What is Subconscious Mind (Subjective Mind)?

The Subconscious Mind, often referred to as the Subjective Mind by authors like Thomas Troward and Charles F. Haanel, is a vast, powerful, and impressionable mental faculty operating beneath the threshold of conscious awareness. In New Thought and related esoteric traditions, it is understood as the seat of habits, emotions, memories, and automatic bodily functions. Unlike the conscious mind, which is associated with reasoning, logic, and willpower, the subconscious mind is considered non-discriminating. It accepts as true whatever is consistently impressed upon it, whether through conscious thought, repetitive action, or strong emotional states. Troward established two foundational laws regarding its operation: (1) The subjective mind is amenable to suggestion, meaning whatever personality the objective mind impresses upon it, that personality it assumes and acts up to. (2) Since it is the builder of the body, it will construct a physical form in correspondence with the personality thus impressed upon it. These two laws form the foundation of the axiom that our body represents the aggregate of our beliefs. In Haanel's system, the subjective mind operates through the sympathetic nervous system and the Solar Plexus, influencing involuntary bodily functions and manifesting the individual's inner states into their physical reality. Joseph Murphy, in 'The Power of Your Subconscious Mind,' posits that it is the source of infinite intelligence and healing power, directly connected to the Universal Mind. It is not merely a storage facility for past experiences but an active, creative force that works tirelessly to bring into manifestation the dominant thoughts and beliefs held by the individual. Its operations are largely involuntary, governing everything from breathing and digestion to deeply ingrained behavioral patterns and emotional responses. Understanding and consciously influencing the subconscious mind is central to many New Thought practices, as it is believed to be the mechanism through which individuals can shape their reality and achieve their desired outcomes.

The concept of the subconscious mind is foundational to New Thought, positing that this inner realm holds immense power over an individual's life and circumstances. It is seen as a fertile ground for planting seeds of thought, which, once accepted, grow into physical realities. This mental faculty does not distinguish between imagination and reality, nor does it filter information based on logical reasoning; it simply processes and executes what it is given. Consequently, mastering the subconscious mind involves consciously directing one's thoughts, feelings, and beliefs to align with desired outcomes. This principle is articulated by various New Thought pioneers, who emphasize that consistent mental impressions, whether positive or negative, will inevitably be externalized in one's experience. The subconscious is thus not a passive recipient but an active co-creator, constantly working to fulfill the 'orders' it receives from the conscious mind.

The term 'subconscious' derives from Latin 'sub' (under) and 'conscius' (aware), meaning 'under conscious awareness.' While its psychological usage gained prominence in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, New Thought adopted and reinterpreted it as a dynamic, creative mental faculty.

Practitioners apply the understanding of the subconscious mind through techniques such as affirmation, visualization, and meditation. By repeatedly impressing positive thoughts and desired outcomes onto the subconscious, individuals aim to reprogram limiting beliefs and cultivate new, empowering mental patterns. Joseph Murphy, for example, advocates for daily affirmation and prayer, particularly before sleep, as the subconscious is most receptive during these states. The goal is to consistently feed the subconscious with constructive ideas, enabling it to work towards their manifestation without conscious effort, thereby transforming inner states and outer circumstances.

A common misconception is that the subconscious mind is a separate entity or a dark, uncontrollable force. In New Thought, it is typically viewed as an integral, albeit distinct, part of the individual mind, directly connected to the Universal Mind, and fully amenable to conscious direction. Another misconception is that simply thinking about something once is enough to impress the subconscious; rather, consistent, emotionally charged thought and belief are emphasized. It is also not seen as a passive storage unit but an active, creative intelligence, constantly working to manifest dominant mental impressions, not just recalling past events.