How the conscious and subconscious minds work

Our minds take in information about the world and our experiences through the five senses. Then, all incoming data is categorised and stored in the conscious and subconscious minds.

What is the conscious mind?

The conscious mind is analytical and rational, and features temporary memory and willpower. It is necessary for moderating behaviour and allowing us to navigate through daily life. In contrast, the subconscious mind is imaginative, literal, security-orientated, and features permanent memory, allowing it to record every experience throughout our lives.

What is the subconscious mind?

The subconscious mind conditions our perceptions of the world and our experiences, based on imagination and our literal, emotional responses. And to keep us safe, the subconscious learns from this information and creates automatic protective habits, so we don't have to think through our response in each instance: we can just act. In turn, these responses reinforce the beliefs and perceptions which underlie them every time they are used.

In addition, when an incoming belief/perception doesn't match the existing pattern, the subconscious may create a blind spot. This blocks any mis-matched input, and protects existing beliefs from challenge, keeping our world stable and familiar.

The subconscious mind is always working to make the mind's beliefs a reality. Where there is inconsistency between the beliefs in the conscious and subconscious minds, our stated goals and values contradict our actual experience and priorities. So, for example, we may say we want to lose weight, but somehow can't seem to make the changes to eating and activity that would achieve weight loss.

Hypnosis is the state of narrowed focus and deep relaxation. In this state, we have access the subconscious mind when it is more open to suggestions and revisions to current ways of operating. And this is where the changes you want begin, with your subconscious accepting that there are more positive and beneficial ways to meet your needs, in ways that keep you safe, healthy and happy.

For more information about hypnotherapy or hypnosis, or to book an appointment, contact Sian on 07725 732810 or email.

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