To reprogram and MIND Ourselves (Part 1): The 3 Minds
Updated: Sep 6, 2019
The human brain is a complex organ that even modern science has yet to debunk its full capabilities of it yet. Of course physically we do know that we do not have 3 brains, but from a psychological point of view, we often split the functions of it into a 2-mind or a 3-mind model. To reprogram ourselves to have a better life ahead, we need to first understand what we are trying to reprogram within us.
In this 3-mind model, we have the (1) Conscious Mind (CM) (2) Subconscious Mind (SCM) and the (3) Unconscious Mind (UCM)
The Conscious Mind (CM)
This is what we consciously make use of everyday. This is the domain for logical processing. When we have to solve problems or decipher codes for the first time, the Conscious Mind (CM) processes the issue and presents a solution that deems to be most logical. For example, solving a math question such as 37 + 46 = ? . The mental calculation process automatically kicks in and we are able to get an answer (sooner or later at least!)
Also, the CM is responsible for storing short-term memory. Early research shows that we are only able to recall up to 7 bits of information at any one time, therefore most phone numbers are usually around 7 digits. However, more recent research showed that the CM can only recall not 7, but only 4 bits of information at any one time! Even for the telephone numbers, it is found that we usually bunch those 7 digits up into groups and we can process not 7, but ONLY 4 groups of digits at once!
We realize that the CM has very limited capabilities and it is not what we are fully capable of as well. And true enough, the conscious mind takes up less than 10% of our brains' full capacity! This is often depicted as an iceberg, like the picture below, where we can only see the small bit that surfaces above, but not the huge chunk hidden deep beneath the surface of the water, and that is where the wonders of the mind exists.
The Subconscious Mind (SCM)
This is where the next 50-60% of the brain's functions thrive. If the CM stores short-term memory, the SCM stores long-term memory. In fact, it stores memory from the very day you were born! However, most of us do not know that, as we are so used to saying that "we forgot". That is just the CM not "retrieving" the relevant information from the SCM, where all your life experiences are properly "archived".
Also, the SCM is also where meanings, interpretations and beliefs are stored based on past experiences. In a simple example, when you see your boss come into the office with a frown on his face, from past experiences, you INTERPRET that he is in a bad mood and you BELIEF that whenever he is in this mood, he will not approve any request for holiday leaves. However, whether the interpretation/belief is true or not, that is not relevant as this is what the SCM processed and stored within your mind based on past experiences.
Emotions and feelings are also stored in the SCM. When certain events occur in our lives, these emotions will be tagged to these events and "archived" in the SCM. Just like how sometimes people overreact to some event that seems minor. It would most likely be an emotional resonance to another bigger event in the past that brought back the same emotions.
The SCM also stores habits. We human beings are creatures of habit. The more we do a particular activity, the more we get used to it and it gets easier. Similarly, trying to kick a bad habit is not that simple, as the SCM automatically reverts to what we are so good at doing. However, habits are part of our daily cycle and it is natural for us to have it. It acts like our default programs that automatically executes when certain scenarios are met. Habits do not necessarily limit itself to just actions, it could also be feelings and emotions as well. For example, if you see a cockroach flying around your room, you feel fear, your muscles tense up, you tuck yr head inwards, panic sets in, you start screaming and a whole other series of habits that may get triggered all at the same time.
From here we can see that the SCM have a variety of functions. Most of all mental processes and information are stored here. However there are still more functions of the human brain.
The Unconscious Mind (UCM)
In the 3-mind model, the UCM is categorized separately from the SCM as the functions are more physical in nature. The UCM controls involuntary movements such as the pumping of our heart, the digestion of our food in our stomach, our breathing and many more. You realize that we do not have to watch all of these movements, they perform naturally without us thinking about it. Imagine if we have to use the CM to ensure that our heart is beating regularly, while remembering to exhale after inhaling - it is impossible isn't it!
The UCM also controls feelings. Unlike the SCM where these feelings are stored, the UCM generates the physical sensations of feelings. When you are sad, your eyes water up. This is the UCM at work. Storing the sadness and the tears welling up is then the job of the SCM.
Now those are the functions of the human mind in a nutshell. When we work on reprogramming and having a better control of your mind, what we work on is of course, the subconscious mind (SCM). You would realize that the SCM stores many information that may not be useful to us anymore, and the 10% from your conscious mind just cannot win over the 60% subconscious mind with just your willpower.
In the next article, we will touch on using the power of hypnosis to optimize the capabilities of your SCM. Hypnosis is a method of reaching into SCM and making the changes that you want in your thought processes. Read on to find out how it can be used to get rid of mental processes that does not serve you any longer!
Part 2 of 3: https://www.outreachsg.com/post/to-reprogram-and-mind-ourselves-part-2
Part 3 of 3: https://www.outreachsg.com/post/to-reprogram-and-mind-ourselves-part-3
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