What is Sympathetic Nervous System?
Last updated: February 25, 2026
In Haanel's framework, the physical organ system of the subconscious (subjective) mind, as distinguished from the cerebrospinal system of the conscious mind.
Understanding Sympathetic Nervous System in New Thought
In Haanel's framework, the physical organ system of the subconscious (subjective) mind, as distinguished from the cerebrospinal system of the conscious mind. The Solar Plexus is its central organ. The vagus nerve connects the two systems.
Within New Thought, particularly as articulated by Charles F. Haanel, the Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS) is posited as the physiological interface of the subconscious mind, a crucial distinction from the cerebrospinal system's role in conscious thought. This framework highlights the SNS, with the solar plexus as its central hub, as the primary conduit for the manifestation of subconscious desires and beliefs into physical reality. Its significance lies in bridging the metaphysical principles of mind power with a tangible biological mechanism, offering a scientific-spiritual explanation for how thoughts and emotions influence the body and external circumstances. This conceptualization provides a practical pathway for individuals to consciously engage with their subconscious through the SNS, thereby influencing their health and life experiences.
What the Teachers Say
Sympathetic Nervous System vs. Cerebrospinal Nervous System
New Thought philosophy distinguishes between two primary nervous systems that correspond to different aspects of mind. While both systems are essential for human functioning, they operate through different principles and serve distinct roles in consciousness.
| Aspect | Sympathetic Nervous System | Cerebrospinal Nervous System |
|---|---|---|
| Mental Correspondence | Physical organ of the subconscious mind | Physical organ of the conscious mind |
| Central Organ | Solar plexus as primary control center | Brain as primary control center |
| Mode of Operation | Involuntary and automatic responses | Voluntary and directed actions |
| Connection to Universal Mind | Direct connection to universal intelligence | Processes individual reasoning and analysis |
| Influence Method | Responds to suggestion and emotion | Responds to logic and conscious direction |
Etymology
The term "sympathetic" originates from the Greek "sympatheia," meaning "fellow feeling" or "affinity," from "syn" (together) and "pathos" (feeling, suffering). This reflects the system's interconnectedness and its role in coordinating bodily responses. "Nervous system" derives from the Latin "nervus," meaning "sinew" or "nerve." The combination describes a system of nerves that operates largely unconsciously, orchestrating the body's involuntary functions and emotional responses, thus exhibiting a "sympathy" with internal states.
How to Practice This
Practitioners of New Thought, following Haanel's insights, often focus on the solar plexus as a point of concentration for directing mental energy. Techniques may involve deep breathing exercises, visualization, and affirmations, all aimed at consciously influencing the subconscious mind via the SNS. For instance, one might visualize desired outcomes while focusing on the solar plexus area, believing this directs the subconscious to manifest those outcomes. Regular practice of these methods is thought to harmonize the conscious and subconscious minds, leading to improved well-being and the realization of goals through the physiological pathways of the SNS.
Connection to Manifestation
The sympathetic nervous system serves as the primary physical mechanism through which thoughts and mental states manifest as bodily conditions and life circumstances. In New Thought practice, practitioners learn to influence this system through meditation, visualization, and emotional alignment with desired outcomes. Since the sympathetic system responds automatically to mental impressions, maintaining positive mental states and clear intentions allows the subconscious mind to work through this physical network to create corresponding external results. Understanding this system's role helps explain how mental causation operates through physical channels to produce tangible manifestations in health, relationships, and material conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
While medical science views the sympathetic nervous system as controlling fight-or-flight responses, New Thought philosophy sees it as the physical organ of the subconscious mind. In this framework, it serves as the mechanism through which mental states directly influence physical conditions and life circumstances, operating as a bridge between consciousness and material reality.
In New Thought teaching, particularly Haanel's system, the solar plexus functions as the central organ of the sympathetic nervous system. It serves as the primary distribution center for subconscious mental activity, receiving and transmitting mental impressions throughout the body and connecting individual consciousness with universal intelligence.
New Thought practitioners influence the sympathetic nervous system through mental practices like meditation, visualization, and maintaining positive emotional states. Since this system responds automatically to mental impressions and suggestions, consistent mental discipline and alignment with desired outcomes allows conscious direction of its normally involuntary functions.
The vagus nerve serves as the connecting link between the sympathetic nervous system (subconscious mind) and the cerebrospinal system (conscious mind). This connection allows communication between conscious intention and subconscious execution, enabling practitioners to consciously influence normally automatic bodily functions and mental processes.
In New Thought philosophy, the sympathetic nervous system is the primary pathway through which mental healing occurs. Since this system translates mental states directly into physical conditions, healing practitioners work to impress positive, healthy thoughts upon it, allowing the subconscious mind to restore normal bodily functions and eliminate disease patterns.
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Used by: Haanel