From Subconscious To Conscious

Much of the information we pick up with the senses when we are small remains registered and stored in our subconscious. Along with this sensory information, we also record the beliefs and expectations we develop from them. Thus, leaving childhood behind, we will retain much of this mental content, which will have a significant influence on our behavior.

Research has revealed a wide variety of brain waves that can be identified according to their frequency: from the lowest levels of activity recorded during deep sleep (delta waves), to the higher frequencies recorded during conscious thoughts (beta waves). As children grow older, the predominant frequencies in their brains develop from slower waves to faster waves, i.e. from the subconscious to the conscious.

Delta waves

From birth to 2 years of age, the human brain works mainly with lower frequency brain waves. Adults are in the delta area during deep sleep, which explains why newborn babies usually cannot stay awake for more than a few consecutive minutes.

In fact, they mostly work with the subconscious. They can barely censor, correct or judge the information received from the outside world. At this age, the activity of the “thinking brain” (the neocortex) is very low.

The Zeta waves

From 2 to 5 years old, children begin to show slightly higher EEG traces. Children who “live in the zeta” live a brain state similar to that of trance and are connected above all to their inner world. They live in an abstract world made of imagination. Their critical and rational thinking is underdeveloped. For this same reason, young children tend to believe everything that is said to them (such as the existence of Santa Claus).

At this age, phrases such as the following have great impact: Good girls keep quiet. Babies don’t cry. Your brother is more handsome than you. You can’t do this. You will be a failure. You’re bad. And so on. These statements come directly to the child’s subconscious, as slow brain wave states are the realm of the subconscious.

Everything that a child sees and hears is consolidated in the form of beliefs, and they determine their behavior and their way of interpreting reality in adulthood. For this reason, it is very important to educate with this concept in mind. Now that you have acquired this valuable information, be responsible for it.

The Alpha waves

From age 5 to 8, the brain waves change again, shifting to a slightly higher frequency. The analytical mind begins to form, which allows one to interpret and draw conclusions about the laws of outer life. At the same time, the inner world of the imagination tends to be as real as the outer world.

Children of this age group are generally divided between the two worlds. For this reason, they are very fond of role-playing games. For example, if you ask a child to be a dolphin swimming in the sea, be a snowflake blown by the wind or a superhero running to save someone, after hours he will still be immersed in the role.

Beta waves

From age 8 to 12, and thereafter, brain activity increases until it reaches higher frequencies. These waves last throughout adulthood and gradually build up. After age 12, the door between the subconscious and the conscious  typically closes. Beta waves are divided into low, medium and high. As children approach adolescence, they transition from lower-ranking beta waves to medium and high-ranking beta waves, similar to those found in most adults.

Now that you know roughly how brain waves work, you need to understand that all the information absorbed by the subconscious during the first 7 years of life continues to have an influence on your life. However, if you become aware of who you are and are concerned about knowing yourself, you can control and manage this influence.

So, if you live in close contact with children… pay attention to what you say! Because they will believe it. Be very patient with them and always remind them how much they are worth. Love them and teach them to love each other, because it will be something that, in one way or another, will accompany them throughout their life.