The Mind behind the Mind
We often think of growth as a matter of skill, action, or strategy. But what if the real bottlenecks lie somewhere deeper, beneath awareness, in the quiet inner part of our subconscious mind?
Many of us work hard, stay committed, and do everything “right”. Yet, we find ourselves stuck in repeating patterns, self-doubt, or invisible resistance. The problem is not always on the surface. Like a silent partner, it lies beneath the subconscious mind and influences our decisions, reactions, and vision.
New clarity emerges when we learn to work with this hidden realm of the mind.
At Kabir Learning Foundation, we believe that true transformation comes from outer effort and inner shifts. Growth is not about pushing harder; it is about flowing from alignment.
As Kabir says:
“ज्यों नैनन में पुतली, त्यों मालिक घट माँहि।
मूरख लोग न जानई, बाहर ढूँढैं माहिं॥”
(Just as the pupil lies hidden in the eye, the Divine dwells quietly within us.
The unaware keep searching outside, unaware of the power within.)
Growth begins with turning inward. Here is how it works:
1. Become aware of the inner narrative
Most of our decisions are not made consciously. They are driven by stories that we have absorbed since childhood. These beliefs operate quietly: “I must always prove myself,” “I’m not good with people,” “Leaders must be tough,” “I don’t deserve ease.”
Such patterns don’t shout. They whisper. They become habits of thought, shaping how we show up in meetings, relationships, and moments of risk.
Begin by listening. Notice the voice inside when you are about to try something new. Is it supportive or fearful? Gentle or demanding? Write down the thoughts you hear when you hesitate. Awareness is the first doorway to change.
2. Replace fear with curiosity
Fear often blocks growth. Fear of being judged, of failing, of not being enough. The subconscious mind reacts to these fears with avoidance or self-sabotage.
Instead of trying to silence the fear, invite curiosity.
Ask:
- “What am I really afraid of here?”
- “Where did this belief come from?”
- “Is this mine or something I was taught to believe?”
This soft questioning shifts your subconscious from defense to exploration. Curiosity makes room for new choices.
- Re-program through repetition and emotion:
The subconscious learns not through logic, but through repetition and feeling. That is why change is not a one-time insight. It’s a practice.
Use affirmations that feel real, not forced. For example:
- “I am safe to grow, even if I stumble.”
- “It is okay to succeed and still be humble.”
- “I do not need to earn worthiness, it is already within.”
Speak these when your mind is quiet particularly early morning, just before sleep, or during mindful pauses. Let the words carry warmth, not pressure. Over time, they begin to soften the resistance.
- Create environments that support expansion
Even if we shift inside, our environment can reinforce the old story. Spaces of fear, micro-management, or comparison will keep triggering our subconscious.
Build an environment at work and within. This encourages expression, reflection, and rest.
Some small ways:
- Schedule time for undistracted thinking or journaling.
- Surround yourself with people who see your potential, not just your performance.
- Include practices like walking, silence, or breathwork to create inner spaciousness.
Change does not require grand gestures. It requires safe soil for new roots.
5. Let the body lead the mind
The subconscious lives not just in the mind, but in the body. The shoulders that tighten in conflict. The breath that shortens under pressure. These are signals.
Leadership is not just mental, it is embodied.
Soften the body to soften the mind:
- Take mindful pauses to feel where tension lives.
- Use breath to return to the present moment.
- Move regularly to release stuck emotion or old patterns.
By honoring the body, we honor the messages it holds. Healing and insight often arrive through stillness, not thinking.
- Replace judgment with gentle discipline
Sometimes, we get frustrated with ourselves: “Why am I still stuck?” “I should have overcome this by now.”
But judgment only deepens the grooves of resistance.
Instead, lead yourself like how you would lead others that is with patience and consistency. Celebrate micro-wins. Forgive the fallback. Return again and again.
Growth is not a straight line. It is a spiral. Every time you revisit the same lesson with more awareness, you rise higher.
As Kabir reminds us:
“धीरे-धीरे रे मना, धीरे सब कुछ होय।
माली सींचे सौ घड़ा, ऋतु आये फल होय॥”
(Slowly, slowly, O mind, everything unfolds in its time.
The gardener may water a hundred pots, but the fruit comes only in season.)
Reflect and Realign
- What beliefs or habits might be quietly limiting your growth?
- Where do you feel stuck, even though you’re trying hard?
- What is one gentle practice you can start this week to reprogram your inner responses?
The subconscious mind is not an enemy to conquer. It is an ally waiting to be heard. With awareness, patience, and compassion, you can walk with it towards a deeper and a more sustainable growth, but not against it.
At Kabir Learning Foundation, we support leaders in integrating inner alignment with outer action, through leadership coaching, reflective learning, and soulful conversation.
Write to us at: [email protected] Visit: www.kabirlearning.in
Let’s uncover the insights that unlock your growth potential. Together.
