The Dual Unconscious

In my previous write-up on the 3-Mind Model, I aimed to illuminate both the differences and the subtle similarities of the Conscious, Sub, and Unconscious minds. Frankly, my reason for dissecting the mind’s structure was initially born of a personal intention to achieve a greater fluidity in my Trance Coaching practice. I figured if I could grasp a better understanding of these internal processes, then ultimately I could help my clients understand the work a bit better as well — recruiting them as their own personal healers and making my job exponentially easier. Also, if I could assuage my clients’ fears that I was some sort of witch doctor waiting to capture their minds through the black magic of hypnosis, I figured everyone would win.

Whilst writing, my thoughts began to expand around the functioning of our mental construct (as is the general side-effect of the creative process), I found the rather intangible, inexplicable, and mysterious Unconscious mind aspect of the writing began to take on a life of its own — almost evolving and growing legs as I wrote of it. It seemed to be communicating to me from an unseen realm, not unlike the world of symbolic revelry for which it itself is known. I felt as though my hands had been commandeered as the words spilled upon the page. It was unlike anything I’d ever felt.

As I read and re-read the description of the creative Unconscious mind I had devised, I felt as though I had missed something. Unfortunately, I began to realize that my sprawling and expansive metaphysical illustration only constituted the collective aspect of the puzzle. I had neglected to include a very important point: the Unconscious mind must have a reception bay, a dual aspect that could best be described as the personal unconscious mind(making use of a lowercase ‘u’ to avoid confusion).

We must take into account the fact that our personal unconscious mind plays a very large part in the way our 3-mind construct functions. Apart from performing all of the ‘unconscious’ processes of the body (pumping blood, breathing lungs, etc.); perhaps we can begin to see that this body-mind is much wiser than we ever thought. Consider for a moment, that the personal unconscious could be a part of both the collective Unconscious and the Individual Psychic Construct (the IPC for short; comprised of the conscious and subconscious minds combined; which I’ll explain in a minute). Think of it as a bridge between the two; a kind of resource broker — a mediator of sorts. As stated before in the 3-Mind Model:

“Ultimately, the efficacy of the trance therapy process weighs heavily upon the success of the conversation between the Unconscious and subconscious minds.”

We can see that perhaps the personal unconscious mind (body-mind) also functions as a wise borderland between the often corrupted landscape of the subconscious mind and the ultimately pure and benevolent realm of the collective Unconscious mind.

Imagine once more the ‘iceberg’ structure so that I can help to integrate visually this new aspect of the model. From the 3-Mind Model:

“…the ‘iceberg’ model of the human psyche is perfectly suited for the 3-mind model. The underwhelmed area of the iceberg representing the ‘conscious’ mind (analytical, conversational, mathematical, ego-mind) and the submerged ‘subconscious’ mind (belief systems, deep memories, animalistic tendencies) aspects of the traditional view of this ‘iceberg’ model still stand. However, I submit that the third element, representing the creative, collective, jungian Unconscious mind is represented by the vast sea which surrounds the iceberg.”

See the structure outlined above with your mind’s eye. Take a moment now and imagine that the entire surface area of the iceberg (above and below the water level) is protected by a hardened structure of ultra-dexterous ice — like a type of skin. Just within this layer rests both the conscious (under-whelmed) and subconscious (overwhelmed) minds, or the IPC, as stated above. Perhaps we can consider, for just a moment, that the personal unconscious can be represented by this covering or ‘barrier’ between the metaphysical Unconscious realm and the more tangible IPC. Again, working as a resource broker, giving a somatic voice to the often imperceptible symbolic language working to break through to the conscious mind. Here’s a look at the new model:

Unconscious mind (pure resource) → personal unconscious (body-mind conveys resource to subconscious) → subconscious mind (works to interpret resource) → conscious mind (decipherment of resource and eventual integration through glimpse into subconscious)

In an effort to retain your engagement, dear reader, let’s make this practical. I would like to pose the growing flower as a new metaphor for the idea conveyed above. The source of both our spiritual obstacles and growth come from this collective Unconscious realm which can be seen as the soil surrounding our flower. The lifeblood of the flower which carries the information given to the roots and stem of the flower by the Unconscious can be seen as the subconscious mind. The underlying causes of the opportunities for growth posed by the Unconscious are filtered through the subconscious mind and are often misinterpreted as pain or disease. This misunderstood signal is then carried to the petals and results in withered and weak growth (a symptom) in the flower.

Now, here’s where the personal unconscious comes in: we can assume that it is simply aligned with and directly communicated through the somatic element — or more simply — through the body. The withering of the petals seen as a disease or complex is the unconscious mind working to communicate the symptom which then alerts us to look deeper into the lifeblood (subconscious realm) within the flower to find the underlying cause. Again, this underlying cause is a misinterpretation of the pure signal which the creative Unconscious is working to convey. The flower, working backwards, discovers that this particular soil is not ideal for its species and internal work must be done; the flower must adapt and evolve to allow itself to flourish in something of a botanical dance of divine ascension.

A cancer patient may learn of a malignant tumor which has grown in her brain (a symptom conveyed by the unconscious/body-mind). With hypnosis, the patient can look into her subconscious mind to decipher the cryptic message coming from the Unconscious which was merely presenting an opportunity for growth. Using trance techniques which emphasize the conversation between the Unconscious and subconscious minds, the patient discovers that her resentments toward her estranged sister needs to be processed and released for the tumor to disappear. Inner communication and self-forgiveness processes are employed and the pressure coming from the Unconscious is then understood and released, relieving the patient of her horrible tumor. She evolves in her newfound love and acceptance for someone who was so recently her enemy. I submit that this process of symptom discovery and release can be as easy as just described.

You see, I have aligned with the almost unavoidable notion that our magnificently wise unconscious, or body-mind, not only beats our hearts, salivates our mouths, and breathes our lungs, but can also be responsible for reminding us that behind all physical symptoms lie an emotional component yet unaddressed. We must learn to listen to our bodies once again, for they are tremendously smarter than us. They are inexhaustible antennas — standalone sentries of divinely sensual revelation. I always encourage my clients to see medical professionals in conjunction with my services, but that does not mean that our power should be given away. Utilize the wisdom within and ask your body which malady has befallen it; listen to yourself and reassert your power over your own health!