Conscious processing is often considered serial or sequential processing of information, whereas unconscious processing is thought of as parallel processing, a simultaneous processing of large quantities of information at one time. A number of studies have shown that learning involves simultaneous use of serial and parallel processing (see Peter Brown, M.D., The Hypnotic Brain: Hypnotherapy and Social Communication, and Daniel Kahneman, Thinking, Fast and Slow). Serial processing (System 2) is managed by conscious thought; parallel processing (System 1) is managed by the unconscious. Compared with parallel processing, serial processing is slow.
This is one of the reasons we usually get what we rehearse rather than what we want: habit, which is controlled by the parallel processing of the unconscious, is more powerful than the serial processing of conscious desire. As Kahneman says, the rational thinking of System 2 is lazy. By the time we remember that we wanted to do something in a new way, we have already done it the old way. Practice may not make perfect, but it certainly makes probable.
A habit is simply a pattern of thought or behavior that operates below the level of conscious awareness. Habits can serve as filters for perception as well as limit the options we consider when choosing how to do something.
The inescapable fact is that most of what we say and do is dominated by unconscious patterns. We have created mental grooves to follow and may find it difficult to choose to leave a groove behind even when we know that it is no longer serving a worthwhile purpose.
Although we like to think of ourselves as consciously aware, rational, and logical in the way we observe, learn, and behave, much of what we know about human cognition and behavior suggests otherwise. Both hypnosis and what are commonly called altered states or “everyday trances” illustrate the way that unconscious processes influence both cognition and behavior.
In Trances People Live (1991), Stephen Wolinsky says, “Trances are often a necessary means of surviving and negotiating the physical universe. They are like tunnels you walk through in order to maneuver and focus in the world. Some trances are functional and pleasing; others are dysfunctional and pathological. Some trances will be in alignment with your goals, while others will impede you” (p. 19).
Doctors and patients both have “trances of expectation” based on roles. “Patient” trances can include thinking the “doctor” knows best, but when communicating with others, be aware that as you break out of unconscious behaviors yourself, you are better able to interrupt patterns of unhelpful behavior and encourage others to make conscious choices that allow them to meet healthier goals.
Send your questions about how other-than-conscious communication skills can hurt or help your patients and clients to Joel P. Bowman (Joel@SCS-Matters.com) or Debra Basham (Debra@SCS-Matters.com), co-developers of Subtle Communication Systems. We will provide answers to those for you. For more information about Neurolinguistic Programming (NLP), Hypnosis or Hypnotherapy, or about the Imagine Healing Process, visit:http://ImagineHealing.info or http://SurgicalSupport.info.
Healing with Language: Your Key to Effective Mind-Body Communication is available for a limited time for $10 plus $5 shipping within the U.S. For volume orders and overseas shipping, check with Debra. See the Table of Contents and List of Exercises in PDF format for more information about this comprehensive text and training manual.