Beyond Freedom Part 2 – 05: Accessing the Subconscious

Have you ever heard the phrase, “I want to sleep on it?” It’s actually a good piece of wisdom being put into practice. Rather than making a decision solely using the conscious mind, the person is saying they want to access their subconscious for a deep, gut-level decision.

Accessing the subconscious is not something we are practiced at doing. There is a storehouse of knowledge in our subconscious, but it can be like walking into one of those enormous home improvement warehouses where you spend more time walking up and down the aisles filling your basket with needless items than finding what you came to get.

The subconscious mind does not speak English. It’s an internal guidance system. It communicates through concepts, emotions and feelings. It presents us with options that lead us to our desires. But, ultimately, we must make the choice. Turn left or right. Say hello or walk on by.

Part of the problem in accessing the subconscious is that we chase the information rather than allowing it to come to us. There is no easy way to coax the information into your brain. Normally, it arrives after you have relaxed and allowed the information to sink in.

Have you ever tried to chase a cat? They are speedy little beasts. The only way to catch a cat is not run after it, but stand still. Sweet-talk it into coming over. Act as if you don’t care. Next thing you know, it is rubbing against your leg. That’s the best way to coax an idea from the subconscious.

Where do you get your best ideas? Some people get them while bathing. Others get great ideas while driving, talking on the phone or listening to music. It’s the relaxed and slightly occupied mind that allows direct access to the subconscious.

EXERCISE

In your journal, attempt to recall where and how you had your best ideas – the breakthrough ideas in your life. Were you in bed? Were you relaxed or nervous? Were you busy trying to come up with the idea or did it plop in front of you like a big, nicely wrapped present? List the way you felt when the idea came to you. We are trying to isolate the feelings and methods that will lead us to recognize the pure wisdom of our subconscious.

Usually, it is the rational decisions that end up costing us the most. We outthink ourselves.

We tend to play it safe when our true desire demands a leap of faith.