People from all walks of life have increased their IQ level, gotten help to quit smoking or even enhanced their memory function by using subliminal learning. What is subliminal learning? Subliminal learning is allowing the mind to absorb information without knowing that it is doing so or without focusing on it. Visual images or information travels below the limits of our attention. It is a way to feed the mind without having to focus on the information! Think of the things you could do without realizing that you are putting in the effort to achieve these things.

Subliminal messages can have a compelling impact on human actions. Advertisers use subliminal messages to sell their products. These messages provide a way for consumers to remember their products. When did this tool become popular?

Although studying subliminal messages has some history as far back as the mid 1800’s when researchers first began investigating the hidden mind and telepathy, the subject really took off in 1957 when a market researcher named James Vicary claimed he had discovered a way to make people buy things by using hidden messages in advertising.

That same year, Vance Packard, an American journalist and author, presented to the world his book The Hidden Persuaders, where he criticized the use of covert techniques in advertising, and media influences in general. The book sold over a million copies and was even used in business education, ethics and marketing curriculums. There was enough controversy about the use of hidden words or symbols being used covertly to persuade or arouse consumers that laws were actually created to prohibit the practice.

The controversy grew even more when Wilson Bryan Key and his book, Subliminal Seduction, took the subject to new heights, and not necessarily desired ones, as he instilled fears about brainwashing in his readers. He accused almost everything of forming seductive images ready to invite us into arousal and immorality. He literally found something sexual or evil in the pictures used in any advertising; it would not have been surprising if he questioned cloud formations, as if God or Mother Nature was participating.

Things finally settled down on the subject, and in an arena where most people wanted to take more responsibility for their own lives, as the twentieth century ended, it became evident that many of us liked subliminal suggestions, especially when they helped us improve our potential for success and happiness.

Today there are hundreds of programs that use subliminal messaging or learning to improve lives. Lloyd Silverman, a New York psychologist, did a study exposing smokers to subliminal messages in an effort to help them quit smoking. He found that there was a 5 times higher success rate to quit smoking for the people that received subliminal messages. Subliminal messaging has had astounding results in dieting and keeping weight off individuals. There are even studies that have tracked actual improvement of IQ levels and academic performance.

Is subliminal the same for everyone? And, how much do our conscious thoughts affect or work with the unconscious ones? Years ago, dreams were not considered that valuable, but now it is known that they help our inner computer sort and organize. Isn’t it possible that our conscious and unconscious thoughts work together in a similar fashion? Perhaps, any messages received subconsciously need our conscious thought to work alongside them, indicating that we really do have control of the process. That would make it very personalized, and certainly eliminate the “brainwashing” aspect.

Vance Packard offered more validity in his book talking about media influences than anything else. If you want to stop thinking for yourself, nothing will accomplish that faster than watching the mainstream news and advertising. It may not seem like it is covert, but it will influence you and can cause stress levels to rise. And, whether it is done glibly or intentionally, it takes a real decision on our part to avoid it.

It is possible to counteract all the socially approved, but not necessarily desired, messages. If you intentionally bathe your mind with positive cleanses, it will yield the results you deserve.

We have so many options now to keep us on the right track. Music and meditation are great ways to keep your mind connected to something meaningful and peaceful. There are many companies that offer unique programs incorporating subliminal messaging. Taking advantage of chosen subliminal messages, written, visual or audible, will also enhance the way you view the world. This is the best washing your brain will ever get.

Fortunately, no matter what else is out there, we still have our minds. Regardless of what happens to us physically, we have control of that puppet master who decides how to move the puppet. We can set our direction with our own “hidden persuaders” as we invite the positive to invade our deepest minds in every way possible. You are the one that will make it happen, whether you want to build confidence, find your purpose, make more money, lose weight, find the right relationship, stop an unwanted habit or eliminate an addiction.

We need to appreciate all the solutions we have that make it possible to program our mind with whatever thought system we choose. Unleash your inner power and let subliminal learning work for you!