How to Access the Unconscious Mind for Personal Growth
These powerful techniques are changing my life for the better
Hello Lovelies,
I laughed uncontrollably until, moments later, tears of sadness streamed down my cheeks.
“Feeling joy can almost feel painful,” I offered.
This powerful response occurred after 52 seconds of listening therapy for nervous system regulation, using the Rest and Restore Protocol—the newest program from trauma pioneer Stephen Porges.
His first program, the Safe and Sound Protocol, also unlocked my unconscious mind, as evidenced by a remarkable shift in my dreams, but not as quickly or dramatically.
These listening protocols are costly. I lucked out and connected with a therapist who offered reduced fees thanks to a Community Development Block Grant. The programs may not have been accessible to me otherwise.
The Rest and Restore Protocol may be enough to unlock my unconscious mind in the coming months.
But the direction of my life's path involves getting out of my head, tuning into my body, and listening to my intuition. So naturally, I wondered, “What other ways can I unlock the unconscious mind for healing and personal growth?”
In response to the question, my thoughts went to letters from love as practiced by the popular Eat, Pray, Love author Elizabeth Gilbert.
Gilbert has written herself a letter from unconditional love every day for over twenty-five years.
I wrote about letters from love as a tool for boosting self-esteem and described Gilbet’s experience like this:
“Her first letters from unconditional love were filled with love, affirmation, and encouragement—they told her she was amazing. Gilbert also hears direction, guidance, and humor when she listens to unconditional love and scribbles its messages in her notebook.”
Inspired by Gilbert, I started writing letters from love and even shared one in that article. But my ADHD brain has trouble sticking to regular habits, so letters to love went by the wayside.
That’s okay.
I don’t have to deploy drill sergeant methods to pursue personal and spiritual growth. I credit myself with establishing three daily rituals that have lasted for years. Instead of adding more and making them requirements every single day, I can collect new methods into an as-needed toolbox.
Lately, health issues have challenged me. I’ve needed some unconditional love. So, for a few days, first thing in the morning, before getting out of bed, I asked,
“Love, what do you want me to know today?”
Love did not disappoint. She showered me with validation, support, and insights via a direct link to my subconscious mind.
My delightful tryst with unconditional love reminded me how, after a 30-day experiment in positive thinking, I felt lighter, happier, and more in charge of my life.
During that month, I religiously repeated these five statements from Joe Dispenza as soon as I opened my eyes and right before drifting off to sleep:
I am the creator of my destiny.
My potential is unlimited.
I choose joy and gratitude now.
I am worthy of greatness.
I trust in the wisdom of my body.
This isn’t nonsense; it’s rooted in science. Theta brain waves, which help you access your subconscious mind, are more prominent between sleeping and waking, making you more receptive to new programming.
I spontaneously repeated these phrases when tough moments arose in recent weeks. They’re another valuable resource in my subconscious toolkit.
Change is not necessarily linear. We don’t have to be perfect soldiers marching in a straight line. It’s okay to ebb and flow with our practices according to our needs as long as there’s a rhythm of consistency.
The subconscious shapes our thoughts, behaviors, and reality. It’s a powerful force for transforming habits, overcoming limiting beliefs, and releasing emotional blocks.
Naturally, we want to harness its power for positive change and greater happiness.
Here are more ways you can access the subconscious mind for your healing and transformation:
Mindfulness meditation
Hypnosis, including self-hypnosis
Dreamwork
Automatic writing
Breathwork
Tarot and I-Ching
Myths and symbols
Shadow work
Therapy
Art, music, and dance
There are so many possibilities! Which ones appeal to you? How do you work with your subconscious mind?
We don’t want to be drill sergeants; that would be counterproductive. However, consistency is required for sustained positive change. Find the right balance for you. Weave daily practices with as-needed methods to keep unfolding in beautiful ways.
With therapeutic supervision via text messages, I listened to the Safe and Sound Protocol daily until I completed it.
Due to my initial robust response, I must listen to Rest and Restore in therapy sessions, at least for now, to not overwhelm my nervous system. It might take millennia to finish! But it feels like ambrosia for my traumatized soul, and I’m grateful these programs exist.
As to my health challenges, I’m listening to my body and following the clues. I secretly hope they’ll lead to a breakthrough. But we never know. Bodies aren’t meant to last forever, no matter how many affirmations you do.
The Wayward Mystic
If you’re interested in spirituality, check out my articles on The Wayward Mystic:
Until Next Time
My latest motto, “slow and steady,” applies more than ever. I’m sticking with it.
Thank you for reading and supporting my work. I’m so grateful for your presence!
Much love and best wishes to you, always.
xo Sandra
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I've heard of food for thought... but this is a full on all-you-can-eat buffet. Thanks for sharing!
EFT is one of my favorite ways to create a shift in my feelings and thinking on a deep subconscious level. I've used it for years, and it's truly life-changing.