To Manifest: The Mind Power Part 3

Source/copyright: JDP90 (Joydeep)

THE BASIS OF SUBCONSCIOUS PROGRAMMING

There are very few tricks that practitioners of different approaches use for programming the subconscious. Essentially, it is important to note some basic points before examining the tools:

1. Your subconscious blueprint or program is what runs by default. It consists of habitual thoughts, deeply impregnated memories, assumptions/presumptions, beliefs, emotional experiences, values, fears etc.

2. The programming can be changed either
(a) Gradually, by adapting existing beliefs and thought systems
(b) Radically, by creating a completely new system
(c) In a blended approach of the previous two, where you reach as far as you can within certain confines of the existing system which are either too difficult to change, or conveniently positioned to achieve certain results.

Admittedly, this is a very technical way of describing the process, but it is the basis for tying many different methods together in a coherent and powerful way.

3. Regardless of tradition, there have been very few variations in terms of how the subconscious is affected. The how-to part of this post attempts to boil these variations down to their most basic form.

4. An important distinction must be made between an "open" versus a "closed" thought or concept. An example of a closed concept is "money". Most people have a very specific idea of what they think money is, although the notions probably differ very widely. It is closed in the sense that ordinarily you would not expect your opinion of what it is to be challenged. An open concept would be "abundance". There is less certainty around what that means, and there is room for contemplation and expansion. That means that open concepts are easy entry ways into the existing system, because through them, you can introduce changes both gradually and radically. It is no coincidence that the Touchstone Words are all open concepts. Of course, they are coloured by existing presuppositions, but they are openings nonetheless.

5. Essentially, changes in subconscious programming are achieved by
(a) Reducing the mind to a state of quiet and suggestibility, where existing "noise" due to the current blueprint is at a minimum. Relaxation is usually a key component of this.
(b) Deliberate stupidity or a devil-may-care attitude. This is where there is some component of the blueprint active, but relatively minimally so.
(c) Openness or curiosity, where contemplating possibilities allows previous viewpoints to be dropped or changed.
(d) Intense feelings or experiences, which change the blueprint by their very force.
(e) Bedazzlement, such as via ritual or exhibitions, where a person's belief is temporarily suspended as they are hypnotised by a process. It is interesting to note that this may not necessarily be relaxing - all that is required is that belief is temporarily forgotten and unenforced.
(f) Repetition, which is the key to embedding a new blueprint. Practically all forms of programming have this component in some shape or form.
(h) Using a strong concept already present in the person's mind. For example, a strongly religious person would have very strong concepts (positive or negative) of God. Programming that would create effects more quickly than for an atheist, who has little reference one way or another.
(i) Deliberately phrasing the programming in such a way that existing programs and thoughts will offer it minimal resistance, like getting a bug into a system. (Only in this case, it is a positive one!)

6. How identified the thought is affects its prominence in the blueprint. This is why visualisation and imagination techniques involve the practitioner imagining an event as already past, or currently happening. The more the subconscious mind perceives it as actually happening or having already happened, the more powerfully it accepts it, and the more energy is subconsciously poured into its manifestation. Most such attempts by unsuccessful meditators through the ages occur because they manipulate the meditation too much - always tweaking this or that, without actually entering into the experience of it. The act of analysing it or over-directing the process automatically removes one from a first-hand experience, and instead enforces the paradigm of not having (since if you had something you would hardly be orchestrating an experience to get it). The degree of "first-handedness" is thus vital.

7. Touchstone Words essentially build strong new thought patterns (see 5(h)) by contemplating open concepts (see 4). By using single words, personal issues are sidestepped (see 5(i)), since most blueprints will not react to a single word. Repetition on a daily basis gives this time to build (see 5(f)), especially at bedtime when the mind is drowsy and more suggestible (see 5(a)).

In this article, we increase the power of Touchstone Words by using intensely deep relaxation methods (5(a)), increasing the energy of the word through the contemplation of related concepts and how they relate to a situation (5(c)), becoming fully infused sensation with the word so that it can become more effective (5(d)), being willfully ignorant (or playing dumb) when encountering resistance from the existing programs (5(b)), increasing the amount of attention paid to a thought until complete absorption to the exclusion of all else is achieved (5(e)) and finally increasing the feeling of the goal achieved (6).

With that as a theoretical backdrop, the following methods become logical and acceptable.

HOW TO TAP THE FULL POWER OF TOUCHSTONE WORDS (AND OTHER SUBCONSCIOUS PROGRAMMING METHODS)

The methods of increasing programming effectiveness all have to do with how real or accepted the programming is perceived as. (See 6 above.) Here, several attitudes and states are suggested. As one puts on the attitudes suggested, the receptive state becomes available. Obviously, although I call these different "minds" they do not really exist per se. They are simply a useful model for understanding the process.

The Simplistic and Accepting Mind - Child-Like Faith

This is where the meditator intentionally pretends to have a childlike mind, deliberately ignoring what he "knows" (which is nothing more than past programming, whether it is actually true or not), and instead pretending he is a child, being told something and accepting it completely, having no reason to believe otherwise. This is one of the most powerful and receptive states, provided it is used properly (and not abused). The meditator recalls a time when he or she was innocently accepting, or when he saw this child-like faith, and imagines that he himself has it this very moment.

The simplistic part of the equation is very important - if attempts to analyse or monitor the situation are made, the analytical mind becomes engaged, and there is again a divorce between the perceived reality of the programming.

The Don't-Know Mind

Occasionally, the issue is so embroiled in the meditator's awareness that it is difficult to think about it and not have thoughts come up. This may activate existing beliefs. In Touchstone Words, we avoid this by actually simply focussing on the word and building its power until it naturally filters into different parts of our lives. However, as the meditator becomes more skilled, it is possible to contemplate how a particular word could relate to finances, health, or relationships. (See the Contemplating Mind below.) When he or she does this, beliefs could arise unasked. If the child-like mind and composure is affected, it is wise not to deny the thoughts their existence, for that very resistance can create more negative programming. Instead, approach them with a "don't know" attitude.

The "don't know" can be done in different ways. One way is to adopt an "I don't know how" methodology. Pretend the thoughts arising are simply another person asking you questions and you are calmly saying "I don't know". This acknowledges the thought, but allows you not to engage, instead keeping the focus on the positive programming which is being accepted. Another form of "don't know" is simply to pretend you do not understand the thought that is arising. It is like someone calling up on a telephone, except you imagine the line is garbled and the words are distorted. It is just a collection of sounds. This is an excellent way of staying present.

The Contemplating, Curious or "I Wonder How" Mind

As one contemplates the Touchstone Words, one's experience of them changes, becoming richer and richer. Notice that at least initially, we say "Abundance" rather than "I have abundance". This is to avoid any blockages related with the idea of whether "I" can have abundance. It conveniently sidesteps issues of deservingness, adequacy, "should"s and other value judgements that may be hidden in the psyche. The contemplation of abundance in pure form is more than sufficient to bring up associations which will positively impact the subconscious mind. Only when our programming of this one word is strong enough should we attempt to spread its influence to different areas of our lives.

In doing this, we adopt a curious attitude. We ask, "I wonder how abundance may arise in my relationships?"

This is clearly an open attitude, as opposed to a closed notion of what abundance is. It uses thought to stretch our notions of what is possible. This is slightly and lightly invading the space of existing programming, and is done very gently, tiptoeing in so as not to activate the guard dogs of the current blueprint. Eventually, the benevolent influence spreads. When meditating in this way, other Touchstone Words will naturally arise in our minds as related concepts.

It is very important to be gentle in this process. Over time, the associations will become stronger, richer and more powerful.

The Engrossed, Distracted or Bedazzled Mind

This is really a form of the Contemplating Mind, but one so curious as to merit its own section. Certain ritualistic, meditative or even technological methods avoid the need to confront the existing blueprint by essentially overloading the mind. By forcing the mind to perform different tasks of such complexity that it is completely engrossed, it is temporarily unable to pour any energies into activating the existing blueprint. At this time, the new programming is introduced. There are both intuitive and manifestative methods of this class, although they are relatively rare. Practices of divination or magic that require highly intellectual analysis, such as certain forms of the I Ching and Taoist methods also fall within this class. They work by distracting the intellect of the practitioner with complex theories - to the point where it forgets to object to the new programming.

The "Can't Help It" and Bliss Minds

This is one way of checking to see if resistance is still there. The meditator relaxes into the experience of, say, abundance. Then, he allows abundance to become his very nature. He then looks about and relates to his environment as though he can't help but BE abundant. He can't be anything else even if he tried. This is similar to the practice stage hypnotists use when they tell audiences to pretend their hands are glued together and that they are unable to separate them. This process is similar, but it is used to lock in the state.

The Bliss Mind is related to the "Can't Help It" Mind. Once the meditator is convinced that he cannot escape a state of abundance, he instead sits down to experience it and enjoy it. Enjoying is the way to bliss, and indeed a way to powerfully lock an experience into it. This is a powerful state - imagine thinking "I am healed, and there is nothing anyone can say, do or think to change that now. I might as well see what this experience of being healed is like. Oh, it's quite pleasurable!" Of course, this happens within one's mind before it pervades to reality, but this is the inner experience of it. The outer senses are shut out temporarily for the purpose of installing this positive programming.

The Mind in Repose

As the mind becomes accustomed to the bliss, it gently relaxes and the programming is embedded even more deeply. In this form, it becomes the Mind in Repose. It is no longer necessary to interact with the new programming - it is there and taking hold on its own. In fact, this is a stronger form of the "Can't Help It" Mind, because you truly can't help the new programming being there. This comes as trust and familiarity with the new state increases and resistance melts away.

The Conquering or Don't Care Mind

The Conquering Mind is one I have doubts about describing, as its misuse can lead to all kinds of problems. Essentially, the techniques related to the Conquering Mind methodology eschew the gentler pervading methods of the earlier minds, but instead plunge directly into the core of old programming, forcefully changing it. Where the "Don't Know" Mind acknowledges but does not engage, the "Don't Care" Mind bulldozes ahead with little regard for what the previous blueprint says. It is an act of will to remain focussed, willfully so (pun not intended), to the point of exclusion. This Mind does not tiptoe - it charges.

Performing methodologies of this type using closed concepts and assuming "I know best" can be dangerous and cause severe damage to the sanity. It is far safer to combine them with techniques of the Inspired Mind (see below). I will not go into the methodology of the actual conquering here, save to note that it actually exists for the sake of completeness. It is not an ideal path for most people, and ultimately it is unsustainable on its own - it is only used in very extreme situations, where the will of the person involved is very strong, but the inner noise levels are so high that they are difficult to quiet. When it is over, the meditator should revert to one of the other methods.

The Inspired, Surrendered or "Thy Will Be Done" Mind

This is a very unique type of stance, which tends to exist among the very devoted, the faithful and practitioners of mediumship (for better or for worse - this is a neutral document). This method is seldom if ever described, because again many things can go wrong. In essence, the practitioner quiets his mind and focusses on some version of "Thy Will Be Done". For the purposes of subconscious programming, it matters not to whom the appeal is done, so long as the practitioner perceives it as some form of benign Infinite Intelligence. A discussion of spiritual beings is outside the scope of this study, so it is sidestepped.

The practitioner then practices complete surrender to the Higher Intelligence in question. Note that this is essentially the use of an open concept to allow a hole in the current programming into which Higher Intelligence may pour inspiration and create changes. Again, details of the method will not be shared here.

The Awakened Mind

As the practitioner skates through these states and becomes more adept at them, he will inevitably come to contemplate the nature of mind itself. This is a life-long study, but suffice it to say that manifestation is but the painting - the contemplation of the canvas on which that painting is created is also important. Both are required in order for the fullness of life to be experienced.

In the next part, we look at the role of ego and identity in programming.

To Manifest: The Mind Power Part 2

Source/Copyright: Ramirez

THE ACTIVATING TRIUMVIRATE: THOUGHTS, EMOTIONS AND RELAXATION

Regardless of the particular mix, most traditions use thoughts, emotions and relaxation in differing components to achieve manifestation. Their applications are as follows:

Thought: Whether through words (affirmations and the like) or imagination and visualisation (whatever the particular sense emphasised), thought is used to give specificity to what is desired. This is beneficial in focussing the mind in a given direction. It can also be harmful to the extent that there are hidden blockages in the meditator's psyche. For example, meditating on "I am rich" is fine for someone who has no worries in that direction, but more often than not, it creates problems due to the subconscious beliefs of the person. Thus, at least at first, the trick is to use just enough specificity to create effects, but not enough to trigger these blockages.

Emotions: Where thoughts cannot penetrate, or where a specific outcome cannot be created through imagination or words, emotions can be substituted. The feeling of satisfaction and happiness programmed deep into the subconscious will cause it to create situations which duplicate this feeling. Feelings are more pervasive than thought, and can be used to subvert inner issues.

Thoughts and Emotions; Yin and Yang: If thoughts are specific and penetrating, emotions are pervasive and supportive. Whilst one powerfully breaks new ground, the other nurtures and supports it. It is worth noting that whilst we cannot think a specific thought all the time, we can in fact accustom ourselves to feeling a certain way a lot of the time. This is an influential method at this time, which shows up notably in the Abraham-Hicks material.

Relaxation: Relaxation is the shutting down of thought into silence. It is the silence in which the subconscious can be effectively programmed. To the extent that relaxation can be achieved, internal blockages are temporarily deactivated, and the potential for new possibilities to manifest arises.

ACTIVATION: THE FOUNDING PRINCIPLE

The easiest way to bypass many issues is to simplify the meditation to a single word. Choose a single word upon to meditate, which will slowly condition and permeate into the subconscious. There are many applications for this method, and indeed one could consider it a complete method on its own. Yet, it is incredibly simple.

For example, choose from the words "Highest Good", "God", "Health", "Abundance", "Peace", "Happiness", "Success", "Harmony", "Perfection" and "Vitality". It is not an exhaustive list, but what these words have in common is the fact that they are higher virtues. They have an element of pointing to something more elevated or inspirational. As we relax and meditate on these words, inspiration fills us as new ideas about (let us say) abundance fill us. It becomes an ideal to which we automatically align as we relax in quiet contemplation. The mind slowly begins to savour the word and absorb its essence. Within it is the sum total of every concept of abundance in all aspects of life. If we can relax a little before doing this, by focussing on the breath, this is even better.

Do not attempt to relate this to yourself or your life specifically in any way. That may cause blockages to arise. Simply meditate on the principle of abundance. Allow the mind to be curious as to what that means. Also allow yourself to feel what abundance is. The new thoughts and ideas will permeate the thought level of programming of the subconscious, and automatically will implant new pathways in different aspects of your life. The emotions will give it sustenance, as you move to higher levels of vibration in your feeling.

If thoughts arise about how specific areas of your life could be abundant, just acknowledge them and allow the process to continue with no particular effort. Remain meditating steadfastly on the concept of abundance. If nothing arises, simply sit in the feeling of abundance, not caring about particular issues you may have or different aspects of your life.

By building the founding principle in such a way, it becomes a touchstone of power. The mind begins to build a platform as the subconscious downloads ideas of abundance from Infinite Intelligence (or the Universe, if you so prefer). The trick is to relax and be open to new notions of abundance, and not stubbornly repeat old ideas. In this way, you gently nudge the mind in a new and positive direction, harvesting fresh ideas and programs from pure potentiality.

Let this be the first exercise to which the meditator devotes himself, and he will harvest many benefits. In further articles, the methodology will be expanded upon to achieve more specific results. Nonetheless, if this is the only practice, the meditator will experience much benefit even if he spends just five minutes in the morning upon awakening and five minutes at night just before drifting off to sleep whilst meditating upon his Touchstone Word. Incidentally, there is no need to do many words. Simply find a word that easily attunes the meditator to his highest ideal, and that will suffice. Similarly, a very short phrase such as "everything is perfect" may be used.

In the next article, we will focus on how to deepen and enhance the power of this programming of the subconscious mind.

To Manifest: The Mind Power Part 1

Source/copyright: Pierre Dalous

It is often said that if the bumblebee knew physics, it would realise that it cannot fly - it is aerodynamically impossible. On researching this, I found that the particular calculation on which this allegation is based is faulty, but it is nonetheless an inspiring thing to point out, as I have here. Similarly, it is inspiring, as always, to study the inner workings of the mind and its powers. This has been the study of nearly a lifetime for me, and certainly as far as the metaphysical field is concerned, a good eighteen years. This article is not one of my crazy projects to summarise all that has ever been written, but to bring things back to basics, which are often the things most forgotten and yet most useful when push comes to shove.

Here, then, is the "Cliff Notes" version of the subconscious which one has to know if operating within a western bicameral model of the mind. It is a very old model, but bullet-pointing it allows a basis for us to begin some study on it:

THE ATTRIBUTES

1. The normal stuff. The subconscious is not conscious i.e. it is our store of long term memory, deep impressions, desires and fears, mental programs etc. It is the blueprint for our behaviour and involuntary reactions. It also controls our body's maintenance, such as the heartbeat as well as the healing and renewal process.

Why we care: The self-help industry is mainly interested in this aspect for behaviour modification, success habits and self-mastery. It also applies to maintaining emotional balance and removing trauma.

2. The supernormal stuff. The subconscious also, within the western model of the mind, controls the events of our experience. It guides us into various events depending on what orders are given to it, regardless of whether those orders are intentional or not. It is attributed powers of synchronicity, miraculous healings, encounters fortuitous or otherwise, deep insight, inspiration, intuition etc.

Why we care: The more metaphysical side of the self-help industry is interested in this aspect for manifesting wealth, health, good relationships, romance, business success and the like. Lately, this has become the focus of teachers of "The Secret". It is also used to overcome issues and challenges encountered in daily life. Furthermore, it is of relevance to those interested in healing themselves and others.

3. The supranormal stuff. This is probably the least-explored aspect of the subconscious in the mainstream, which is how it connects to Higher Intelligence. Some say the subconscious itself contains this intelligence, whereas most think it connects to a higher source. Either way, all agree that it is possible to connect to a form of higher intelligence through the subconscious. There are those who posit the existence of a superconscious, in addition to the conscious and the subconscious. This is notably a core subject of Huna, amongst several other disciplines.

Why we care: This is the domain of the spiritual. It is about how we may gain insight and a connection to some degree with higher truths. It is probably the least interesting to the average person because Truth (in the ultimate sense of reality) usually is of little concern in daily life, unless one makes it so.

THE GOAL: WESTERN VERSUS EASTERN PERSPECTIVES

4. Contents of the subconscious mind. The subconscious is filled with impressions, comments, thoughts and habits of a lifetime (some say lifetimes). These constitute its orders. It becomes a blueprint of manifestation into normal experience.

Why we care: If this is true, then a substantial part of our daily experience is but a reflection of something deep within us. More importantly, it is a part of us that we can potentially do something about.

4. Programming the mind. This is a very prevalent trend in Western thought. It is thought that the subconscious is perfectly submissive - it will obey any order given to it without question. Thus, much dynamic type meditation focusses on how to embed suggestions of wealth, health and the like into the subconscious.

Why we care: If this is true, and there has been substantial evidence that it is, at least at the normal level (and there has been quite a bit of anecdotal evidence at the supernormal and supranormal levels, too), then it is a tremendous tool for achieving results that is vastly under-utilised by the majority of the population.

5. Transcending the suffering and finding peace. This tends to be the primary focus of Eastern methodology, particularly Buddhism. Instead of engaging with the content of the subconscious mind, it instead focusses on transcending this content and finding peace. This also has parallels in the West, such as The Work of Byron Katie and the releasing methods of Lester Levenson, which have been written about elsewhere on this blog.

Why we care: It is suggested by proponents that true peace only comes from transcending the thoughts we struggle with deep in our own psyches. When peace is found, realisation also naturally arises, and suffering ends. It also ends the need to "manifest" anything, since one does not experience pain any more. Even if one were to emphasise the Western concepts, it is still an important aspect of ultimate happiness, since endless goal-chasing in itself is unlikely to bring contentment.

6. Finding a balance. It is suggested that the answer lies in between the two perspectives. Becoming too wrapped up in the materialism of using the mind is an unhappy dead end. In fact, due to the programming mechanism of the mind, it is likely that one's ability to manifest will also diminish if this is abused. Similarly, eschewing all physical phenomena is also likely to lead to nihilism, or a deep rejection, which is unwholesome to say the least.

Why we care: If we can balance achievement with inner peace, and gain some kind of realisation into the nature of life whilst we are at it, then the study of the mind is truly invaluable. The aim is to get to a point where we are achieving, but in harmony with higher intelligence. On the peace side of the equation, we aim to be in balance within ourselves and with our external environment.

HOW TO: NEXT STEPS

This is the subject of the next article. I hope to lay out a pathway so that no special training is needed to achieve at least some results (and with any luck, much more) in one's life. This article provides the foundation of what is to follow.