Unveiling the Power of the Unconscious Mind

WELCOME TO EPISODE 203

(0:03) Welcome to the Beautifully Broken Podcast. (0:06) I'm your host, Freddie Kimmel, and on the show we explore the survivor's journey, (0:11) practitioners making a difference, (0:13) and the therapeutic treatments and transformational technology that allow the body to heal itself. (0:19) Witness the inspiration we gain by navigating the human experience with grace, (0:24) humility, and a healthy dose of mistakes, (0:26) because part of being human is being beautifully broken.
(0:35) Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the podcast. (0:38) We are, my friends, we're approaching an election, (0:42) which has fueled this podcast. (0:44) It's been on my mind.
It's been on my mind. (0:47) Not only the election, but the debt ceiling in the United States, (0:51) the teetering and hinting at war on multiple fronts (0:54) as global leaders collide and clash and can't get along, can't even speak. (1:00) I understand the wildly different belief systems we each hold, our values.
(1:08) Many times I find these are passed down through generations, (1:11) and they're cemented for lifetimes, unless we pause and we unravel. (1:17) There is a guest I've had on, Dr. Patrick Porter, (1:19) who will often reference a very small amount of information that my conscious mind is picking up (1:26) versus the Everest-sized mountain of data pool (1:31) that the subconscious mind is evaluating to synergistically create reality. (1:38) When I started to explore this, I was floored by the implications.
(1:42) So I'll say in the field of health and wellness and the game of being a better human every day, (1:47) this sits at the top of my pyramid. (1:50) Maybe it's the bottom of the pyramid because the bottom is the base. Is that more important? (1:54) It's a 10 out of 10 for me.
That's what I want to say. (1:57) In this vast landscape of human cognition, (2:01) the conscious mind and the unconscious mind is working tirelessly, (2:06) processing an overwhelming amount of information every single second. (2:11) The conscious mind, it's deliberate and it's analytical.
(2:16) It handles a modest amount of information, but the unconscious mind operates on a different scale. (2:25) Millions of bits of information without our awareness. (2:28) The disparity in processing capabilities not only shapes our perception of reality, (2:33) but it plays a role in how we interpret, react, and respond to the world outside of ourselves.
(2:41) Understanding the differences, it can be a game changer in your life. (2:45) So that's really what I want to talk about. (2:47) And so I'll start with mechanics of the conscious and unconscious mind.
(2:53) So to grasp the differences in information processing between the conscious and the unconscious, (2:59) we need to understand the roles and the capabilities. (3:03) So if I say conscious mind, it's the analytical powerhouse. (3:08) It engages in deliberate thought processes, problem solving, decision making.
(3:15) How many squares of toilet paper am I going to use? (3:17) How am I going to fold my socks or not fold them? (3:21) How am I measuring out two heaping scoops of protein for my morning shake? (3:26) You get the idea. (3:28) However, its processing capacity, its capability is actually quite limited. (3:33) It handles about 40 to 50 bits of information.
(3:37) So what's a bit? (3:38) One bit is a basic unit of information in computing or digital communications. (3:42) It's a single character. (3:44) Think about a letter or a number.
(3:46) Typically requires eight bits. (3:49) So 40 to 50 bits per second means five to six characters per second. (3:54) Imagine you're reading a line of text very slowly where you can read five to six characters.
(3:59) For instance, the word hello, right, that consists of five characters. (4:04) Would take about one second to process. (4:08) I am a slow reader.
(4:11) That's aside the point. (4:14) This information from the conscious mind, that's what we're actively aware of. (4:19) And we can articulate.
(4:22) So in stark contrast, the unconscious mind operates on a very different scale, (4:28) processing between 11 million to 20 million bits of information per second. (4:34) The processing occurs beneath our level of conscious awareness (4:38) and includes automatic functions such as breathing, heart rate regulation, (4:44) the smooth muscle contractions of the lymphatic system. (4:47) We talk about all these things.
(4:49) The processing of sensory information. (4:52) I have a towel on. (4:55) I can simultaneously feel.
(4:57) Now if I focus on it where it touches my medial glute and my knee (5:01) and part of the towel is wet because I just took a shower, right, (5:05) we can kind of, there's a lot going on. (5:08) So research in cognitive psychology and neuroscience has highlighted this staggering difference (5:13) and showcasing the unconscious mind's incredible efficiency and capacity. (5:19) So I just give that scope.
(5:22) So our attention, where my attention goes, energy flows, right? (5:27) We say that's like selective filtering. (5:29) So given the volume of information processed by the unconscious mind, (5:33) it's essential for the brain to filter. (5:36) We wouldn't be able to exit.
(5:37) We wouldn't get anything done. (5:39) The filtering process is influenced by selective attention, (5:43) which is the brain's ability. (5:45) I can zero in on something, a specific stimuli while ignoring others.
(5:50) Maybe it's the sound of your partner's voice (5:52) or maybe it's the bills game is pulling your attention back and forth. (5:56) Our previous experiences, our biases, our current goals, you know, what's important to me? (6:03) That is playing a role in what the brain focuses on. (6:07) So as an example, when we walk through a crowded street, (6:10) the unconscious mind processes millions of bits of sensory information.
(6:15) But the conscious mind, it only becomes aware of a select few, (6:20) such as a friendly face in the crowd, a familiar haircut, (6:26) a sound of a car horn that you may recognize. (6:29) The selective attention is crucial for survival, daily functioning. (6:34) But it also means that each person might notice (6:39) and prioritize different aspects of the same environment.
(6:44) And this is how we construct reality. (6:47) The brain's tendency to fill in gaps complicates really and truly our perception of reality. (6:55) When information is missing or ambiguous, (6:58) the unconscious mind fills in gaps on past experiences and expectations.
(7:05) This can lead to different interpretations of the very same event. (7:09) Huh, who would have thought? (7:11) So as an example, eyewitnesses to a car accident (7:15) are always going to provide varying accounts of what happens. (7:21) It's influenced by prior experiences, their current state of mind, (7:25) how hungry they are, their hydration levels, (7:29) their levels of fatigue, the physical vantage point, (7:32) and of course a past trauma.
(7:34) You can imagine how complicated this becomes in selecting a jury trial (7:38) involving an automobile accident. (7:41) So I want to ask you this, have you ever attended a meeting, (7:45) a business meeting in a company you work for with a colleague, (7:48) and you both sat down and listened to information, (7:51) maybe it's a yearly financial report or the company's strategy. (7:55) One person can be so optimistic about the company's future (7:59) while the other might feel extremely concerned, even hopeless.
(8:04) These different interactions can be attributed to how each person's mind (8:08) is processing, filtering, and creating story. (8:11) I think that's so profound. (8:14) And I just think when we sit back, we're like, (8:16) there's so many examples of this.
(8:18) How are we even functioning together? (8:21) I know, it's a great question, different podcast. (8:23) But what I want, what I want from this interaction (8:26) is I would love to bring attention to this mechanism of action. (8:31) Conscious mind, 40 to 50 bits.
(8:34) Unconscious mind, 11 to 20 million bits of information (8:38) in which there's lots of room to create story. (8:41) I wanted to do this podcast because I wanted to invite you (8:44) to see where empathy and humility can be added to all conversations (8:48) and all actions. (8:50) So if we recognize the limits of conscious perception (8:54) and the vast capabilities of the unconscious, (8:58) that can be a huge step towards empathy.
(9:01) Understanding others might perceive and process information differently. (9:06) Often without, they're not aware. (9:09) And this allows us to approach every interaction (9:12) with a different level of compassion.
(9:15) When someone reacts differently than we expect, (9:19) it's an opportunity to consider the unseen workings of their mind. (9:22) Rather than jumping to the conclusion about their motives, (9:26) about their intelligence, and pausing, (9:30) pausing the reflexive, how could they, (9:36) and moving to immediate judgment. (9:39) Humility, on the other hand, (9:41) humility comes from acknowledging our cognitive biases (9:45) and the limitations of my perceptions, of our perceptions, (9:50) by accepting that my view of reality is one.
(9:55) It's just one of the many possible interpretations. (9:59) When I do this, when we do this together, (10:00) we open ourselves to learning from others and appreciating, (10:04) and at the very least, (10:08) we'll be more willing to listen to someone else's perspective. (10:13) Humility can transform our interactions.
(10:17) It can give us, it's the gateway to an open-minded (10:20) and less judgmental life. (10:22) So just a few quick strategies. (10:27) You know, this is great.
It's a great working theory. (10:29) Maybe that information, maybe you're like me, (10:32) and the information gets you excited enough (10:35) to explore where you can entertain the idea. (10:41) You can entertain the idea that there's not a right or wrong, (10:44) but there's different versions.
(10:46) And if we lean in and we listen, I think that's the bridge. (10:50) I think that's the bridge to moving through adversity (10:54) between two countries, between two people, I think. (10:58) So one is just active listening.
(11:01) You know, we have two ears, we have one mouth. (11:03) So I've heard many people say this, you know, (11:06) listen and speak in the ratio that you have. (11:11) Holes to listen and a hole to give out information, right? (11:15) To put it bluntly.
(11:17) Fully concentrating on what another person is saying (11:19) without planning your response. (11:22) I'm so guilty of this. I really am.
(11:25) Especially when I know I'm in opposition of someone, (11:28) and I'm like, oh, I'm going to get them good. (11:31) But active listening is just listening without a response. (11:34) I think the biggest one I want to pull is (11:36) a technique from nonviolent communication.
(11:38) It's also something that we've talked about (11:40) with Reverend Kathy Wheelahan and Laura Young (11:45) from the Be Loved Now community. (11:47) And that would be mirroring, (11:49) a technique in nonviolent communication. (11:52) So mirroring is a practice of reflecting back (11:54) the words and emotions expressed by another person.
(11:57) The technique is used to validate the speaker's feelings (12:00) and ensure that the message is accurately understood. (12:04) So we're enhancing understanding, right? (12:08) That's all I'm doing. (12:09) I'm taking the bits of information that came from Susie (12:13) and I'm repeating them back to her.
(12:15) By mirroring, I am confirming that (12:17) I have correctly understood the speaker's message. (12:22) That practice builds empathy. (12:24) It helps the speaker feel heard and validated.
(12:28) Fostering a sense of empathy and connection. (12:31) It's an opening. (12:32) We give people an opening to lean forward (12:35) into a deeper level of understanding (12:37) when we really listen and understand.
(12:40) And then we have this aspect of clarity of communication. (12:43) Mirroring can clarify misunderstandings (12:47) by providing the speaker with an opportunity (12:48) to correct misinterpretations. (12:52) How many political debates have I watched (12:55) and I want to put my head through the television (12:57) because there is no listening happening.
(13:00) You can see people jotting down notes (13:02) and this is the problem with this type of engagement. (13:06) It's based on sound bites. (13:08) It's based on limited response times.
(13:11) I understand it's a debate. (13:13) It's a formula. (13:13) It's a technique.
(13:14) But it's painful to watch. (13:16) It's painful for me to watch. (13:18) So different techniques can just be a mindfulness practice.
(13:21) I say get off the ride. (13:23) You don't have to meditate. (13:24) Get off the ride of life.
(13:27) Pausing, being alone, being with your breath, (13:30) laying down and closing your eyes, (13:32) which is a good one for me. (13:34) Getting lost in the flow of something like juggling. (13:37) It increases your awareness of your own thought process (13:40) by slowing down.
(13:43) That's it. (13:45) That's it. (13:46) And I think the last one I'll say is, (13:48) I heard someone do this yesterday.
(13:50) It's like a perspective taking exercise. (13:55) Imagine how you could understand (13:58) the other person's point of view. (14:00) I listened to a podcast yesterday.
(14:02) I'm not going to say the actor's name (14:03) because it's a challenging topic to have, (14:06) but I listened to his whole story, (14:08) and he was defending himself on accusations. (14:12) And he got to a point where he started to talk about his father. (14:16) And he said, you know, my dad was a veteran.
(14:19) He was a patriot. (14:20) Loved his country. (14:22) Came back from serving and decided he wanted to be a writer.
(14:28) And after he sat in his room for 10 years, 15 years, 20 years, 30 years, (14:33) and that never happened, (14:34) he started to create a story in which he was robbed of his job (14:42) because of the color of his skin. (14:45) And so he told this transformational story (14:47) in which this veteran with a dream, (14:50) with the dream was unrealized, (14:53) the pain turned into hate and turned into a story (14:55) in which eventually he had monuments for Hitler in his room. (15:01) And so the father would sit and subject his children (15:06) to his anger and his rage and the story.
(15:09) And it hurt my heart so bad because not that I validate it, (15:14) but I understand how hurt, unaddressed, and unspoken (15:21) can turn into illness. (15:23) And so I had a lot of empathy, (15:25) and I had a lot of humility for this guy. (15:27) Yeah, it's wild.
(15:29) Once in a while, I just hear podcasts. (15:31) I was like, wow, my whole life has changed. (15:33) I have a different understanding on what's possible.
(15:36) So I really believe in this work. (15:38) I really believe in understanding the body and the body's systems. (15:42) We talk a lot about the lymphatic system lately (15:45) as a regulatory system to manage fluid balance, (15:49) dietary fats, and immune function.
(15:53) But there's also this function of letting go. (15:55) We talk about the nervous system, (15:57) the central nervous system calling out the shots. (16:01) It's calling out the orders to the organs.
(16:04) We have these systems within the body. (16:06) We talk about the circulatory system, (16:08) delivering nutrients, oxygen to all our cells, (16:11) and leaking out plasma proteins into the tissues to feed the body. (16:17) It's just such an incredible body.
(16:20) And I think without needing to be, (16:23) I don't believe in being an expert. (16:25) I just think this state of curiosity and amazement about the human body (16:29) and certainly how the unconscious and conscious mind works, (16:34) it really pulls away this reflexive response to judge other human beings. (16:39) That's what it does for me.
(16:40) Understanding that 40 to 50 bits of information (16:42) is what I use to make a story. (16:45) Every second and 10 to 20 million bits of information, (16:49) my unconscious mind is filling in the gaps. (16:52) So I really think it speaks to this idea of widening that gap (16:56) between stimulus and response that will never get old.
(17:00) I hope you're not bored of it. (17:02) I love you so much. (17:03) I hope you are sharing this podcast.
(17:05) I hope you're enjoying it. (17:06) I'm loving it. (17:07) I'm having a great time.
(17:08) I am a more complete human being when I am podcasting. (17:12) So that's it for now. (17:14) I'm your host, Freddie Kimmel.
(17:16) Love you so much. (17:17) Bye. (17:20) Friends, I want to talk to you about the best snack I've ever had (17:24) from House of Macadamias, mainly their chocolate bar.
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(21:50) The world is shifting. (21:51) We need you at your very best, (21:54) so please take the steps to always be upgrading. (21:57) Remember, while life can be painful, (22:00) putting the pieces back together is a beautiful process.
(22:03) I love you. (22:04) I'm your host, Freddie Kimmel. (22:06) Big love.