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

Working with energy

Working with energy

By Jimmy Henderson (MA psychology) FRC

Although scientists have identified various modes of energy in the Universe, some quantum physicists believe that there is only one source, that of consciousness itself. 

It is a well-known scientific fact that energy is never lost, and is merely transformed. If one accepts the argument that consciousness is merely a highly active mode of (conscious) energy, it is not unreasonable to believe that a superior universal consciousness would also produce lower forms of energy able to flow through its structures, even to the point of providing the underlying energy-templates for that which we experience as ‘matter’.

When engaging with the this universal consciousness, any experience would have to be adapted to ‘fit’ the human biological, neurological and mental structures, which are actually very slow in comparison to the movement of unimpeded energy (the speed of light). This ‘adaptation’ would account for the loss of consciousness experienced during physical embodiment and this would be even more the case with less-evolved biological systems such as animals, plants and minerals.

Exploring deeper higher levels of the mind demands extremely high levels of mental energy. In fact, the deeper one connects with this universal consciousness, the more energy is required for one's symbolic processes to construct a workable sense of reality and to structure archetypal patterns into recognizable forms.

It can also be seen how the focus, attention and concentration required during advanced imagery such as the creation and sustaining of mental ‘membranes’ or ‘portals’ for passage into the deeper levels of mind, places huge demands on one’s energy resources.

This energy-depletion will be experienced as a wandering focus, an inability to maintain concentration and physical fatigue. When engaging in complex mental processes such as those already indicated, it is important to monitor one’s state of mind and level of energy, and when these symptoms become apparent, begin a slow, controlled, safe return to normal consciousness, as terminating the process too suddenly could result in disorientation and confusion.

However, practitioners maintain that these energies can be replenished by means of certain meditations, prayers or petitions. For instance, those who have connected with their higher selves (which they sometimes refer to as their ‘souls’) report a sudden unexpected deep breath and rush of energy which makes them to gasp.   

Even from a psychological point of view, a thought alone can unlock huge amounts of physical energy and activity, such as the excitement produced in a person learning that he or she has won a large amount of money. In this same way, during meditation, the energy of the mind can be increased dramatically by any positive thought which generates a powerful emotion such as joy or excitement which is then transformed into energy and harnessed for inner work.   

Massive accumulations of energy are to be found throughout the Universe in celestial bodies such as stars (suns), galaxies and nebulae. Other modes of this energy are also found in the Earth as well as concentrated in clusters in the human body itself. Metaphysical practitioners report that during the subjective or altered states of mind discussed previously, it is possible to tap into these energies with the correct use of intention and attunement. 

Jimmy Henderson is a published author and cognitive specialist who integrates philosophy and metaphysics with psychology. His books and e-books are to be found on Amazon.com. 

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Videos of talks

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Initiation journeys into the mind

Mental and spiritual initiations 

By Jimmy Henderson 

(Hons philosophy, MA psychology, FRC) 

The mind has the potential for the mental creation of elaborate ritualistic settings and rituals which can have a very real effect on one's unconscious. It is therefore possible to conduct self-initiations directed at inner mental development. 

This is normally performed during slightly altered states of consciousness (meditation, contemplation or visualisation), during which time one constructs (in the mind) complex images of sacred sites and locations such as sanctums, temples or natural wonders such as mountains and caves complete with initiatory rituals involving priests, monks or even one's chosen exalted spiritual personalities or masters.      

The next step is to try to superimpose these images on one’s normal view of reality. This can be performed by opening and closing the eyes slowly during the meditation and imagery until the sacred location appears to be suspended in the room and very real.  

As mentioned in other articles, the human unconscious mind responds well to such imaginary dramatisations and this creates the opportunity for directly accessing and altering the subliminal programs (schemas) which regulate our consciousness and perception. These self-initiated inner experiences actually can actually result in these schemas becoming more fluid and subsequently, our minds more open to higher perceptual experiences. These self-created rituals or scenarios also provide a visual field in which other archetypal figures within the collective unconscious can reveal themselves and even assist in the initiations.  

These initiatory mental enactments can be very complex, and can include moving along hidden pathways, entering through portals or even pushing through re-created ‘dimensional’ membranes into higher dimensions of consciousness. With practice, these mental creations can become so powerful and real that one can actually imagine touching and feeling this membrane. When in such a subjective state, the mind is fully open to suggestion and the unconscious will accept these experiences and enactments as real, or at least sufficiently real so as to produce powerful corresponding changes in mental states and consciousness.

Although, when mastered, these experiences may seem like one is travelling into different dimensions or even visiting other historical time-slots, what is actually taking place are shifts in perception, which results in the recovery of impressions and images relating to these sites.

One can also consciously petition or request the privilege of a real initiation from Spirit. 

However, unless the appropriate level of consciousness and emotional and psychological readiness has been attained, it is unlikely that this will take place, or have the desired effect. 

However, it can happen that Initiatory dramatisations can also be spontaneously presented under the direction of powerful archetypal personalities during lucid dreams or meditations, and would also involve complex rituals during which one’s readiness, intention, commitment and courage would be tested. These Initiations differ in form and content, but share common characteristics or requirements. For instance, they all involve a situation where a choice, choices or a decision has to be consciously made (this distinguishes it from a normal dream or vision). As previously stated, they could also involve a practical challenge in which one has to face and overcome certain obstacles and could even include a dramatised ‘battle’ with one or more antagonists. Finally, they all require a new commitment and a purposeful dedication to the service of mankind.

In conclusion, initiations are designed to ensure that one is not moving or evolving at a pace which will damage the fragile human mind and consciousness, and ideally, ‘permission’ should be given before one proceeds. In other words, during advanced meditations and initiations, one should be intuitively ‘invited’ to proceed further, especially when working with high levels of consciousness and energy.

 Jimmy Henderson is a cognitive specialist who attempts to integrate science and psychology with philosophy and spirituality. He has published a number of books and e-books on aspects of human psychology and spirituality which are available on Amazon.com as well as his  website   www.jimmyhendersonbooks.com 

Archetypes

‘Archetypes do not have a determinate content... but since the moment they become conscious, that is filled with the material of our conscious experience...’‘

Carl Jung

When exploring our minds during meditation or other altered states of consciousness, we may find that we are able to interact with universal archetypal personalities that exist on a very deep level within a 'collective unconscious' as described by Carl Jung. Depending on our backgrounds, religious beliefs and cultures, these archetypes could take on the form of a celestial being (an angel), a deity, or even assume the appearance of an ancient 'god' or some other universal symbolic figure. Dragons and other mythological creatures could also fall into this category. 

We must bear in mind that what we are seeing is merely a representation or picture assembled in our minds from the shifting energies of pure consciousness that exist at such deep levels. However, the figures and archetypes that do emerge from the background of this universal consciousness (Spirit) could well be said to have an actual existence, being able to interact with us, and are sometimes far superior in terms of wisdom and understanding. 

‘Angels are thoughts of God’

Marianne Williamson

As stated, when in these deep 'connected' states, it is possible to communicate and even receive guidance and instruction from such archetypal beings, most of which embody the essential benevolence of Spirit and reflect its attributes to various degrees. 

However, there is still much controversy surrounding the possibility of the existence of ancient gods and deities. Ancient texts suggest that some have appeared in humanlike form at certain times in history. In this regard, many sacred religious scriptures, as well as early myths and legends, refer to giants and heroes who living many millennia ago. However, as a cognitive scientist, I need to consider these experiences as the possible effects of altered (subjective) states of mind in which one is able to access archetypes which exist within the depths of mind. 

In the light of current research into the functioning of the human mind, there are therefore two possibilities; As mentioned, either these 'appearances' were the result of altered states of consciousness induced during rituals conducted in temples, at which time the priests and devotees were able to engage with the deeper levels of the collective unconscious and superimpose the resulting visions on their normal perception of reality; Or else the human perceptual processes may not have been as strictly regulated as they are today, and being more open to intuition, some persons may have experienced these figures as patently real. 

In other words, during early times there may well have been a closer interaction between humans and archetypal personalities within Spirit. 

This question is still open to debate. However, Carl Jung did believe that it was possible, under certain conditions, for aspects of the collective unconscious to impinge on everyday reality. 

Jimmy Henderson is a cognitive specialist who attempts to integrate science and psychology with philosophy and spirituality. He has published a number of books and e-books on aspects of human psychology and spirituality which are available on Amazon.com as well as his  website   www.jimmyhendersonbooks.com 

The power of petitioning or prayer

The power of petitioning or prayer 

With regard to petitioning or prayer, there is a spiritual etiquette involved, in that it is always required of one to request assistance, as this indicates a state of willingness, a readiness to receive and that one has reached the point at which our own resources are exhausted and help is truly required. 

In such cases, no attempt to communicate with a higher power would ever go unnoticed or unacknowledged. In response to any petition or prayer, acknowledgement and assistance will always be available, although in practice, it does appear to originate from that level which is closest and most suitable for our immediate needs. 

In other words, this help could actually come from other persons who have been moved through the intimate connection that we all have with Spirit. 

Jimmy Henderson is a metaphysician and published author who has been able to reconcile psychological, philosophical and spiritual ideas. Visit his page on Amazon.com to see his many books and e-books that are available. 

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