Subjective states of mind

                        Subjective states of mind

   By Jimmy Henderson 

(Hons Philosophy) (MA psychology)

‘The intuitive mind is a sacred gift and the rational mind is a faithful servant. We have created a society that honours the servant and has forgotten the gift.’

Albert Einstein

The existence of highly subjective and suggestive states of mind has been proven by neurological research, especially into hypnosis and other forms of self-hypnosis. Science has also revealed that human beings can present an entire continuum of brainwave patterns extending from deep sleep to a highly active pattern characteristic of complex reasoning. However, increased brainwave activity is not always directly linked to a higher awareness. For instance, a low Alpha brainwave frequency of 8-12 cycles per second represents a highly subjective or contemplative state of mind in which the rational thinking processes are subdued and one is easily able to access the unconscious mind.

   This state is ideal for the level of mindfulness required for introspection, expanded thought and even intuition, and provides the foundation for any deeper exploration of the self by creating a ‘mental space’ for receiving and interpreting cues, impressions, images and promptings from the unconscious. This mental space or inner visual field is created simply by closing one’s eyes, quieting the mind and imagining a blank screen at the height of the forehead and about 60 cm in front. These quieting exercises were fully explained in my earlier publication Multi-Dimensional Thinking (2007).

   The well-known psychiatrist Milton Erickson maintained that subjective or trancelike states were actually quite a common, everyday occurrence, but we are simply not normally aware of them. For instance, when driving long distances, being half-asleep or relaxing, reading, listening to music or even when consuming alcohol, it is quite possible to lose oneself in the activity and enter a semi-trance state which opens the unconscious mind to suggestion. In fact, this phenomenon forms the basis of many techniques of conscious mind-development.

Jimmy Henderson is a philosopher, metaphysican and cognitive specialist who integrates science, psychology, philopsophy, metaphysics and spirituality into a co-ordinated whole. His books and e-books can be found on Amazon.com and through his website www.jimmyhendersonbooks.com

The important role of the mind

The important role of the mind

Jimmy Henderson 

Hons (phil) MA (psychology ) FRC

‘Mind is consciousness which has put on limitations. You are originally unlimited and perfect. Later you take on limitations and become the mind’.
Ramana Maharshi (Indian philosopher)

The power of our mind is such that it is believed that our thoughts can even attract favourable or unfavourable life-experiences and circumstances into our lives. This idea is often been given a mystical or magical tone in many spiritual publications. However, it is also well-known and explained in psychological terms as the ‘self-fulfilling prophecy’, a phenomenon which suggests that one’s central beliefs (especially about oneself), can result in attitudes and behaviour which affect decision-making and outcomes, even drawing one to those things one desperately seeks to avoid.

As an example, let us consider the example of a young man with a childhood history of humiliation, someone who has entered adulthood with major social insecurities. As a result, this young man, in all likelihood, entertains ideas such as ‘I am not popular’ and ‘I never get invited to parties’. The problem is that these beliefs eventually filter into his unconscious and become like written ‘scripts’ for his future social behavior. In other words, as a result of these thoughts, he presents or projects a total lack of self-confidence and an unwillingness to participate in social activities. This is reflected in his non-verbal communications (body-language), his actions and his social behavior, which are, in turn, noticed by his peers (especially women), and they simply disassociate from him, and he is no longer invited to social events. This only further reinforces his deeply-held belief that he is unpopular and causes him to withdraw further. The negative content of his beliefs about himself has now become a self-fulfilling-prophecy.

Fortunately, these same processes also form the basis of ‘positive thinking’ and the laws of manifestation, and it is therefore often said that the individual merely has to ‘reprogram’ himself (or herself) (change those underlying self-beliefs ), in order to achieve success. However, it is probably a little more complicated than that, and the role of one’s consciousness, intent and actions, as well as energy-based influences, on desired outcomes cannot be discounted, and this is discussed later.

‘When an inner situation is not made conscious, it appears outside as fate.’

Carl Jung

To further show the importance of the mind and thinking in everyday life, psychological research has even linked powerful negative mental states to a class of (psychosomatic) illnesses in the body (usually relating to hypertension, anxiety and stress). Some alternative diagnostic methods even suggest that specific illnesses can be linked to certain states of mind. For instance, holistic practitioners believe that someone with a staid disposition who shoulders high levels of responsibility (metaphorically ‘carrying the weight of the world on his or her shoulders’), could display spinal issues.  Likewise, someone who, as the result of unpleasant past experiences, is simply (metaphorically) ‘unable to digest life’, could present stomach ailments. However, this is not, as yet, medically proven.

What is, however, clear, is that dealing with troubling issues from the past and being able to maintain a clear and focused mind, is important for conscious and healthy living. And, if deemed necessary, one should not hesitate to seek additional help in the form of counseling.  

Jimmy Henderson is a philosopher, metaphysican and cognitive specialist who integrates science, psychology, philopsophy, metaphysics and spirituality into a co-ordinated whole. His books and e-books can be found on Amazon.com and through his website www.jimmyhendersonbooks.com