Programmed Intention (the use of gestures)

By Jimmy Henderson

Hons (phil) , MA (psychology) FRC

A form of intention which is useful when working with the unconscious mind is 'programmed intention’. This involves a focused or directed intention coupled with a ritualistic gesture. Symbolic gestures have a definite effect on the unconscious mind when properly established through repetition, and the correct placement and movement of the hands (pre-programmed gestures), can help to change or reinforce mental states.

   The connection between sustained intention and a specific symbolic gesture is also established over time by means of repetitive mind-programming, in which one initially consciously activates the desired mind-shift coupled to a selected gesture or ritualistic movement, until a subliminal link between the two is formed. Once this association is firmly established, the gesture alone will act as a cue to the unconscious mind to activate the desired mind-shift or change in consciousness, which has now become a conditioned response. Examples of such programmed intentions would be ‘When I raise my right hand (and face it forward), I immediately stop any thought process’ or ‘when I move the open palm of my right hand in front of my face, I clear of my mind of all thought’.

   The selection of an appropriate gesture could merely be a convenient personal choice. However, energy-workers, as well as practitioners of the martial arts, maintain that appropriate gestures, as well as body movements, can be linked to the actual flow of energy through various meridians in the body. In other words, when deciding on a symbolic gesture, one could try different positions and movements of the hands and feet, until one is found which (intuitively) feels comfortable and symbolically matches the original intention, such as the example provided earlier, moving the hand in front of the face in order to ‘push away’ unwanted thoughts and clear the mind.

   Once again, the ongoing communication between inner (unconscious) and outer (conscious) processes can be seen to be very important.

Jimmy Henderson a well-known behavioural specialist, metaphysician and regular radio talk show guest. He is the author of many articles as well as two spiritual self-help books entitled ‘Multi-Dimensional Thinking’ and ‘Multi-Dimensional Perception’ which are available at Exclusive Books, Amazon.com and kalahari.com. He is also a facilitator with Metavarsity, as well as a psychology tutor with the University of South Africa, and is based in Durban, South Africa. His website is www.jimmyhendersonbooks.com