Program Your Mind with Positive Self-Talk
Invariably the way we are is a reflection of what our mind is, for our consciousness is tied to it. The mind has two aspects: the conscious and the subconscious. The conscious mind is observable and is in our awareness (i.e., our desires, ideas, aspirations, aversions, etc.), but the subconscious is the aspect of the mind that evades our perception. In fact, the vast majority of our emotions and attitudes stem from our subconscious mind.
The subconscious mind is a huge memory bank carrying images, experiences, grudges, phobias, etc. from infinite past lifetimes. These subliminal memories from the past influence our conscious thoughts and attitudes. For example:
In his infancy, a four-year-old boy was terribly threatened by a ferocious dog. Though the incident was forgotten by the conscious memory a few months later, it remained embedded in the subconscious mind. Hence, he continues to experience a phobia for dogs even in adulthood. The conscious mind is disturbed by the inexplicable fear. The intellect repeatedly tries to coach the mind that such a phobia is dysfunctional and baseless, and yet the person is unable to break its grip over the mind. This is a case of the images and fears embedded deep in the subconscious holding sway over the conscious mind.
As with phobias, the same principle applies to many of our attitudes, likes, and dislikes. The subconscious is the basis of conscious attitudes. The subconscious stores data, retrieves it, and passes it to the conscious. It has the potential of a double-edged sword. A positive subconscious mind fills us with an indomitable will and inner strength, whereas a negative one weakens our personality with destructive attitudes.
To help nourish the subconscious, self-talk or affirmations in the conscious mind are a very effective tool.
Self-talk or affirmations are thoughts that we repeatedly speak to ourselves within our minds that are later internalized. Some examples of positive affirmations: 1) Whatever happens will be for the good. 2) Let me focus on my efforts and leave the results to God. and 3) I can do it! I will do it! I will not give up! Such messages are uplifting, reassuring, and strengthen us from the inside out.
If we take this one step further and look at it from a Vedic perspective, chanting the name of God (e.g.,Radhey Shyam, Sita Ram, etc.) is the most potent affirmation. Not only is it healing and uplifting to the mind, but it is also purifying. As we chant God’s name, we urge the mind to think lovingly of Him. Repeatedly, the mind is forced to return from its wanderings and think of God who is all-pure. Attachment of the conscious mind in the all-pure, perfect Source feeds the subconscious mind the same divine impressions, subsequently removing mental ailments such as anger, greed, envy, pride, and so on from the root.
If we utilize the power of self-talk to our benefit, we can use it to program our mind and develop a positive personality, full of optimism, faith, and purpose.
