【Are you aware of the “iceberg” within you?】〜The power of coaching to access the subconscious〜
The true nature of “knowing what to do but being unable to act”
“I know I have to do it, but I just can’t move…”
I’m sure everyone has felt that way at least once, haven’t they?
The true nature of this “unease” might actually be the subconscious deep within your mind.
In this article, we will explore the insights gained through coaching, using the keywords “subconscious” and the “iceberg model.”
1. Is human consciousness like an “iceberg”?
In the world of psychology, human consciousness is sometimes likened to an iceberg.
The image is that only a small portion is visible above the water (conscious mind), while a massive block (subconscious mind) lies dormant beneath it.
Conscious mind (what you know in your head)……only 3%
Subconscious mind (emotions, beliefs, true feelings)……a staggering 97%
For example, this 97% world is involved in “contradictory behaviors” such as “I want to lose weight, but I end up eating anyway” or “I want to change jobs, but I can’t make a move.”
2. How can you access your subconscious?
But how can we become aware of our own consciousness that lies “below the surface”?
The answer is “dialogue”.
In particular, dialogue with “others” who hold a different perspective from your own is effective.
Even if you try to reflect on your own, your personal involvement tends to take over, which often narrows your perspective.
Hiroki Kamei, a psychological counselor I respect, once said this:
“Viewing yourself from a third-party perspective significantly changes the quality of your life.”
This is exactly the area where coaching excels.
3. The “shift in perspective” brought about by coaching
Dialogue with a coach is like an experience of diving into the deep sea in a submarine.
Emotions and thoughts that you couldn’t put into words slowly rise to the surface.
For example, the following things happen during a session:
Realizing, “Actually, I was thinking X.”
Connecting it to, “Maybe that has something to do with a past experience.”
Generating a positive step forward, “Oh, then maybe I’ll try doing this next.”
The moment you touch the 'underwater' part of your own iceberg, you gain a perspective different from anything you've had before, and your options for the future expand significantly.
4. Toward a life you can choose consciously, rather than being swept away by the unconscious
In our daily lives, we act based on 'patterned thinking' and 'past experiences' without even realizing it.
However, by becoming aware of your subconscious,
Why am I making this choice?
What do I truly want to become?
you will be able to articulate these things.
And that realization will lead to a new step forward.
Why not face your own 'iceberg'?
When you feel like, 'I want to pause and re-examine who I am right now,' that is the perfect time to have a coaching session.
A coach is like a guide who slowly dives into the ocean with you.
Please experience a time where you can meet the 'you' that you haven't discovered yet.
If you are interested in coaching or would like to try a coaching session yourself,
I look forward to your comments.