There are two types of components in any computer.
Hardware – Keyboard, Central Processing unit, mouse, screen etc. are the example of hardware. These components are visible in nature and we can feel them. These hardware parts are made up of some specific materials depending upon the usage of component. I believe we are on same page till now.
Software – Software is basically set of instructions written in a language to provide desired outcome. We have many softwares loaded in computer such as Windows 7 or 10, Microsoft office, Norton antivirus etc. These softwares are set of instruction and have some specific outcome. Now let us talk about human mind & brain.
We talked about components of computer system on macro level. These components are hardware & software. In the same way human beings also have a system through which we receive & process any information. We can call it human computer. It is also combination of two components.
Brain (Hardware) –It is hardware of human computer. Brain is a physical organ of the body. Our brain is actually an organ similar to our eyes, hands, legs, nose etc. It is divided in two halves which are called cerebral hemispheres. These two halves control two different modes of thinking. Left part of brain is believed to be responsible for process of thinking & right part of brain is believed to be associated for process of knowing.
Mind (Software) – Mind is metaphysical. It is software of human computer. Mind uses brain and other hardwares of nervous system to receive & process any information. This information may be received from outer world or from our inner world (unconscious mind). Mind is invisible and do not have any shape & size. If mind is absent, then in that case a person will be called brain dead. It is just like our computer system (PC or laptop) without software. It is of no use is there is no software in it.
I believe now we have clarity about what is difference between mind & brain. You can watch this simple video for more precision. We will now dig further and understand the different levels of mind.
1- Conscious mind: This is level of our mind which we use when we are in awareness. We can call is our logical or rational mind. It acts as gatekeeper and questions the information when it tries to enter in our mind. Once conscious mind is satisfied it is passed to unconscious or subconscious mind. All the reasoning and questioning is the responsibility of conscious mind. You are write now reading this article, so it is being handled by your conscious mind.
2- Subconscious mind: It is subjective to subconscious mind, so it is called sub-conscious mind. When any idea or thought is passed by conscious mind, subconscious accepts it without challenge. It will not challenge that thought irrespective of whether it is right or wrong. Right now, your conscious mind is busy in reading so who is controlling your breathing. It is your subconscious mind. If I will ask you how your thumb of left leg is feeling. Now your attention will go on left thumb. Thumb was having the same feeling earlier also but by that time subconscious mind was
controlling it. The moment I reminded you about your thumb, it came in your consciousness and conscious mind took the control.
3- Unconscious mind: We all have memories of our past. When we recall them, it pops up in our mind. How it happens? Your memories and all information are stored in unconscious mind. It is our memory bank. When mind gets a trigger, you start accessing that memory or information consciously and it comes in your awareness. Conscious mind is powerful and can always take the conscious control of subconscious and unconscious mind.
This diagram shows control of different levels of mind in our life.
For ease of understanding we can merge unconscious mind with subconscious mind and can call it Subconscious mind.
Unconscious mind + Subconscious mind = Subconscious mind
Now we have only two levels of mind.
a) Conscious Mind
b) Subconscious Mind
The easiest way to understand these two levels is through iceberg model.
An iceberg is only 10% visible from outside and remaining 90% is submerged under sea water. Similarly, conscious mind controls only 10% of our life. What does it mean? It means we do only 10% activities with complete awareness. Yes, it is true and please don’t stick to exact 10%. It is an average percentage.
Do you breathe consciously? If you will do breathing consciously then you can’t do anything else.
When you drive your vehicle, do you remain in complete awareness or it happens automatically?
Your subconscious mind controls all these activities and handles 90% of your life. All the beliefs, behaviors, values, Past experiences, knowledge rest here and are responsible for control of 90% activities of your life. There are set patterns here and you behave automatically.
If you have stored resourceful patterns in your subconscious mind then you will remain productive and successful in your life but if the patterns are unresourceful then you will linger in stress and struggle for success.
NLP is the science of redesigning and reprogramming these patterns to make life better.
Thank you for reading.