What is the Unconscious Mind?
The human mind can be compared to an iceberg in the ocean. The visible part, ie above the surface, is our consciousness – what we are aware of at any given time. But beneath the surface lies the vast bulk. This hidden part is our unconscious, that huge mass of content of which we are unaware but which can, and frequently does, have a significant effect on our lives.
Shadow Work Journal and Guide for Beginners: An Introduction to Discovering and Healing Your Unconscious Self by Kelly Bramblett
Kelly Bramblett’s Shadow Work Journal is a compassionate, accessible guide to self-discovery and emotional healing. Through thoughtful prompts and gentle guidance, it helps readers explore their hidden emotions and patterns, transforming pain into empowerment. Ideal for those new to shadow work, it provides a safe space to uncover and integrate the parts of yourself that need love and attention. A beautiful starting point for inner growth and self-awareness.
Unconscious or Subconscious – Terminology
Though unconscious and subconscious are often used interchangeably in everyday language, they actually come from different psychological traditions and carry distinct meanings depending on context.
The concept of the unconscious comes from Freud’s psychoanalytic theory. According to Freud the unconscious contains thoughts, memories, and desires that are actively repressed — kept out of conscious awareness because they’re too painful, shameful, or threatening. These unconscious forces can influence our feelings, behaviors, and decisions without us realizing it.
The term subconscious comes from popular psychology and early thinkers like William James. It is the layer of the mind just below consciousness, where habits, automatic skills, and memories reside. It handles familiar tasks, patterns, and emotional associations — things you can access with some effort or awareness.
The Nature of the Unconscious
The unconscious has numerous depths, reflecting how easily the contained material may be brought to consciousness. Eg the memory of what you had for dinner last Tuesday may be retrieved with little effort, but what happened on the 16th Tuesday afternoon of 4th grade may be almost impossible to recall. Paradoxically some of the experiences that exert a significant influence may be the hardest to recall, particularly if they were painful, since the mind may have chosen to repress them.
What is Jung’s Collective Unconscious?
Jung proposed that beneath each person’s individual unconscious (which holds personal memories, feelings, and experiences) lies a deeper, universal layer of the psyche — the collective unconscious.
This level is shared by all humans, regardless of culture or background. It contains the inherited psychological structures and symbolic patterns that shape how people experience the world.
He described these shared patterns as archetypes — instinctive, primordial images and motifs that emerge across all cultures and mythologies.
The Archetypes and The Collective Unconscious by C. G. Jung
One of Jung’s most profound works, The Archetypes and The Collective Unconscious dives deep into the shared symbols and myths that shape human experience. Through timeless insight and rich examples, Jung explores the universal patterns that guide our dreams, behavior, and creativity. This classic is essential for anyone fascinated by the deeper layers of the psyche and how our unconscious connects us to humanity as a whole. A truly transformative read.
Spiritual philosophy goes further in suggesting some mechanism by which an individual mind may access some shared (spiritual) realm, and in so doing be able to communicate with other minds (that also access this realm) by non-physical means. Thus describing a possible mechanism for telepathy and other forms of psychic phenomena.
Consciousness and the Unconscious
At any time consciousness consists of i) the manifest part of the unconscious, which varies but most usually is that nearest the surface; ii) the part of sensory input that is given attention. During sleep i) control/inhibition is reduced and deeper parts of the unconscious may come to awareness; ii) sensory input is diminished (but still present).
The Unconscious as the Key to Fulfillment
There are two specific ways in which the unconscious may be considered the key to fulfillment.
- By better understanding our unconscious we better understand our self and are thus able to align our actions in accordance with our true purpose.
- We can, to some extent, “re-program” the unconscious to make its immense hidden powers become more aligned to our conscious goals.
The Unconscious – Key to Understanding the Self
Subliminal: How Your Unconscious Mind Rules Your Behavior by Leonard Mlodinow
Leonard Mlodinow blends science and storytelling to reveal how much of our thinking and behavior is shaped by the unconscious mind. Subliminal is engaging, insightful, and filled with surprising research that challenges the illusion of control we think we have. It helps readers see how hidden influences affect daily life — and how awareness of them can empower us to make better choices. A fascinating journey into the unseen workings of the mind.
The importance of self-knowledge (including, of course, the unconscious part) has long been recognized:
- “Know thyself”, was inscribed in the Temple of Apollo at Delphi.
- In 1734 Alexander Pope wrote: “Know then thyself, presume not God to scan, The proper study of mankind is Man.”
- And in 1750 Benjamin Franklin acknowledged the difficulty of obtaining true self-knowledge: “There are three things extremely hard, Steel, a Diamond, and to know one’s self.”
However, there are certain techniques for revealing one’s inner drives, eg those arising from psychoanalysis, ie:
- Dream interpretation
- Hypnosis
- Free association
The Significance of Dreams
Dreams are the most commonly experienced window to the subconscious. It’s said we all have several dreams every night although most go un-recalled.
To help remember dreams keep a pencil and paper by your bedside and write down your dream as soon as you awake, even if you awake after a dream in the middle of the night. Before sleeping tell yourself you will remember your dreams. The more you do this, the easier it becomes.
Dream Wise: Unlocking the Meaning of Your Dreams Hardcover by Lisa Marchiano LCSW NCPsyA, Deborah Stewart Jungian Analyst, Joseph Lee
Dream Wise invites readers into the rich, symbolic world of dreams through a Jungian lens. Drawing on decades of clinical experience, the authors show how dreams reveal hidden truths, guide personal growth, and connect us with the unconscious. Insightful, compassionate, and filled with real examples, this book helps you uncover meaning in your nightly visions and use dream wisdom to navigate life with greater depth, clarity, and self-awareness.
One school of thought says that dreams are a mere by-product of the brain “doing its housekeeping” during the conscious quiet time of sleep. But even if this speculation is so dreams still reveal a) content within the subconscious, and b) content sufficiently prominent to be activated during the “housekeeping” process.
One-off dreams are less significant, and more likely the result of mere housekeeping, than repeated themes. Keeping a dream diary over a period of time will allow you to identify and work with common themes.
The unconscious attempts to bury things it finds disturbing, thus dreams often use symbolism to allude to their true meaning. As such popular dream “dictionaries” are of little value and only the dreamer him/herself is fully qualified to determine the true meaning of dreams, although a good psychotherapist can assist with the process.
Since only disturbing content need by disguised in symbols the first attempt at dream interpretation should be the literal, ie frequently the experiences of the day are re-visited with little masking.
If a literal interpretation is not forthcoming, be pleased, for the dream is revealing something of your hidden self. Take the major features and overall theme of the dream and consider what they may represent to you. Note particularly how you felt upon waking, positive, negative, confident, afraid…
Hypnosis – Revealing the Unconscious
Hypnosis is the process of entering an altered state of consciousness in which it is possible to access material that is usually unconscious. Although self-hypnosis is possible, hypnosis to discover more about one’s unconscious is probably best performed by a skilled, and trusted, hypnotherapist because unconscious content retrieved under self-hypnosis would likely be lost again on return to normal consciousness (though such discoveries could be written down or recorded on tape).
Free Association
Free association involves starting with an idea or word and recording the stream of thoughts that enter one’s consciousness as a result. This is also normally conducted by a trained therapist, although it is possible to note down one’s flow of consciousness and computer technology can make the process easier, eg by displaying trigger words on screen. It’s not just the responses given that are significant but also the response times. If a subject takes significantly longer to respond to a particular word that word may hold some significance for them.
Gain insight into your unconscious with this free Word Association test.
Changing the Unconscious
Attempts to change the unconscious generally follow the acquisition of (a degree of) self-understanding, ie in order to change something you first need to know how you want to change it. It’s helpful to adopt the principles of design and produce a “blueprint” (or detailed plan of what you wish to become/achieve).
Inconsistencies can sometimes develop in the vast powerhouse of the unconscious, perhaps some small part, eg due to a long-forgotten experience, tends to pull you in direction A while the great mass of your inner essence is trying to drive you in direction B. Two examples, of many possible, may be a desire to maintain good health but a compulsion to eat junk food, or a desire to start your own business but fear of taking the first steps.
Efforts to “re-program” your unconscious should be directed towards making the best of what you are, ie making your true self better. Attempts to become what you are not are likely destined to fail and even if they “succeed” can lead to a sense of lost identity.
Changing your unconscious is difficult. The process can be likened to turning around a huge ocean liner. But, with perseverance, repeatedly exposing the unconscious to positive suggestions can diminish the powerful of undesirable influences and strengthen one’s true drives.
The Silva Mind Control Method by José Silva & Philip Miele
A groundbreaking classic in the field of mind training, The Silva Mind Control Method teaches readers how to harness the power of their subconscious to improve focus, creativity, and emotional well-being. Through simple, practical exercises, Silva shows how to tap into deeper mental states for problem-solving, healing, and success. Inspiring and empowering, this book offers timeless tools for unlocking your mind’s full potential and creating a more intentional, positive life.
Hypnosis as a Means of Change
As well providing a window into the unconscious, hypnosis can also be used to change it, ie by implanting suggestions that are subsequently acted upon. This application of hypnosis is probably more suited to self-hypnotism since it’s about inputting to rather than retrieving from the unconscious.
Autosuggestion
Autosuggestion basically means repeating a positive message (affirmation) to yourself over and over until it becomes accepted by the unconscious as truth, which then acts to realize it. The technique was discovered by apothecary Émile Coué at the beginning of the 20th century, Coué created the famous mantra: “Every day, in every way, I’m getting better and better”.
Self Mastery Through Conscious Autosuggestion: Revised with editor’s notes. by Emile Coué, edited by Charles A Trento
This beautifully revised edition of Emile Coué’s classic brings timeless wisdom to modern readers. With insightful editor’s notes, photos, and summaries, it illuminates Coué’s groundbreaking method of using positive suggestion to transform thought and behavior. Simple yet powerful, his approach shows how mindset shapes reality and how self-belief fuels change.
After deciding what you want, write your affirmations on a card and repeat them to yourself several times a day, eg: “I wish to have inner peace, good health, business success, financial security, happiness with my partner, family and friends” etc, or whatever your desired self/situation may be. Note that the unconscious is a powerful entity and once directed can work to bring about desired (and realistically attainable) outcomes in life, so these can and should form part of your affirmations.
The technique is enhanced by constantly visualizing yourself as you wish to be and in the position you wish to be in (and avoiding visualizing yourself as anything but); and by acting as if you already are what you wish to become and have what you wish to attain until a habit is formed so strongly that these things are realized. This invokes the so-called law of attraction (or “like attracts like”). Of course you must do this while resisting the urge to follow existing negative habits, which makes it a non-trivial challenge.
Subliminal Suggestions
There is some evidence that Subliminal stimuli, ie messages presented to a subject below their conscious awareness (eg images being flashed rapidly onto a screen they are watching, or sounds being played at a very low level) are registered by the unconscious mind and can impact the subjects later behavior. A related phenomenon is the mere-exposure effect, widely exploited by the advertising industry that things we have previously perceived before, however briefly and in whatever form, are likely to be more prominent in our brain than those we haven’t.
More about the Unconscious and its Role in Self Understanding and Self Growth
Psychology of the Unconscious Paperback by C. G. Jung
Jung’s Psychology of the Unconscious is a groundbreaking exploration of the human mind, blending myth, symbolism, and psychology into a revolutionary theory of inner life. This early work laid the foundation for modern depth psychology, introducing the concepts that continue to shape therapy and self-understanding today. It’s deeply rewarding — a journey into the symbolic forces that drive emotion, creativity, and personal transformation. A must for serious students of the psyche.
Spellbound: Modern Science, Ancient Magic, and the Hidden Potential of the Unconscious Mind by Daniel Z. Lieberman
Daniel Z. Lieberman brilliantly bridges science and mysticism in Spellbound, exploring the mysterious power of the unconscious mind. With engaging storytelling and modern research, he shows how ancient myths and spiritual traditions reveal truths about psychology and human potential. It’s both enlightening and empowering, helping readers harness the unconscious to live more creatively and meaningfully. A captivating blend of science, spirituality, and self-discovery that will leave you inspired.
Your Unconscious Is Showing: Take Control of Your Life with the 12 Steps of Consciousness by Dr. Courtney Tracy
Dr. Courtney Tracy, known as “The Truth Doctor,” offers a clear, compassionate guide to understanding and healing your unconscious mind. Through her 12 Steps of Consciousness, she helps readers identify hidden patterns, regulate emotions, and reclaim their inner power. Honest, practical, and deeply relatable, this book provides real tools for transformation and self-mastery. Perfect for anyone seeking emotional freedom and a deeper understanding of their own mind.
The Unconscious by Sigmund Freud
Freud’s The Unconscious remains one of psychology’s cornerstone texts, offering a compelling look at the hidden drives that influence our thoughts, dreams, and behaviors. With clarity and daring insight, Freud reveals how the unseen mind shapes our daily lives and emotional struggles. Though written over a century ago, its ideas continue to spark debate and inspire discovery. A fascinating read for anyone interested in the origins of modern psychology and self-understanding.
Conclusion
Our unconscious is a powerful entity that is the hidden driver behind our every choice and action. By understanding our unconscious we can make better and more fulfilling choices. By influencing our unconscious in the direction(s) we desire we unleash an enormously potent force that will help us fulfill our potential and achieve our desires.
Recommended books available from Amazon.