym, I found a coach who truly knew boxing. It was as if, by releasing my tight hold on the outcome, the right opportunity just appeared.
Similarly, when my girlfriend graduated from interior design school, I wanted to get her something special—like the latest iPad Pro and Apple Pencil. Initially deterred by the price, I put the idea on hold. Later, a project at work unexpectedly included buying customer returns, and I found exactly what I wanted for her at a much lower price. It was almost as if by forgetting about it, I allowed the subconscious to work its magic and bring it into reality.
The man in the video suggested that when emotions surge, instead of trying to dissect or manage them, we should just pause and let our minds quiet down, allowing the subconscious to process these feelings. This approach aligns with my own experiences, where stepping back and trusting the process often leads to the best outcomes.
In practical terms, this means observing more and reacting less. Trusting that things will unfold in their own time can free us from a lot of unnecessary stress and effort. It’s about letting that deeper, wiser part of ourselves take the lead more often, knowing it’s connected to the same force that orchestrates the harmony of the entire universe.
Homework: Engaging with the Subconscious
To further engage with our subconscious capabilities, here’s a hands-on exercise that goes beyond mere awareness to active participation:
Choose a Subconscious Action: Select an action normally managed automatically like breathing, walking, blinking, swallowing, or balancing.
Actively Control This Action: Instead of passively observing, take deliberate control of this action. Consciously inhale and exhale, or intentionally step with your left foot, then your right, fully feeling each movement.
Theory: Becoming the Subconscious Mind
Imagine the subconscious mind as a companion carrying groceries, each bag representing a task like breathing or balancing. By consciously taking over one of these tasks, you lighten their load, gradually becoming one with the subconscious mind itself. This integration fosters a deep presence and mindfulness, as less energy is diverted to automatic mental processes dominated by the ego.
Visualizing and Implementing the Change
Envision yourself taking a grocery bag from your subconscious. Each action you take over integrates you more deeply with these processes, enhancing your awareness and presence in everyday life. This practice not only connects you more closely with your inner workings but also aligns you with the natural rhythm of life, where the deepest awareness and fulfillment are found.
In practical terms, this means observing more and reacting less. Trusting that things will unfold in their own time can free us from a lot of unnecessary stress and effort. It’s about letting that deeper, wiser part of ourselves take the lead more often, knowing it’s connected to the same force that orchestrates the harmony of the entire universe.
