In this this post, we’re going to continue exploring the effectiveness of hypnosis for weight loss by discussing the functions of both the conscious & unconscious minds. We’ll discuss this for the normal waking state as well as under hypnosis.
In the normal waking state, we have 3 parts to our mind: (a) conscious, (b) unconscious and (c) the critical faculty.
The conscious mind is responsible for all the things that we are normally conscious of. For eg. analysing situations, making decisions, our short term memory resides there as well as our will power. Our will power can be a v strong, particularly if we are v stubborn. But even then we have to remember to apply it. If we have a distraction for example, we normally respond in some totally automatic way.
These automatic responses are more under the control of the unconscious mind. This is responsible for all the things that we are not normally conscious of. These include our bodily functions (breathing, heart rate etc), our emotions, habits, long term memory as well our protection mechanism. Our protection mechanism protects us from both physical & emotional harm.
For most people, when they develop a strong bad habit, such as smoking or overeating, its normally tied to some benefit that was experienced at the time the habit started. For example, someone might’ve had a strong negative emotional experience and found that eating comfort foods like chocolate or alcohol made them feel better.
With enough repetition, this pattern of behaviour became a strong belief or value that the person then carries with them for the rest of their lives. That is – whenever they get upset, they need comfort foods to cope.
This strong belief, value and habit gets stored in the unconscious mind & becomes a real problem for them later when they want to then stop this undesired behaviour.
At this point the conscious mind is saying WE NEED TO STOP THIS BEHAVIOUR, however, the unconscious mind says NO WAY, as its primary function is to protect us.
If we ever have a dispute between these 2 parts of the mind, which do you think is the more powerful? The unconscious mind by a long shot, which is why changing bad habits can be v difficult. But if this wasn’t bad enough, things get worse!
As the battle starts to form between the 2 parts of the mind (conscious & unconscious), the critical faculty then jumps in. You see, its role in life is whenever you get presented with a new idea, it help us either accept it or reject it based on how it aligns with our unconscious belief & values.
If we have alignment, you’ll take on the new idea & versa. If not, you’ll totally reject it.
So when the battle starts to form between the conscious & unconscious minds, one staying STOP and the other saying NO WAY, the critical faculty jumps in and effectively tries to help resolve the conflict. Unfortunately, it puts more weight on your unconscious beliefs & values!
This means that both the unconscious mind & the critical faculty now favour not changing the bad habit & only the conscious mind continues wanting the change.
So who do you think is going to win?
Unfortunately, its the unconscious mind & the critical faculty . This is why so many people find it even more difficult to stop smoking, overeating or drink less etc etc.
Under hypnosis, however, some fascinating changes occur – which we shall discuss further in our next post! This will help continue to further clarify the importance of hypnosis for weight loss.
To your optimum health, well being & ideal weight!
Dr Ian Kaminskyj
Melbourne NLP Hypnosis Centre
1300 983 717
