The Buddhist Vision: Healing the Subconscious with Mindfulness and Movement
Buddhism offers profound insights into the workings of the mind and provides various tools for healing emotional and psychological issues.
Central to this spiritual tradition is the understanding that much of our suffering stems from our subconscious thoughts and patterns. We can embark on a journey of self-discovery and healing when we observe our minds and engage in practices such as slow movement.
In my short story “Those Eyes Behind the Glassdoor” (which you can purchase if you write to me), I discuss only one case of the manifestation of the help the subconscious gives us and how to heal problems. Different practices, such as Buddhism, are very useful.
But before choosing a practice, we must recognize our signs and difficulties. It is not so easy.
In my personal experience, I tend to close myself off. When this happens, very hard emotions overwhelm me, and I’m not able to do anything I learned in the years of practice. I understand everything, but the emotions are so hard to “kill” me slowly every day. Beginning to do something is the biggest challenge in this situation.
Understanding the Subconscious
The subconscious mind is a vast reservoir of thoughts, memories, emotions, and experiences that influence our behaviors and perceptions, often without conscious awareness. It houses habitual reactions and unresolved issues that can manifest as anxiety, stress, or emotional turmoil. In Buddhism, dukkha, or suffering, emphasizes addressing these subconscious patterns to attain inner peace and enlightenment.
The Role of Mindfulness
Mindfulness, a fundamental Buddhist practice, involves paying careful attention to the present moment without judgment. It encourages individuals to observe their thoughts and feelings as they arise, creating a space between stimulus and response. To foster awareness of the mind, you must begin to recognize habitual patterns and automatic reactions.
Observing the Mind
Sitting meditation (zazen) allows practitioners to focus on their breath while gently observing the thoughts that arise. This practice helps individuals detach from their thoughts and understand their feelings without becoming overwhelmed. Over time, this awareness can illuminate deep-seated issues stored in the subconscious.
Keeping a journal can be an effective way to explore subconscious thoughts and patterns. We can identify recurring themes or beliefs contributing to their struggles by writing down feelings and reflections. You do not even need to analyze what you write. It is just enough writing your thoughts.
Body Scanning is a technique for focusing on different body parts and noticing sensations or emotions that arise with attention. It allows individuals to connect physical experiences with emotional states, often revealing underlying subconscious issues.
Read the first part of the short story “Those Eyes Behind the Glassdoor.”
Embracing Slow Movement
In addition to mindfulness practices, incorporating slow movement into daily routines can be transformative for healing the subconscious. Slow movement exercises, such as yoga or tai chi, promote a deep connection between the body and mind, aiding in awareness and relaxation.
Benefits of Slow Movement
Slow movements encourage us to become present in our bodies, grounding them in the moment. This can help create a sense of stability and calm, reducing feelings of anxiety or being overwhelmed. To practice this, you should move very slowly, looking with your internal eyes on the participating muscles. When you wash dishes, for example, all attention is paid to the movements of your hands without changing your attention and thoughts. When you notice other thoughts, turn back your attention to the movement. Any movement is suitable for this practice.
As we engage in slow, deliberate movements, we often release physical tension held in the body. This physical release can lead to emotional healing, opening pathways for suppressed feelings to surface.
Movement practices can instill compassion toward oneself. Individuals learn to treat their subconscious thoughts and emotions with the same gentleness by approaching the body with kindness and patience.
I do not like the phrase “compassion toward ourselves”. We often understand it as permissiveness. “Consciousness” is better.
Integrating Practices into Daily Life
Integrating mindfulness and slow-movement yoga into daily routines can help heal the subconscious. We are very busy and tired, but as the Dalai Lama said, you will never find a special time for meditation. Just do it. Examples of integration:
Mindful Mornings: Start the day with a few minutes of sitting meditation or gentle yoga. Setting aside this time creates a foundation of mindfulness that can help navigate the day’s challenges.
Walking Meditations: Incorporate mindfulness into everyday activities, such as walking slowly while paying attention to each step and breath. This practice promotes awareness and allows individuals to reflect on their thoughts as they move. As for me, it is the easiest way to do at least something.
Evening Reflection: At the end of the day, take a few moments to reflect on the day’s experiences. Practice gratitude by writing down a few positive aspects, and observe any negative thoughts that arise without judgment. Writing about the adverse events in life is beneficial not only in the evening.
Buddhist teachings offer a rich framework for understanding and healing the subconscious. This journey toward self-awareness and compassion alleviates suffering and fosters greater peace and fulfillment. We open the door to healing and transformation, allowing our true selves to emerge—free from the burdens of the past.
I consider “Yoga for Women” by Geeta Iyengar the best practical book I’ve ever read.
I am selling this story digitally for €5.50. It is a print-ready PDF and EPUB, 76 pages long and 8.4 MB. However, it is still not published on Amazon, so you can only purchase it here.
Please write to me at liudmila.books@gmail.com. I usually answer in one day.
ARE YOU INTERESTED IN OTHER STORIES?
They are here: https://amzn.to/42zESYu
P.S.
“Either My Son Or Nobody” is now available in a digital format in the NEW third edition (I will change the manuscript on Amazon shortly, but the full text is available only here now).
A Good Cause
At my age and after a divorce, I had to start my life over from scratch and look for a job. Unfortunately, no one wants to hire sick pensioners, so I can't find a job that allows me to support myself and my home. Selling my books is my hope of survival. If you buy my stories, you will give me and my cats hope. You will also give me a stimulus to keep writing.