The subconscious mind has unimaginable power. Exercises for the subconscious mind can unleash this power. Put the subconscious mind to work. Learn to use subconscious mind programming techniques.
The subconscious mind orchestrates our thoughts, beliefs, and behaviors without conscious awareness. It stores a fascinating assortment of elements. It is the storehouse of our memories, both recent and long-forgotten. This astonishing mechanism stores every experience we have.
But that’s not all! It is also home to our beliefs, attitudes, and values, reflecting societal norms, cultural conditioning, and personal experiences. Furthermore, our fears, desires, and motivations are also found here. These inherent forces steer our choices and actions, even without our explicit realization. If you put the subconscious mind to work for you, you can use its power to assist you in any task.
Exercises for the Subconscious Mind
Scientists do not agree on precisely what the subconscious mind is made of or where it exists. (1) We are sure it accesses memory, imagination, beliefs, and values.
Subconscious mind programming techniques are tools used to install scripts that affect thinking. Since most of these scripts are stored in memory, we will start here. Then, we will cover the methods you can use to put the subconscious mind to work for you instead of against you.
There are two ways we can reprogram the mind. We can do it, or others can do it without our permission or knowledge. The latter is what religion does with groupthink propaganda. They use group and self-hypnosis to make people customers. The more you allow others to program your thinking, the more susceptible you become. The easier it becomes to adopt harmful extremist thinking. This kind of programming alters our memories and taints the value of the present.
We want to discuss ways to reprogram the mind intentionally. The idea is to install scripts that positively affect ourselves and everyone. We can do this by investigating and deciphering the messages stored in our memories.
Put The Subconscious Mind to Work
Our memory is where the conscious mind meets the subconscious. We can measure when and how we access memories. Testing our memory is one of the exercises for the subconscious mind that we recognize. However, we are not sure where memories reside. What exactly does testing measure? Our mind is made consciousness, which is not confined to the grey matter between our ears. We may not know precisely where memories reside, but we know they exist and that we access them regularly. (2)
“Our lives are a diverse collection of memories which is a powerful force. They can make us prisoners of the past. Or they can fuel innovations for living a more fulfilling present and future.” ― Guru Tua
Memory is comprised of two distinct systems: conscious and unconscious memory. Conscious recollection is accessing data. This can be everything from ideas, sounds, images, sensations to words. Unconscious memories are mechanisms that control preferences; these are our personality and instincts. We are unaware of these preferences, yet they influence every aspect of thinking. (3)
Consciousness links the subconscious mind to both conscious and unconscious memory. So, memories are not static but a complex mixture of things. Memories link us to past events, dreams, and imagination, overlapping and fusing. It is sometimes hard to distinguish one element from another.
Subconscious mind programming techniques enable us to adjust the content and emotional impact. This is an intelligent thing to do. That is what creating a memory palace is all about, but that is a subject for another time. We want to look at changing the programming that is kept in memory.
How Imagination, Emotion, and Time Affect Memory
Whether we realize it or not, the psyche is constantly reprogramming itself. It uses the same subconscious mind reprogramming processes to reorganize data. The question is, do you want to take charge of this activity? There are good reasons to do so.
Imagination is often considered the domain of children’s whimsical fantasies. Yet imagination is a tool that nurtures creativity, problem-solving, and achievement. By deliberately engaging our imagination, we can explore new perspectives, think outside the box, and envision possibilities that were previously unseen. Our subconscious mind responds to the images we create with imagination. This is how we manifest our desires and transform them into reality.
Imagination is also at work in our memories. When we imagine something, we engage in one of the fundamental exercises for the subconscious mind. Imagination fills in the blanks and alters memories based on several factors. Emotion is one of the main factors used by our imagination to change our memory of events. This is why witness recollection is not accurate. Several people can view the same event, each describing it differently. The more time passes, the more the witness’s memory will change. If the event experienced elicits a high emotional impact, this will also alter the memory of the event.
We must first realize that memory is fluid, not static. Our memories do not necessarily accurately represent what happened in the past. Our memory is infused with emotion and shaped by our imagination. Our dreams are a part of our imagination but can overlay into memories. New experiences can also alter our memories.
“Every time” we access a memory, we change it to some degree. The act of remembering is a subconscious mind exercise. We can turn up or turn down the emotional volume. We can clarify or blur the memory. We can expand it to include more of the timeline or new variations. It sounds a bit like Rod Serling’s introduction to the Twilight Zone. But it’s true.
The important thing here is to realize we can modify memories to help us heal. This is especially true for memories of traumatic events. Our dreams about past events can also change our memories. Our memory is very fluid.
Sigmund Freud built his theory of psychotherapy around our dreams and memory. He understood that these could be tools for positive change if we learn to use them correctly.
The Essence of Subconscious Mind Reprogramming
The essence of reprogramming is using exercises for the subconscious mind. The subconscious mind is an extraordinary ally on our journey of personal growth. Actively using memory, imagination, and emotions enables us to tap into the mind’s vast potential.
This process of reprogramming is destructive. You are consciously making changes to memory, which necessitates the removal of old data. Before we jump into the techniques, we want to present a short overview of a process we use with all of these tools: the emotional regulation process. When dealing with this level of inner work, you want to ensure emotions are not influencing you.
The Emotional Regulation Process
1) Stop Every 15 minutes.
Stopping every 15 minutes may seem overkill, but it is better to find out sooner than later if you are having a negative emotional reaction. The sooner to discover it, the easier it is to regain emotional equilibrium.
2) Assess and Ask Questions.
Check your emotions. Are you feeling anything negative? Do you feel anxious, fearful, or angry? If you are having negative emotions, go to step 3. If you aren’t feeling any negative, return to the exercise.
3) Write.
Document how you “feel.” Don’t worry about punctuation; just write. Writing gives us time to assess and understand what’s happening.
4) Meditate or contemplate.
Don’t return until you return to stable emotional equilibrium. If you encounter highly emotional memories, you may need to stop for the day.
1. Individual Memory Subconscious Mind Programming Techniques
The first subconscious mind exercise deals with memory. When we explore memories, we investigate their connections to find patterns and see if or how they connect to events. Something we “thought was a real memory” can be a scene from a movie or dream as easily as an event from our past. Its one-way subconscious mind reprogramming helps us distinguish fact from fiction.
Our memories are our identity. Exploring our memories is serious “inner work,” which can be stressful. You’ll likely discover how negative programming, dreams, or our imagination taint some memories. For that reason, we recommend the following strategies when investigating and reprogramming them:
1) Set aside a specific time to sit and explore memories. We recommend no more than two hours at a time. Use a journal to record your memories or fragments of memories. Pick a specific timeframe or subject. Some like to start with their earliest childhood memories. Another strategy is picking a topic or situation related to a particular feeling. In this case, we recommend starting with positive emotions and situations, like your first kiss.
2) Take a break at least every 15 minutes to do an “emotional check-in. It will help you to make sure you are maintaining sufficient emotional equilibrium. If you dig up something unsettling in your quest, it’s okay to stop for as long as you need.
3) Incorporate self-care techniques after this exercise to help you normalize. It’s not uncommon for profound revelations to arise after the exercise. It is an essential aspect of the exercises for the subconscious mind. They show you how to put the subconscious mind to work. You need time to recuperate.
4) Use a spiritual journal to take notes as you go. A good strategy is to write the main points and leave space to fill in more data later. If you encounter upsetting events within the memories, you may need time to research. Again, it’s common for more data to surface after the exercise.
Memories are often anchors holding us hostage to the past. They can color the value of life and relationships. Our memories can be tools for positive change or keep us prisoners. If we recognize their power, we can use it to improve our lives.
2. Repeating Question Subconscious Mind Programming Techniques
Repetitive questioning is a direct way to access memories. It gets below the superficial automatic responses to the core thinking and values. Ideally, you work with a partner who asks and times the session.
When done independently, it’s best to say the question out loud. The two ground rules are to remain non-judgmental and maintain total confidentiality.
You can use it to put the subconscious mind to work without much effort. It’s the backbone of the tools for positive change. It’s a powerful universal technique with other inner work processes.
We recommend working with a partner, but you can also do this solo. If you do it independently, use a timer and record your answers in your spiritual journal.
You do this for 5 minutes using one question. It seems like a long time. However, once you get started, the time goes quickly. Initially, you’ll pull up the Ego’s most convenient answers. Asking the same question gets below simple answers.
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- Be honest
- When the question is asked, think of a new answer.
- It’s best to work with someone you don’t know well.
If you do this exercise solo, we recommend doing at least four sessions of 5 minutes each. Use a timer to stop the session after 5 minutes to make notes. Then, continue with the exercise 3 or 4 more times. Sometimes, you’ll spend as much time writing after the session as you do in the session.
Suggested Questions for Delving into Memories
It’s a good idea to explore positive memories rather than negative ones. After exploring at least ten positive memories, you can direct your attention to those more negatively charged.
Here is the list of positive repeating questions; replace “negative” with positive when you do the second round:
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- Tell me about a childhood memory that makes you happy.
- What is the oldest positive memory of your childhood? How does it make you feel?
- Tell me about a significant memory you associate with love.
- What childhood brings you joy?
- Tell me about a positive memory you associate with being outdoors in nature.
- What positive memory do you associate with family?
Review your notes after the sessions if you work alone or with a partner. You’ll likely find you have additional details and insight. You’ll end up with a memory inventory.
Some memories you’ve listed may be things you haven’t recalled in some time, at least on a conscious level. Some memories may be on more than one list. The power of memories will make more sense the more you explore them.
3. Subconscious Mind Programming Techniques to Adjust Triggers
The second subconscious mind exercise uses memories to find emotional triggers. These triggers are often the driving force behind phobias and harmful habitual behaviors that hold us hostage. So, if we identify the trigger and remove it, we improve our lives.
Here are the steps:
1) Identify your emotional triggers. First, find significant memories, those that are potent emotional triggers. You will discover these hot buttons when you use the Repeating Question and the Enneagram.
2) Break the chain of bad memories. Second, break the links between negative memories and reduce the emotional volume. You will need to reprogram your inner critic self-talk to break them. The Enneagram of Personality is one of the best tools for finding this negative programming and changing the thought process. We’ll give an example of how this works below.
3) Turn up the volume of positive memories. Finally, turn up the volume of positive memories and turn down the intensity of the negative. Affirmations are the best tool for this last step.
Don’t skip steps. Don’t try to turn up the volume of positive memories without dealing with the negative first. Negative memories often contain the most potent negative emotions like guilt, fear, and anger. So, you need to break the link for negative triggers and turn down the emotional volume. Then, you can proceed with the subconscious mind reprogramming the positive memories.
4. Subconscious Mind Exercise to Break Emotional Links
After completing a memory inventory, you may discover the same memory attached to negative and positive emotions. The power of memory lies in its ability to color our present reality. Memory changes over time, especially when powerful emotions are connected. Changing the association with memory is critical to breaking negative emotional links.
For example, you experience a joyful event like a marriage ceremony. Initially, it is a happy memory as you associate this event’s memories with love. Then, you recall a memory from your past. You were married, but it didn’t work out. You felt betrayed. So, the memory of the marriage ceremony taints your experience of all marriage ceremonies.
If you want to change your experience, you must break the “link of negative association.” Breaking the link is a decision. It requires your desire to reduce or eliminate the event’s negative association. When you do this, it will mitigate its effect on our lives.
As with our example above, we will not erase the memory. We can, however, reduce the effect of memory. We learned that we associate betrayal with the marriage ceremony and understand that it taints our view of all relationships. So, we mitigated the negative effects of our memory. It may take some time, but it is possible. The more inner work you do, the more progress you will make.
We “know” how the act of betrayal taints the ceremony of the relationship. We chose to remove this association. We can emotionally check in with ourselves as we attend other marriage ceremonies. Ask yourself how you feel. Check to see if the past negative association is still tainting the event. If the association still exists, we can move it away from this one to the responsible party.
The success of subconscious mind reprogramming depends upon your familiarity with the technique. Your ability to remove the association of negative memories will improve the more you do it. You may need to go through the process a few times to change memories with heavy emotional baggage.
Adjusting the Volume Up or Down
The last step of the strategy to reshape and control our memories is “adjusting emotion.” It can also be the most effective. You have your inventory of memories and those associated with positive emotions. Now, make these positive memories a part of your daily affirmations.
Turn up the volume on your positive memories by bringing them to the forefront of your awareness. Use keywords you can say aloud to bring these positive memories into focus. It’s as simple as that, but it is a compelling way to use the power contained within our memories.
We also recommend another powerful exercise for delving into memories. We use it in our introductory phase. It helps us expand our awareness and find what we value and fear.
In Conclusion
Exercises for the subconscious mind are powerful tools. They show you how to put the subconscious mind to work for you. Subconscious mind programming techniques improve in effectiveness with use. The more you use these techniques, the more familiar you become with the subconscious. You will gain momentum, turning the power of memories to your advantage. This will increase your positive outlook on life.
References
(1) The Unconscious Mind. The National Library of Medicine
(2) Memories may not be in the brain. Scientific America
(3) Conscious and Unconscious Memory. The National Library of Medicine
(4) Wisdom of the Enneagram, Internet Archive