Chapter IV: SUBJECTIVE AND OBJECTIVE MIND.

We've been talking about some pretty abstract ideas so far, thinking about the mind and how it connects to our reality. Now, let's dive into something a bit more tangible. We're going to talk about the two sides of your mind, the inner and the outer. This is something scientists have been studying for a long time, and it's incredibly relevant to our own mental well-being and even our physical health.

Think about it this way: imagine your mind is like a powerful computer. The outer part, what we call the objective mind, is like the conscious part of the computer. It's the part that's actively thinking, making decisions, and interacting with the world around you.

The inner part, the subjective mind, is like the computer's operating system. It's running in the background, processing information, storing memories, and shaping your beliefs and actions, even when you're not consciously aware of it.

The Inner and Outer You at Work

The objective mind is the part of you that makes plans, analyzes situations, and solves problems. It's the part that's focused on the here and now. It learns through experience, observing the world and drawing conclusions.

The subjective mind, on the other hand, works differently. It's more like a creative force, it's constantly working to create your reality based on your deepest beliefs and thoughts.

Let's say you're preparing for a big presentation. The objective mind is busy making notes, rehearsing your speech, and planning your outfit. Meanwhile, the subjective mind is working in the background, taking in all your thoughts and beliefs about the presentation. If you're feeling anxious and insecure, your subjective mind might start to create a scenario where you fail. This can manifest as your voice trembling or your mind going blank during the presentation. But, if you focus on your strengths and feel confident, your subjective mind can create a scenario where you succeed, making you feel calm and empowered.

The Power Within

The subjective mind is incredibly powerful. It's the creative force that builds your body, your experiences, and your reality. It's influenced by everything you think, feel, and believe.

Think of it like a gardener tending to a garden. The gardener can choose to nurture the flowers and vegetables, leading to a beautiful and bountiful harvest. Or they can let the weeds take over, resulting in a neglected and unproductive garden. You are the gardener of your mind, and the thoughts you choose to nurture will ultimately shape your reality.

Modern Applications

This understanding of the subjective mind is becoming increasingly important in today's world. We're living in a time where stress and anxiety are rampant. But by consciously working with our subjective minds, we can create a more positive and fulfilling life.

Mindfulness practices, for example, are all about becoming more aware of our thoughts and feelings. By noticing our negative thoughts, we can start to challenge them and replace them with more positive ones. This allows us to reprogram our subjective mind, leading to a more optimistic and relaxed perspective.

The Key to Transformation

The message here is simple: you have the power to change your life by changing your thoughts. By consciously influencing your subjective mind, you can create the life you desire. Focus on positive affirmations, engage in mindfulness practices, and surround yourself with positive influences. Remember, the power is within you. It's time to start nurturing the garden of your mind.

EXERCISE: Unpacking Your Inner Garden

In this chapter, we learned about the "inner and outer" you – the objective mind, which is focused on the world around you, and the subjective mind, which works in the background shaping your experiences. Your subjective mind is like a garden, and your thoughts are like the seeds you plant.

Let's explore this garden. Take a moment to think about a recent event in your life. It can be anything, like a conversation with a friend, a meeting at work, or even a stressful situation. Now, ask yourself these questions:

1. What were your thoughts during this event?

Write down any thoughts or beliefs you had about the event. Were you worried? Excited? Confident?

2. How did your thoughts affect your feelings?

Did your thoughts make you feel happy, nervous, or angry? How did those feelings influence your actions?

3. Could you have chosen to think differently?

Think about how you could have approached the event with different thoughts. What other possibilities could you have considered?

4. How can you apply this knowledge to future situations?

By reflecting on this event, you've gained insight into how your thoughts influence your feelings and actions. Now, think about how you can use this knowledge to make positive changes in your life. You can practice choosing positive and encouraging thoughts to create a more fulfilling and joyful experience.

Remember: You are the gardener of your mind. Choose the seeds you want to plant carefully, and watch your garden bloom!