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Embracing the Unconscious

Much of what passes as self-help does not actually bring about sufficient transformation that would lead to developing soul consciousness. To think positively and use your willpower more strongly, to use affirmations and rituals, or to chant and meditate, will never by themselves bring the awareness needed to serve as a basis for soul connection. Self-help that strengthens the ego only might be creating an antagonism toward the unconscious powers and forces within us.

Awareness of who we are is the foundation for expanding consciousness. This means we need to explore our unconscious dimensions – both higher and lower. People who are very rational and think that they live their life solely from the conscious choices they make are somewhat deluded. The truth is that we are usually more influenced by what we are unaware of than what we are aware of.

If we wonder why people we dislike the most are in our dreams, we fail to realize that they are part of us, reflecting some unconscious aspect we need to become aware of. If we wonder why we instantly like someone we meet or immediately dislike someone then we do not appreciate that they represent something within ourselves that we unconsciously like or dislike. When we don’t use the outer clues as indicators of things we need to become aware of within ourselves we are missing great opportunities.

If we wonder why we need to pacify our anxieties by shopping or eating we need to find that insecure child within ourselves that feels abandoned or lost, but is searching for mother in matter. (Latin Mother = Mater) Materialism for many is comfort food when love seems to be lacking. Are not our unconscious addictions either a way to feel comforted and secure, or a way to avoid feeling anything lest we feel some unconscious frightening reality from within ourselves?

Let’s increasingly choose to face the music we have not heard, and the chaos we have feared. Both are within. Through trusting in the intelligence and love that exists within us we can face anything that comes up. But we need to be sensitive and reflective when both soul and subconscious realities reveal themselves through our dreams, our words and behaviour, our feelings and our interactions with life and people. Without judgment, then, we will come to embrace the whole self that is the context in which we live our life. Each awareness, each acceptance, each painful realization or aha! is a soul opening and healing step in our journey.

Exercises: 1. Every day for the next week spend 5 minutes or so to reflect on what a dream has meant for you or what an exchange in a relationship reveals about you. 2. Identify a strong attraction and interpret what aspect of your unconscious self it might reveal. 3. Identify a strong repulsion, prejudice or hatred and interpret what aspect of your unconscious self it might reveal.

This is one of 150 Soul Perspective articles. For more articles visit Soul Perspectives Index.

Andrew and Bonnie Schneider are now offering personal interactive email coaching for the 4 Level Soul Journey program. Connect weekly with Andrew and Bonnie on how to develop soul consciousness. Read more about this personal coaching from Andrew and Bonnie Schneider by clicking here.