How the Subconscious and Conscious Minds Work Together to Perform Mental Functions

The subconscious and conscious minds should work easily together in order to experience efficient cognitive function. However, as most of us are keenly aware, this does not always happen. It might be that we can’t figure out the spatial relationships on a map, we can’t remember what we were supposed to get at the store, or we have difficulty solving a simple math problem. In stressful situations, this lack of brain function may be even more amplified. For example while public speaking, or explaining yourself out of a tricky situation your mind my quite literally go blank.

When performing mental functions, the job of the conscious mind is to provide input and direction for the subconscious mind. It is the subconscious mind is actually performing the cognitive functions and “computing” required to carry out the task.

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Examples of how conscious and subconscious minds

work to perform a mental task

Below is an illustration using a simple arithmetic problem.

Question: What is 4+4?

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Assumptions

For the following example we will make three assumptions:

1. You do not have any hearing/vision difficulties.

2. You do not have any difficulties in processing the sounds/sights that they hear. The sounds coming in are automatically processed to be recognized as words that have meaning.

3. Your conscious mind agrees to cooperate in answering answer the question.

   
   

In each case below, you have fully heard/seen and understand the question. You are willing to cooperate. Your brain can then work out the question in one of three ways:

1. Easy access to brain function

The conscious mind relays the question to the subconscious. The subconscious immediately processes the “symbolic 4” + “symbolic 4” to give the answer “symbolic 8”. It tells the conscious brain “8”, and you can then answer the question, “The answer is 8.”

There are no blocks or glitches to accessing the subconscious functions or logic functions. The task is completed easily and with little effort. There is instant subconscious access to the brain areas that understand symbolic arithmetic and can solve the problems and respond quickly and correctly.

2. Poor access to logic function

While the question was clearly heard and understood, the direct access to the symbolic arithmetic center was not immediately available. It takes some effort to arrive at the answer.

The subconscious had to figure out an alternate route and “take the long way around” before processing could begin. Once this alternate route has been established, the subconscious can then access the correct answer. There is a time delay in answering the question while you search your memory with your eyes darting, hand tapping while you think before suddenly coming up with the correct answer.

3. Poor access to subconscious functioning

You answer, “I don’t know.” You are unable to access to the symbolic arithmetic centers at all. You may then resort to counting on your fingers as a way of solving the problem by reverting from symbolic processing to concrete processing. The block of the subconscious functions was so significant that an alternative method, concrete processing, had to be utilized to solve the problem at all. Sometimes your brain may just “switch off” all together.

How this relates to mental functions

The above example pertains specifically to a simple math process. However, a similar relationship between our conscious and subconscious minds are essential in almost all of our mental tasks and executive functions. When there is a “blockage” in getting all of the information from one part of the brain to another and then back to the conscious mind, we cannot perform the requested task.

For example, this can result in:

• Reading/math difficulties

• Difficulties in listening

• Poor memory formation and recall

• Difficulty planning, organizing, focusing, concentrating

• Resistance in initiating tasks and creating goals

• Poor physical coordination

• Difficulty in regulating emotions

• And many more brain function difficulties

GLOSSARY

Conscious Mind– The part of our mind that is made up of the thoughts, feelings, mental functions, and memories that we are aware of. Examples: Voluntary body functions, short term memory, logical thinking, critical thinking, will power, planning, analysis.

When someone asks you a question, this is the part of your mind that hears the request or question and desires to carry them out.

Unconscious Mind– The part of our mind that is made up of deeper mental processes not readily available to the conscious mind. Examples: Involuntary body functions (breathing, blinking, digesting) beliefs, habits, word processing, emotions, values, protective reactions (blocking your face when a ball comes at it), long term memory, spirituality, and intuition.

When someone asks you a question, this is the part of your mind that performs the mental task gathers and manipulates the information from various parts of the brain in order to arrive at the answer.

How Does Brain Integration Help?

Brain Integration is a strategic process that has five distinct phases:

1. Assessment- during your first session we will discuss the difficulties you are experiencing and perform some mental and physical functions tests. (30 minutes)

2. Improving the subconscious access brain connections- systematically addressing multiple brain areas and functions using bio-kinesiology techniques.(5-8 hours)

3. Solidifying the Connections- engaging all parts of your brain and ensure that the newly freed connections are solid. (45-90 minutes)

4. Functional Application: Ensuring that the subconscious and conscious are working together in a variety of tasks while receiving actual sensory stimuli and performing the tasks that previously caused the glitches. This part is essential for long lasting results.(4-6 hours)

5. Balancing any emotions that may be causing these glitches “your thoughts and emotions provide a scaffolding for your mental function and physical body.” (1+ hour)

6. Follow-Up Visits: Scheduled 4-6 weeks after the completion of the protocol, this session allows us to address any remaining issues at a deeper level or address new concerns that were previously of a lesser priority. (1.5-2 hours)

7. By systematically working through all the phases of the Brain Integration Technique protocol we ensure that your conscious mind and your subconscious mind are communicating, that your subconscious mind can access all areas of your brain, and that they can both perform the various functions that are required to succeed in school, work, relationships, and life.

Summary

The inability to perform certain mental tasks such as reading, math calculations, and organizing is often not for lack of understanding the question or knowing how to do it; but an inability to access the subconscious functions required to get the answer. It is a problem of access. Brain Integration Technique can help to improve access to these areas so that you can easily and successfully go about your everyday life.

References

• McCrossin, Susan. Brain Integration Technique: A Practical Approach. Course Manual. Enhancement Learning Center; Berthoud, CO. 2014.

• www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/unconscious