What is the Subconscious?
The subconscious is that part of your mind that works behind the scenes, without asking permission and without needing a coffee break. It archives memories, emotions, traumas and even the lyrics to that song you heard once ten years ago. What's more, it doesn't sleep! According to Dr Bruce Lipton, around 70% of the programs that run in our unconscious mind are negative. In other words, we come with software that's a bit out of kilter, but nothing that an update (or reprogramming) can't fix!
Definition and Importance
In technical terms, the unconscious mind (or SC for friends) refers to all the mental functions that operate below the level of consciousness. It's like a giant database that stores everything we experience, feel and learn. The difference? This database rarely deletes files. And yes, that includes that embarrassing moment from primary school that insists on coming back when you least expect it.
It is responsible for much of our behaviour. Why is this? Because it automates processes, helping us not to waste energy on repetitive tasks (like breathing or cycling). The problem is that it doesn't know how to distinguish the useful from the limiting - so it stores both empowering beliefs and those that tell you that "you're not enough".
Difference Between Unconscious Mind and Consciousness
If your mind were a theatre, your conscience would be the main actress, shining in the spotlight. The SC? He's the backstage technician who controls the lights, sound and even the teleprompter. If all goes well, he helps ensure a perfect show. But if something goes wrong, he doesn't hesitate to switch off the microphone without warning.
For example, when you're learning how to drive, your conscience is at work - focused and anxious. But over time, the SC takes the wheel, allowing you to drive while thinking about life or deciding what to have for dinner. It becomes the autopilot of your daily life.
How the Unconscious Mind Works
Operating Mechanisms
The SC is a high-speed information processor. It compares new situations with past experiences and decides, in milliseconds, how you should react. The twist? It rarely warns you. So if you've ever felt that "chill in your stomach" for no apparent reason, you can thank your unconscious brain. It has identified a possible threat - even if the threat is just the neighbour's chihuahua.
Bruce Lipton explains that up to 95% of the decisions we make every day come from the subconscious mind. This means that, however much your conscience believes it is in control, the SC is dictating the rules most of the time.
Information Processing
The unconscious mind processes EVERYTHING. Even when you think you're distracted by your mobile phone during a conversation, it continues to absorb details. It's like having an internal recorder that never stops. Thanks to this, you sometimes get that inexplicable feeling that something is wrong - the SC has connected the dots before you even realise it consciously.
How Associations Are Created in the Hidden Mind
Formation of Associations
The SC loves to create associations, whether good or bad. If something happens repeatedly, it files that experience away with an emotional label. For example, if you grew up listening to happy music at parties, your unconscious mind will associate that music with happiness. Even years later, when you hear it, you feel good without realising why.
But it's not all good memories. If a negative experience has been repeated several times (such as a teacher shouting at you), the SC files that situation as "potential danger". The result? The sight of a blackboard is enough to make you feel a little nervous. It doesn't forget anything (even when you'd love it to).
Everyday examples
Have you ever smelt a perfume and been transported directly to a special moment in the past? That's the subconscious mind at work. The same happens when a flavour, a piece of music or even a colour makes you relive memories you thought were well stored away. The SC loves to pull up those "old files" at the most unexpected moments.
Impact on Belief Creation
The Role of the Unconscious Mind in Beliefs
Beliefs are one of the luxury creations of the SC. Ever since you were little, everything you've heard - whether it's "you're great at this" or "you'll never succeed" - has been stored as absolute truth. If repeated enough times, the SC archives it as a universal law.
So even if you now consciously know that you're capable of achieving something, if the SC has an opposite file, it will do everything it can to sabotage the process. And that's how the famous limiting beliefs are born.
Positive Beliefs vs. Limiting Beliefs
Positive beliefs are those that encourage you to move forward, while limiting beliefs are those that hold you back. For example, believing that you are capable of achieving your goals drives you to act. Believing that you don't deserve success leads to self-sabotage.
Reprogramming Beliefs with the Belief Code
What is the Belief Code?
- Belief Code is a technique that helps reprogramme limiting beliefs directly in the SC. It works like updating the mental operating system. The idea is to exchange those "old programmes" for beliefs that are more in line with what you really want to achieve.
By identifying beliefs and releasing these energies, we can replace "I can't do it" with "I can do anything I set my mind to". And yes, it really works!
Conclusion
The subconscious mind is a powerful tool - but it can also be your mind's biggest troll. The good news? You have the power to reprogramme it. By understanding how it works and working to change limiting beliefs, you can align your SC files with your goals and create the life you want. After all, your mind is your greatest resource. Make good use of it!
