Healing the Subconscious Mind: A Journey Toward Forgiveness and Renewal

The World Beneath Our World

Much of what governs our behavior happens beneath the surface, in a hidden world we don’t always notice—the subconscious mind. It silently processes information and stores experiences, shaping our sense of self, beliefs, and even our perception of reality. While the conscious mind decides, plans, and sets goals, the subconscious operates as the keeper of emotional blocks, limiting beliefs, and unresolved hurts that may hinder progress. It is in this realm that true healing must begin.

The Power of Forgiveness

Healing the subconscious mind is, at its core, about forgiveness—of others and of yourself. Matthew 6:14-15 reminds us of God’s call to forgive, but it’s easy to overlook how withholding forgiveness can leave emotional scars that settle deep in the subconscious. Unforgiveness creates invisible barriers, preventing us from embracing new opportunities and growth. Consider this: Have you truly forgiven everyone? Including yourself?

Just like the parable of the forgiven man who failed to forgive another, holding onto grudges or self-condemnation can stunt your progress. You may be weighed down by mistakes or past failures, allowing them to define you. But here’s the truth: forgiveness breaks the chains. It releases the emotional blockages that keep us in a state of guilt, anger, or betrayal, and it allows us to step into a renewed version of ourselves.

Removing Emotional Blocks

Forgiveness of Others

You may not realize it, but harboring resentment, trauma, and unforgiveness takes a toll on both your mind and body. These emotions have been linked to physical ailments, particularly affecting the liver—one of the most vital organs responsible for detoxification. It’s no surprise, then, that forgiveness is a requirement from God. As Scripture states, unless you forgive others, you cannot be forgiven. To detoxify the subconscious mind and remove emotional blocks, forgiveness must become a consistent practice.

Unforgiveness can be obvious, but it can also be hidden. You might think you’ve let go of all grudges, yet still carry the heavy weight of despair from a past experience. The truth may be that deep down, you haven’t fully forgiven someone for the ways they wronged you. This unresolved emotion embeds itself in your subconscious mind and can even affect your body, altering your physiological state and influencing your behavior.

I discovered this to be true for myself, undoubtedly by revelation of the Holy Spirit, amidst listening to this episode. If you've read any of the previous blogs, you know my mother passed of fentanyl overdose in July of 2022. It was one of the most tragic experiences of my life. Without going into the painful details, I’ll say that my last memory of her has not been an easy one to carry. For the past two years, her unexpected death has weighed heavily on me—until now.

So, what changed? What breakthrough allowed me to see beyond the grief? Unforgiveness. I came to realize that I hadn’t truly forgiven my mom for dying. It sounds strange, doesn’t it? How can you hold unforgiveness toward someone for passing away?

Apparently, feeling anger after someone’s death is more common than we think. It stems from feelings of abandonment, difficulty in grieving, and adjusting to a life that’s forever changed. You must somehow adjust to living in a world that just feels different. I’ve experienced all of these, especially given the circumstances surrounding her death. Until now, I was unaware that I even felt this way. When I made this realization, it broke me. At first, I tried to hold back the tears, but then I let them flow. And in doing so, I felt as though I could breathe again. It was as if a weight had been lifted. Once again, forgiveness breaks the chains. It leads you to place of peace and freedom.

Forgiveness of Self

One profound truth from this journey is that forgiveness isn’t just for others—it’s also for yourself. What emotional burdens are you still carrying because you haven’t forgiven yourself? What mistakes have you been condemning yourself for? In Micah 7:19, we’re reminded that God treads our sins underfoot and hurls our iniquities into the depths of the sea. If He is so willing to forgive, why shouldn’t we? Is He not the ultimate source of true forgiveness? If God hasn’t condemned you, why are you condemning yourself?

Forgiving yourself begins by taking responsibility for your actions. Yes, you messed up—but who hasn’t? We’ve all made mistakes. I know I’ve made more than I can count. But without mistakes, there’s no opportunity to learn or grow. More importantly, your mistakes do not define you—unless you allow them to. Make peace with yourself, acknowledging that you are not a perfect person. Set a standard for the person you want to be, and when you fall short, don’t condemn yourself. Instead, reflect on the experience, repent, get up, and walk on.

Removing emotional blocks like guilt, anger, and resentment opens the door to healing. If you’re willing to forgive others, extend that same benevolence to yourself.

Reprogramming the Subconscious

Reprogramming the subconscious requires intentional, ongoing effort. Isaiah 41:10 encourages us not to fear but to trust in God’s strength. The key lies in aligning your thoughts with God's truth, rather than letting your subconscious run unchecked with negative self-talk or limiting beliefs. The subconscious mind must be continually renewed, shaped by positive affirmations, and reinforced by God's word. This process isn’t a one-time fix. Too often, we think we've arrived, only to find it takes just one day of neglect to fall off track. You may do well for days, or even weeks, but the moment you stop the daily practice of renewal, you inevitably begin to drift back into old patterns.

While the conscious mind creates plans for success, the subconscious is often the voice of doubt, telling you, "You're not good enough," or, "You’ll fail again." These limiting beliefs can form early in life, shaped by our upbringing, past experiences, or the words of others. The subconscious holds onto painful memories and past failures as a way to "protect" us, but this so-called protection often manifests as fear of failure or even fear of success.

Limiting Beliefs and Fear of Failure or Success

How often do we fail to act or fall into inconsistent routines because of an internal voice that whispers, “I told you that you couldn’t do it,” or, “You’ll never stay consistent”? Proverbs 23:7 tells us that as a person thinks in their heart, so are they. Our thoughts, often directed by the subconscious, shape our reality. We must remain vigilant, identifying these limiting beliefs and confronting them with a higher truth. Fear of failure is a real obstacle, frequently rooted in past experiences that the subconscious refuses to release. But by casting our cares on the Lord (Psalm 55:22), we are reminded not to trust the fleeting thoughts that seek to sabotage our growth.

While the conscious mind eagerly sets goals and makes plans, the subconscious is often behind the scenes, offering every excuse to keep you from reaching success. You may be ready and motivated to join a gym, adopt a healthier diet, or start a new career, but the subconscious mind chimes in to remind you, “You’ve tried this before and failed, so you’re going to fail again.” I have personally found myself in this boat many times. Or perhaps it’s fear of success, flooding your thoughts with anxiety about the responsibilities that come with achieving your goals. Either way, this resistance can leave you stuck in the comfort of familiarity.

Overcoming the Comfort Zone

Another trap the subconscious mind lays for us is the comfort zone—a place where change is resisted because it feels safe. Sticking to familiar routines may seem comfortable, but it stifles growth. Success, after all, requires stepping out, facing fears, and trusting that God is with you every step of the way (Jeremiah 29:11).

The journey to a healthy subconscious is not an overnight task, especially as adults whose minds are often already shaped by years of limiting beliefs. But it’s never too late to change. Start with spending time alone in reflection, prayer, and meditation. Get to know the quiet voice within, identify where it’s holding you back, and begin the work of renewal by replacing negative thoughts with God’s truth.

Key Takeaway: Belief Transformed Into Action

Ultimately, the subconscious mind can be either our greatest ally or our biggest obstacle. By aligning it with God’s word and practicing intentional forgiveness, we can reprogram our subconscious mind and unlock our full potential. As you reflect, ask yourself: Do my actions align with my beliefs? If not, start building new habits. Create a new reality. Healing the subconscious isn’t a one-time event, but a journey where belief becomes the foundation for lasting transformation. Remember: true change starts within. It’s not about changing the world around you—it’s about changing yourself, and through that, the world is changed.

Have you ever felt like you’re doing everything right, yet still seem stagnant? That despite your best efforts to grow and change, something deep within you holds you back? That elusive force may be your subconscious mind—the unseen world beneath your conscious thoughts, the quiet observer shaping your actions, beliefs, and ultimately, your life.

In the latest episode of Something Has to Change, Stephen delves into "The World Beneath Our World," exploring the powerful influence of the subconscious mind on our thoughts, beliefs, emotions, and reality. Emphasizing the importance of forgiveness—both of others and of self—this episode provides critical insights into renewing your mind and transforming your life, supported by biblical wisdom and practical solutions.

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Watch the full episode