Your mind is made up of two parts:
- The conscious
- The subconscious
When you go about your day, you might think that your conscious mind is running the show. But actually, your subconscious mind runs the show between 90 to 95% of the time.
What this means is that your past memories, thoughts, and beliefs are influencing what you think, say, and do each day – whether you realize it or not. Think of your subconscious as a tape that is playing over and over. The information on that tape is mainly from what you’ve heard, experienced, and learned your first six years of life. On top of that, other memories and events since then have contributed to the voice on that tape.
When you are not in conscious thought mode (living mindfully in the present), that old tape is playing and influencing your life. This is why many people continue years and years in negative cycles such as depression, anxiety, bad relationships, hot temper, etc.
It is important to realize this. If you want to see real and lasting change in your life, you must understand how to change the tape that is playing in the subconscious. You must learn how to eject that tape and put a new one in that plays more positive thoughts and beliefs.
Changing negative emotions comes from changing negative beliefs. And this can be done by targeting the subconscious. Here is a brief overview of some common methods of subconscious modification that can help you change and/or limit negative thoughts and faulty belief patterns. Note that the methods take somewhat of an understanding of the process, time, and practice.
Sedona Method and Release Technique
This method focuses on feeling the unwanted emotion, sitting with it momentarily, and then letting it go.
Affirmations
Affirmations are conscious repetitions of positive words or phrases about ourselves, which in time sink into our subconscious mind.
Guided Meditations
A speaker gently guides you through visualizations to work on changing underlying beliefs that may not be serving you.
Regular Meditation and Mindfulness
Meditation is a technique where you sit quietly and go within, focusing on your breath. As you tune out the world, you become more attuned to your inner landscape, and the mind quiets down. Mindfulness is being in the present moment, focusing on the now. Practicing mindfulness and meditation regularly can help us better understanding ourselves and become more centered.
The Work
Byron Katie’s method to come to understand what is hurting you and address those problems with clarity.
Silva Method
Jose Silva’s approach to change based on Alpha and Theta meditations, visualization, and more.
Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT)
Emotional release techniques based upon tapping certain meridian points on the body and speaking to the subconscious.
The Presence Process
To release emotional burden from the childhood past – this lets you live in the present.
Inner Influencing
Inner directed methods that help you gain control over your emotions.
Matrix Energetics
Uses light touch and intention to transform thoughts and beliefs.
ENERGETIC WELL BEING PROCESS(c) (EWBP)
This method focuses on what is causing the negative emotions and removing the blocks that keep you stuck there.
Shadow Work
Shadow work is a tool that psychotherapist Carl Jung created many years ago. Essentially, he proposed that throughout life, we tend to form a ‘shadow side’ in the subconscious that holds negative and some positive thoughts/emotions. Illuminating those shadows to feel, heal, and integrate them can help us get rid of such negativity.
These methods can be used on their own, but also be combined in different ways for a greater impact. Some of the methods complement each other quite naturally. It does take some knowledge and effort, but the effort is well worth it. We were not meant to be a slave to negative thoughts and emotions, so begin to delve into these methods and give them a try.”
