The Collective Mind

  

            The Collective Mind

‘…this part of the unconscious is not individual but universal; in contrast to the personal psyche, it has contents and modes of behaviour that are more or less the same everywhere and in all individuals.’

Carl Jung

The limitations of our present thinking and perception

   In my previous book, ‘Multi-Dimensional Perception’ (2010), I used the analogy of people being like goldfish in a bowl. The water in the bowl represents our minds and present understanding, and the world outside of the bowl, reality. I continued by explaining how the water in the bowl is murky as the result of our jumbled-up thoughts and perceptions, painful memories and emotions, limiting beliefs and fears, which so clog up our minds that we have only a dim view of what is actually out there and cannot see things as they really are. Finally, I pointed out the sad fact that we have become so conditioned and accustomed to living in this ‘bowl’ of limiting beliefs, thoughts and perceptions, that it is difficult to even conceive of a larger universe out there.

The important role of the mind in spirituality

   This analogy reveals the important role of the mind in spirituality, in which an over-active mind, negative thoughts, unhelpful emotions and self-defeating beliefs can retard spiritual growth and distort spiritual messages and guidance. This is why it is so important to maintain a quiet and clear mind during prayer and meditation.

   A further problem is that our minds contain subliminal mental structures called ‘schemas’, which are like mini computer-programs containing ‘rules’ for processing information, that have developed out of our past experiences and subsequent thoughts and beliefs, rules such as ‘If I believe this, then I cannot do that …’ Psychological research has shown that these self-imposed rules in our schemas can produce selective perception, which, at an unconscious level, can result in our ignoring or disregarding cues which are important for our spiritual perception and experience.

   However, one positive role of the mind in spirituality is our ability to visualise and create scenarios Positive visualisation is often encouraged by motivational speakers, and its efficacy is based on the principle that the mind cannot accurately differentiate between a real and imagined experience. This   creates the opportunity for creating imaginary scenarios that can assist with spiritual development.

The role of the unconscious mind

   Our schemas operate mostly at a subconscious level, within that level of our consciousness called the ‘unconscious mind’. Normally, this unconscious part of our minds is only credited with the regulation of our bodily functions such as digestion, breathing and heartbeat. However, research has shown that its functions can actually extend into other areas of our lives. For example, there is a constant communication taking place between our unconscious and conscious mental processes.

   These communications can take the form of sensory cues (feelings), more subtle ‘impressions’ and even symbolic images. This communication is most clearly noticeable in our dreams, but can also be experienced during meditation, visualisation, intuition, spiritual guidance and visions.

Inner communications and imagery

   For example, many of you are probably already familiar with visualization (conscious imagery), and hopefully also the more advanced processes, during which images spontaneously appear in your inner visual field. What is particularly interesting is that exactly what we see will depend on how we symbolically interpret these impressions from our unconscious minds in terms of our past experiences, beliefs and thinking paradigms.

Learning to detect and interpret these communications is therefore extremely important for spiritual growth, as the unconscious mind is far more open to Spirit and reality than our normal thinking mind, and can therefore share valuable information not usually accessible to consciousness.

The unconscious guardian

As a result of its greater access to reality and Spirit, our unconscious minds have to filter the information that they release into our normal consciousnesses, allowing through only that which is required for our everyday functioning, otherwise our minds, (which are actually quite fragile), would be completely overloaded with sensory information.

Metaphorically, our unconscious minds can therefore be viewed as guardians or ‘protectors’ of our consciousness, able to regulate our inner (spiritual) experiences according to our states of emotional or psychological ‘readiness’. This readiness is also based on our schemas and therefore our beliefs. For  example, someone who has no belief in Spirit will be less likely to acknowledge a spiritual experience, as any spiritual impressions (cues) would probably be ignored, or even blocked, at a subliminal level. Fortunately, the unconscious mind can also be ‘re-programmed’ by means of affirmations, intentions and other practices such as N.L.P. to become an ally in the process of spiritual development, able to bring about amazing shifts in our consciousness, intuition and psychic abilities.

The Collective Mind

‘Do not try to think out of the box. Understand that there is no box.’

Author unknown

   Our unconscious minds therefore act as intermediaries between our normal perception and the broader universe of Mind which I have called the Collective. This idea of a collective dimension of mind is not new, and has been suggested in various sources dating back to ancient times. For instance, as far back as 400 BC, the ancient Greek philosopher Plato spoke of a higher world of ideal ‘forms’, which could be compared to images being produced by a Universal Mind. The philosopher Hegel also spoke of a world-spirit (‘Geist’) embodying the essence of consciousness. And more recently, the philosopher and theologian Pierre Teilhard de Chardin formulated a view of the Earth as being in the process of unfolding an interlinking system of consciousness which he described as a global net of developing self-awareness (The ‘Noosphere’).

   Some Buddhist teachings also describe Mind as awareness, eternal and limitless, suggesting that the true essence of mind is beyond that which is experienced in everyday life. Furthermore, in Christian scriptures, reference is often made to the ‘Mind of God’, which is, by definition, a universal transcendent being in which ‘we live, and move, and have our being’ (Acts 17:28).

   The idea of a Collective Mind can also be found in some psychological theories, such as the ‘Collective Unconscious’ of Carl Jung, an area of the psyche which he felt was shared by all humanity, and more recently, Systems Theory, in which all persons are seen to be parts of family, group, social and cultural systems which are all inter-related, and ultimately form one gigantic mosaic or universal ‘Meta-system’.

   Finally, the latest research into quantum physics proposes a universe composed of pure consciousness from which everything else is derived, an energy-based ‘quantum reality’ or ‘unified field’, able to change both in form and texture.

   The idea of a Collective Mind can offer a logical explanation for psychological anomalies such as intuition, telepathy and the principles underlying the laws of attraction, which all suggest the interconnectedness of consciousness at some level. In this regard, precognition, extra-sensory perception and out-of-body experiences could also make sense if it can be shown that the human mind actually forms part of a broader universal collective which provides the potential for a far greater range of experiences than are currently imagined.

How do we exist within a Collective Mind?

   In order to explain how individuals (people) exist within a Collective, I will use a number of analogies based on the operation of our own minds. For instance, we each have the ability to create complex visual images using our faculties of intention, imagery and imagination, and with practice, these images can be very real, three-dimensional and have a powerful effect on our bodies.

   Carl Jung also revealed that, within the human psyche, there exist a number of different archetypal sub-personalities. For example, many of us are familiar with the ‘inner child’, the ‘lover’ and ‘the hero’ archetypes, some of which are represented in forms of divination such as the Tarot. Jung describes archetypes as mental patterns constructed out of powerful drives, desires and emotions that have accumulated within the unconscious mind. It is therefore not too far-fetched to consider that a far-superior Universal Mind or Collective intelligence could also be producing and sustaining archetypal forms. And in this case, due to the power and complexity of this Collective, these archetypes could have the capacity for self-awareness, individuation and the construction of a personal sense of reality and existence.

In other words, all living and conscious beings, ourselves, as well as angels, archangels and deities, could all exist as archetypal sub-personalities within the Collective, embodying its aspects or characteristics to various degrees. In fact, this idea fits in well with the religious concept of man as being created in the ‘image’ (imagery) of God.

A separate sense of self

‘My consciousness becomes trapped in the energies of the body and caught up in the entanglements of the mind’

Jimmy Henderson 

The question therefore arises as to how we could become our separate ‘selves’ if we are all part of a Collective. Psychological research has already shown that the human mind has the ability to isolate and extract specific information from the environment and to ignore the rest. This explains how it is possible to hear one’s name being called in a noisy room full of people. In other words, as a result of our unconscious minds (and the physicality of our brains) filtering out most of the information, we are actually only conscious of ourselves and others with whom we are in direct contact.  

What is exciting and important for spiritual growth is the fact that a Collective Mind is unlimited, and   would therefore represent an infinite range of possibilities. In other words, if accessed through the unconscious mind, the potential for inner experience within the broader Collective is limitless. In fact, many of my own experiences in this connected state have been recorded in my latest publication, Multi-Dimensional Perception (2010).

Jimmy Henderson is a metaphysical teacher and the author of a number of books and articles on inner self-development. He has an Honours degree in philosophy (metaphysics) and a Masters degree in Psychology. He is also a Metavarsity and UNISA distance-tutor and based in Durban, Soth Africa. His books ‘Multi-Dimensional Thinking’ (2007) and ‘Multi-dimensional Perception’ (2010) are available on Amazon.com and Kalahari.com and can also be ordered via his website www.jimmyhendersonbooks.com

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The psychology of intuition

                     The psychological basis of intuition

                                      By Jimmy Henderson (MA Psychology)

‘In the interval between words, between thoughts, comes understanding’. Krishnamurti

   The phenomenon of intuition is alluded to in psychological research, but given the term ‘immediate insight’ and linked to the appearance of spontaneous solutions to visual problems, allegedly based on a mental re-arrangement of elements taking place in the mind without any real conscious thought. However, I believe that intuition can be further explained as a process when, under certain circumstances, such as introspection, light slumber or during specific mental exercises such as visualization and meditation, the rational thinking processes are subdued or quieted, allowing the unconscious mind to assume dominance and  release information in the form of sensations, impressions and sometimes even images. These communications usually form the content of dreams, but when one has not yet fully entered the sleep cycle, or as mentioned, is in a highly subjective state, they can, for a few brief seconds, enter normal consciousness.

   This suggests that the fundamental principle of communication between conscious and unconscious processes underlies the phenomenon of intuition, which can now simply be explained as someone becoming aware of the promptings of his or her unconscious mind. This argument is supported by the fact that intuition can be activated simply by addressing specific questions to oneself and waiting expectantly for an appropriate response. Developing intuition is therefore an excellent method of building a working relationship with the unconscious mind. 

   As already mentioned, communications from the unconscious (intuitions), can present themselves as sensory impressions, verbal messages and even spontaneous images which can arise in the inner visual field. In this regard, the human body itself has an inherent intelligence which allows it to communicate its needs in the form of sensory impressions or cues which can sometimes act as an early warning system for preserving life and health. For example, feeling ill after a meal could suggest that one has eaten something disagreeable, and every person has, at some time or other, experienced hunger pains or uncomfortable feelings and sensations which indicate that food or drink is required. This principle forms the basis of many diagnostic and holistic treatments involving bio-feedback.

Sensory intuitions

   What is little known is that this ability to detect sensory cues can be strengthened, improved and used to detect emotional or psychological threats as well. For instance, research shows that, within any social context, clues as to peoples’ true feelings and intentions are embedded or hidden in their actions, body language, choice of words, nuances and emotional responses. In fact, most persons will admit to having experienced feelings of discomfort in some situations, but did not give them a second thought. In most cases these feelings are normally overlooked or simply ignored. In this regard, our unconscious minds are far more open to this type of feedback than our normal perception, and, under the right subjective conditions, could draw our attention to these sensory cues, some of which could suggest possible threats to our physical, emotional or psychological well-being.

Intuition and imagery

   Due to the processes of translation and assembly inherent in human perception, our minds can construct messages and even images out of the impressions and communications from the unconscious mind. Exactly what is heard or seen will usually be based on our existing framework of schemas, (which are mental programs based on our past experiences), as well as our thinking paradigms and belief systems.

   The construction of intuitive visual images depends on the action of the same brain imagery centres that we use for our normal perception of the world (reality). However, in this case, the information is originating from inner processes (the unconscious mind) and not from the outside environment. Intuitive images represent a more powerful medium of communication than words and language. For example, some persons have reported receiving intuitive warnings of impending danger in the form of images of an accident flashing briefly through their consciousness, which links up with the previous section on unconscious cues warning us of possible threats. However, this does not exclude the possibility that some spontaneous imagery (visions) may have an external source.

   The problem that it is relatively easy for our own thoughts and ideas to enter and alter any subliminal messages, and for this reason, it is always important to maintain a clear and open mind when working with intuition. In this regard, intuitive imagery should be distinguished from an overactive imagination. As mentioned in my previous articles, a true intuitive message or image is immediate, presents itself spontaneously, and is not under our conscious control. 

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

Albert Einstein

Interpretation

   As with all intuitive communications, the key to understanding the true meaning of intuitive messages or images would be in correct interpretation. In some cases, such as the accident warnings mentioned previously, images have been reported as being quite clear and precise. However, similar to dreams, intuitive images are usually shaped by our symbolic processes and merely contain elements or clues to the message and meaning hidden within their context, structure, form and composition. The meaning we attach to the images could also be influenced by our existing conceptual framework, those ideas, beliefs and values through which we normally view the world, as well as the unconscious schemas mentioned earlier, which contain ‘rules’ for thinking and interpretation based on our past experiences.

   Unfortunately, this all means that intuitive imagery cannot always be taken literally, and what is seen will normally need to be compared with our present storehouse of knowledge, framework of thinking and past experiences with similar situations, persons or objects, and interpreted metaphorically. For example, seeing an image of a log or large boulder on a road could represent a stumbling block along our present path, something that in real-life, we would have to walk around or climb over, and this would require additional introspection to identify that actual obstacle in our present life. 

   Finally, an entire scenario spontaneously unfolding in one’s consciousness is rarer than a single image, but has been reported in many credible cases. This could in fact, be classified as a vision, although it is normally believed that visions have an external origin. Once again, this scenario would be constructed in the mind from the components of an intuitive message and, as in the case of a dream, could provide information on one’s own inner states, emotions or thoughts. For example, a visual scenario involving an altercation between two figures could actually be mirroring an inner conflict, something of which one was not aware, and such intuitive self-insight will certainly be useful in resolving this issue.

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

Effective Listening skills

Here is a useful article on reading body language which is an extract from my e-book 'Effective Listening Skills' available on Smashwordshttps://www.smashwords.com/books/view/273390

Reading Body Language

The technique of understanding non-verbal communication is based on research which reveals that the human body will respond to areas of psychological and emotional pain and resistance with involuntary movements or shifts. These movements can only be controlled to a small extent and the resulting changes can be interpreted with a high level of accuracy by someone who is trained in this field. This skill is extremely important during the listening process, as it enables a counsellor to track and respond immediately to the changes in the psychological or emotional state of the client. It is also very useful when accepting the role of a listener in any  social situation, as it enables one to gauge and understand the responses of any other person.

A high degree of ‘awareness’ or self-awareness is required to really listen attentively. In this regard, one should be fully aware and ‘present’ when listening in order to note the nuances in what is being said as well any small shifts taking place in voice, tone and body language. These movements of the body will suggest corresponding changes to the emotional and psychological state of the client as the meaning and implications of what is being discussed, is processed.  

The second skill involved in non-verbal communication is learning the rules of body language. In other words, being able to notice the changes taking place in the position, orientation and tension of the client’s body. These shifts will be quite visible to the trained observer using the correct method of observation, including peripheral vision.

Peripheral vision involves using the outer edge of the eyes to view the client. In other words, not focussing on his or her face or any body part in particular, but relaxing one’s eyes and allowing them to ‘wander’ with the idea of viewing his or her body as a whole. This takes practice, and it will be found that this will work best when one’s eyes are slightly out of focus with the head turned slightly away. In any case, a counsellor should not be staring intently at any client, as this could make him or her uncomfortable and lead to uncalled-for changes in body language.  

The aim of reading body-language is to look for sudden shifts in the body-position, body-orientation or bodily tension. If there are no other factors involved, this will suggest a change in an emotional or psychological state.

 General principles

There are a number of general principles which must be considered when reading body

language:

·         Consider possible external factors causing the changes

      Discomfort and distractions due to the invasion of personal space, heat, cold, noise or lack

      of privacy (interruptions) can also result in unexpected body movements. It is therefore

      Important to exclude these other (external) factors before arriving at a conclusion as to the

      content of a non-verbal response or message.

·         View all body movements holistically

    There is no research evidence to suggest that any isolated gesture such as scratching the

    head or pulling an ear has any specific meaning. Non-verbal messages occur in body

    language ‘clusters’. In other words, all areas of the body are involved in sending a true

    non-verbal message and it is important to interpret any changes holistically. In other words,

    one needs to search for a combination of bodily and facial reactions that match. Only then

    can a decision be made as to the likely emotional or psychological state that is being

    experienced by the client which is leading to the change in body language.

·         Note the context in which the change in body language is taking place

     Finally, the context of the social situation must always be taken into consideration. In other

     words, what caused the sudden change? Exactly what experience or area of the client’s  

     life was under discussion when the reaction took place, and what was actually said? A shift

     in body language can be initiated either by something the counsellor has done or said, or as

     a result of a certain spontaneous thought, idea or emotion being experienced by the client. 

                

The specifics of reading body language

Non-verbal communication can be seen in changes in the posture or orientation of the body, bodily tension, facial expressions and voice.  

                                                

·         Changes in body posture

     This can be explained as a change in the openness or closure of the body by the client

      crossing/uncrossing or folding/unfolding his or her arms or legs. In other words, an

      imaginary line down the front and centre of the body is either closed up or exposed in

      response to a change in emotional or psychological state. Closure of the body is usually a

      defensive behaviour which suggests a threat or discomfort, such as would occur when the

      conversation opens up an emotionally vulnerable area of the client’s life. The subliminal

      message in this case would be something along the lines of ‘you have now said something

      which makes me feel vulnerable and emotionally threatened’ or ‘I have just thought of

      something which causes me pain’. A good counsellor or listener would detect this shift in

      body posture and gently question the client further around this issue.

      As previously stated, the closing-up of the body could also be due to an external factor

      such as physical discomfort resulting from an uncomfortable chair or an air-conditioner set

      too cold, and the surroundings would have to be checked to establish if this is not the case.

On the other hand, opening up the body by uncrossing the arms or legs suggests a more relaxed state of mind and trust in the counsellor. The message in this case would be ‘I now trust you sufficiently to expose my vulnerabilities (body) to you’. To an observant counsellor this would be a cue that he or she is using the correct approach and has been successful in gaining the confidence of the client.                                            

·         Body orientation

This can be explained as the direction in which the imaginary line along the front and centre of the client’s body is pointing. Usually during a conversation or counselling session a client will face the counsellor. However, any sudden change such as turning, leaning or pulling away would be a defensive behaviour suggesting a threat, discomfort, distrust, stubbornness or unwillingness. This movement can be subtle, such as a slight shift which effectively brings a shoulder between client and counsellor (the ‘cold shoulder’). This is usually combined with a change in the position of the arms or legs (body posture) and facial expression. As before, the aim would be to search for that part of the conversation (the statement) which has resulted in an unpleasant emotion or thought, leading to the subliminal non-verbal message. In this case, a typical example of such an implied communication would be ‘you have said something which upset me and I need to turn away to regain my composure’.                                         

                                    

Once again, one would have to ensure that the change has not resulted from physical discomfort (such as an uncomfortable chair), or other external factors as previously mentioned such as heat, cold or interruptions. If there are no such factors, then the change in body orientation has resulted from an internal state (thoughts or specific emotions).

Other more subtle changes in orientation, such as averting the eyes, also send a similar message.

As before, the opposite would be true if the client was initially facing or leaning away at the beginning of the counselling session (such as usually is the case with a severely traumatised person), and after a while turns to face the counsellor. In this case the subliminal message would be ‘I now trust you sufficiently to face you’, or ‘I no longer feel threatened by you’, or ‘I welcome your presence’.

·         Body tension

     Any tenseness of the body suggests the presence of generalised anxiety or even specific

     emotions such as fear, anger or confusion. This tension will be revealed by shaking or

     restlessness, as the body is seeking an outlet for the excess energy. In the case of women,

     the most common response is shivering and wringing of the hands, and in men, shaking, 

     shuffling the feet or clenching the fists. Short quick breaths and sweating also indicate a

high level of tension and anxiety, as well as avoiding eye contact and rapid eye movement.                                                  

The context of what is being discussed should suggest the reasons for the tension, for example, when the client begins to explain what happened during a very stressful incident. In this case, the change in body tension sends the subliminal message that ‘this experience/incident I am sharing was extremely unpleasant’. The specific emotion being experienced will be more easily identifiable by noting the voice and facial expressions.  

·         Facial expressions

Changes in the facial expression suggest the arousal of specific emotions. These emotions can either be experienced as pleasant, such as happiness and joy, or unpleasant, in the case of fear or anger. Pleasant emotions will usually be accompanied by smiles, raised eyebrows and dilated pupils, whereas an unpleasant emotion will be the opposite, resulting in a drooping of the face, frowns or grimaces. There is a unique combination of facial contractions associated with each different emotion and with practice it is relatively easy to identify them.                     

·         Changes in the voice

Usually a quiver in the voice indicates the presence of strong emotions. The tone of the voice is also important. A change in the pitch of the voice suggests an emotional shift, either to an anxiety-based emotion (higher pitch) or a depressive emotion (a lower and flatter tone). A gasp or quick breath suggests that the client has experienced a sudden and powerful emotion.                                                     

  

Finally, the counsellor always needs to consider his or her own non-verbal communications. The rules of non-verbal communication apply to everyone. In other words, even if it is at a subliminal level, a client can also detect and respond to non‑verbal messages which the counsellor is sending. When counselling or even just being engaged in conversation, it is always important to be aware of one’s own non-verbal messages as will be revealed in openness/closure, body orientation, bodily tension, voice and facial expression.

In Search of the Oracle

This is an article based on my first self-published book (2002) which has now been released in e-book format through http://www.lulu.com/shop/jimmy-henderson/in-search-of-the-oracle-a-book-on-spiritual-philosophy/ebook/product-20483966.html

                                  Remembering your true self

    By Jimmy Henderson

  

  The idea of human beings having a higher self is becoming more acceptable to current thinking. If you examine religious teachings carefully, you will notice that most refer to us as having an eternal ‘soul’ or ‘divine spirit’ a more perfect version of oneself that is totally different to our current state. They speak of an allegorical ‘fall’ and a separation (‘casting out’) which took place.

   In psychological terms, this separation could simply be a loss of consciousness or memory of one’s original state of being, but something which would have far-reaching effects. To explain this, I will share with you a short story I formulated to demonstrate this principle.

   There was a little girl who had been brought up in an orphanage. She had no idea of who her parents were. She became used to her daily chores at the home, but was never really happy. She never laughed or danced and most of the time felt depressed and empty inside. Then one day a man came to the orphanage to see the supervisor. He wanted to speak to the little girl. He was from a far-away land and was a prince, the son of the king of that country. He told her that many years ago the king’s small child, his little sister, had been lost. They had searched far and wide and at last had discovered that she had been found and placed in the orphanage. He then embraced and informed her that she was the king’s long lost child, his sister, and that he had come to fetch her. He then called the courtiers who had accompanied him, and they took off the little girl’s dirty and torn clothes and dressed her in the finest royal robes. All this time, she had been a princess, but had not known it.  She began to laugh and dance, which she had never done before, and left with the prince to return to her father who awaiting her.

   There are a number of interesting points that emerge from the story. First, the little girl had been a princess from birth, but was not conscious of this. Second, the moment she became conscious of this fact, she underwent a radical change. During her life, the little girl had had two ‘selves’, the outer, which was incomplete and empty in itself, and the inner (royal) ‘self,’ which later emerged as her true nature and inheritance.

   The truth of the matter is that we have all forgotten our true self which is formed from the Consciousness and attributes of the Divine Mind or Intelligence. And the problem is that, unless we learn to accept who and what we truly are, a son or daughter of the Most High, we will continue to see ourselves as inherently imperfect and behave according to this perception, producing only selfish, violent and destructive actions.

   However, once this memory of our higher nature is regained, we can once again attain this level of consciousness and be able to more freely release our past negative actions and their consequences within the framework of our spiritual or religious beliefs. 

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The book, In Search of The Oracle (2002), explains a meditation technique which enables the reader to re-connect one with the wisdom of the inner self, resulting in a flow of consciousness and understanding that can transform one's thinking, perception and experience of life. It also provides answers to many questions that one would pose at the beginning of a search for the Divine and a higher meaning to life. Have a look at the re-release, which is also available through my website www.jimmyhendersonbooks.com

  

Friends are invited to free downloads of my e-book 'How to interpret your dreams' as well as my many metaphysical and wellness articles on my website www.jimmyhendersonbooks.com

 The Unconscious mind

By Jimmy Henderson

(MA (psychology) CHRP

‘The images of the unconscious place a great responsibility upon a man. Failure to understand them, or a shirking of ethical responsibility, deprives him of his wholeness and imposes a painful fragmentariness on his life.’
Carl Jung

The unconscious mind is usually only considered as being involved in the regulation of bodily functions such as digestion, breathing and heartbeat. However, research has shown that its functions extend into all areas of human life. For example, there are constant communications between unconscious and conscious processes which are most clearly noted during dreams, visions and meditations, but which can also be detected using various forms of biofeedback. Such communications can also enter normal awareness under certain subjective conditions and are usually considered as moments of intuition or inspiration.

Most of the processing of sensory information takes place at an unconscious level and in most cases one is not even aware of the profound effect of subliminal mental programs or ‘schemas’ on one’s perception and thinking. These schemas have developed from one’s past experiences over the years and research has shown that they act as a filter for all incoming information, usually passing only that which conforms to one’s current thinking and beliefs. In other words, some sensory (perceptual) cues can be distorted or even blocked by the subliminal content of one’s own unconscious mind.

Furthermore, it is a known fact that the unconscious can also control the flow of sensory information where there is the danger of a possible emotional or psychological overload. This can be clearly seen in cases of persons ‘shutting down’ following exposure to a highly traumatic event. Metaphorically, the unconscious mind can therefore also be seen as a ‘guardian’ and ‘protector’, filtering and regulating one’s inner experiences in accordance with one’s state of psychological or emotional readiness and even one’s moral or religious convictions. For example, someone who has not included the possibility of transcendental experiences in their belief system is unlikely to ever recognise such an experience, as any cues would probably be ignored or even excluded at an early (subliminal) level.

Programming the unconscious mind

‘Everything we experience in the outer world is a reflection of our inner states of consciousness’

Sri Gawn Tu Fahr

During human perception, receptor organs combine with mental processing to encode sensory information from the environment and recode it into recognizable shapes and forms, and the resulting images that one sees are actually reconstructed in the mind. 

New methods of mental programming (such as NLP), have shown that it is possible to further refine one’s perceptual ability in order to translate more subtle bodily sensations and feelings into visible images and impressions. This ability of the (unconscious) mind to translate cues from one sensory mode to another has been noted in psychological research as ‘synesthesia’, but is considered rare.

However, case studies have revealed that, with special training involving the repetitive association of cues with impressions and symbolic interpretations, almost imperceptible changes in the environment can be perceived in the mind as colours, shapes, forms and even humanlike figures. For example, the sensory cues associated with feelings of danger could give rise to impressions of ‘spikiness’ and  ‘thorns’ and a feeling of comfort or safety may spontaneously produce an impression or even a brief image of ‘bubbles’ or ‘cotton puffs’.   

Deeper unconscious programming would involve working directly with the subliminal programs or schemas already mentioned, specifically those which contain the fundamental core beliefs which govern one’s perception of self, the world and reality. This implies that, in order to increase perceptual sensitivity, one would have to alter or modify the content of these schemas or self-imposed ‘rules’ at an unconscious level. Fortunately, cognitive research has also shown that although they are extremely resilient, it is indeed possible to do this by exposing oneself to novel and radical thoughts and experiences which will challenge this existing schematic framework, forcing it to loosen its grip and to expand in order to accommodate these new experiences.

Unfortunately, or perhaps fortunately, this requires a powerful state of mind in which one has total control over one’s thoughts, emotions and perceptions, and is best accomplished during conditions in which the unconscious mind is open to suggestion, such as occurs during meditation. An example of this deep reprogramming would involve combining visualization with meditation to create pseudo-realities into the mind involving complex and bizarre dramatisations, such as a visit to a strange planet with zero gravity in which rocks are floating suspended in the air. This would radically challenge one’s current beliefs, thinking and understanding of reality, even more so if one is able to accurately reproduce an experience of interacting with this (mentally created) environment and be able to shift one’s perception back and forth between the world of floating rocks and everyday reality.

Personal case studies have revealed that this is indeed possible, and although it can initially cause some confusion, one’s experiential framework eventually expands to accommodate these radical inner experiences, introducing the potential for a deeper perception of reality.    

Jimmy Henderson is a metaphysical teacher and the author of a number of books and articles on inner self-development. He has an Honours degree in philosophy (Metaphysics) and a Masters degree in Psychology. He is also a Metavarsity facilitator and based in Durban, South Africa. His books ‘Multi-Dimensional Thinking’ (2007) and ‘Multi-dimensional Perception’ (2010) are available at Exclusive Books as well as on Amazon.com and Kalahari.com and can also be ordered via his website www.jimmyhendersonbooks.com