How very honest and real your message is. This is common sense, however, most of us stray away from the four fundamental steps of lucid happiness. Thanks for this (however painful it may be) — especially stepping out from the pain and using our life experiences to help others.

Alice

http://fjordz-hiraya.blogspot.com

I like the RAM vs. Hard Drive metaphor. And you also gave a great example. Anyone who has tried a new sport knows how hard it is to remember the many instructions even if they are simple. Driving a car for the first time, golfing, etc. There’s so much to remember that the conscious mind can go into overwhelm. But over time as the conscious delegates more and more of these actions to the subconscious - you can simply step up and perform.

Another excellent example of this is in the Olympics. Olympians have rehearsed and prepared so much that if they actually become self-conscious (more conscious) during a performance this can actually hinder their ability to perform. So be aware that this will happen to - any time you begin to re-evaluate an old behavior you’ll be a bit self-conscious about it for a while. Do what you need to improve it and then let it go back into the subconscious flow of things again.

I had this experience before I got into a relationship. I was very fluid in social situations with the opposite sex. Then I got into a relationship and due to the nature of the relationship I became more conscious of my social interactions, mostly because I didn’t want to flirt too much or cross the line in terms of acceptable behavior when in a relationship. So my automatic behavior became more conscious in my effort to change it. I became less flirty and more invested in my relationship. Then the relationship ended and I had to switch gears again - becoming socially awkward for a while again.

The main thing when trying something new, or analyzing existing behaviors that used to be automatic - don’t get let the uncomfortable feeling of self-consciousness stop you from improving on the behavior. It only takes a little time before the awkwardness gives way to a fluid performance.

Very insightful - one of the best blogs yet for me. Maybe because of timing or it may just be a great topic at any point in time. Recognizing that we do have some control over guiding our subconcious and harnessing such a valuable and dominating resource in our mind is incredible.

I would love to see some more/varied examples in some of the blogs though. I really enjoy reading them as they come and if you could make them come to life more with a variety of examples that would be awesome!

I’ll put in my two cents since I’ve made a request ;-).

I’ve recently started training Muay Thai (Thai Boxing). In the beginning I’ve been nearly overwhelmed with the different stances, punches, kicks, elbows, blocks, etc. and all the technique that is necessary with all of them.

One of the most basic examples is whenever you swing with one hand you should be protecting your face with the other. Makes sense right? Jab with the left - Cover face with your right. Then Cross Punch with the right - Cover face with the left.

It can be daunting to try and remember to bring your hand back to your face for cover in the midst of all the other tiny but crucial techniques.

But now I realize that if I can focus on this one aspect (covering the face at all times) for long enough with my conscious mind, to the point where my subconscious can take over, I will be able to free up that much more conscious space to work on the other ares!

In short, simply recognizing that we do have a limited concious capacity and more space in our subconscious is helpful. If we can train ourselves to make habits out of necessary actions and save our conscious space - I think that’d help us all.

Your hard drive holds a heckofalot more than your RAM!

Thank you for commenting.

One need not log time in an intensive care unit to feel compassion, which is in my observation at the root of many of these comments.

And as for the point of what you view as a ‘pathetic existential horror show’ (one of many possible perspectives) there are several points. Aside from the obvious one which is to deter drunk driving, here is an inspirational young woman who teaches us acceptance and forgiveness by example. In addition, her unfortunate disfigurement is a poignant reminder that the flesh in all its forms is indeed temporary.

I can see the good intention behind your confrontational comments and I appreciate you taking the time to share your views here today.

- JR

The lessons here are different for everyone, what you find is yours to keep. Spirit operates through ‘James Rick’ for your Soul’s journey. I’m glad you have found something to take with you.

- JR