A neurocoach named the three “brains” that drive a person’s actions and explained why

“The human brain is amazingly complex. Decision-making is influenced not only by logic and rational analysis of information, but also by deep-seated instincts, sensations, emotions, and even the food we eat.”

In fact, we have three “brains” – consciousness, subconsciousness and intuition. They are constantly interacting, complementing and correcting each other. Ideal solutions are born precisely when all three “brains” are synchronized.

• Consciousness is responsible for logical analysis of the situation, rational arguments and the choice of the most appropriate solution.
• The subconscious stores negative and positive experiences, attitudes and habits that are often hidden from our conscious perception.
• Intuition can be likened to a “third brain” – the stomach, which suggests the right decision from the depths of inner feelings and premonitions.

Let’s understand how these three brains are organized and interact and how to achieve their harmonious synchronized work.

What we will tell you about

Consciousness

Consciousness is our analytical brain, responsible for logical and rational thinking. It is consciousness that analyzes incoming information, builds chains of inferences, formulates and tests hypotheses.

Thanks to consciousness, we can set specific goals, plan tasks, and evaluate alternative solutions. The mechanisms of logic allow us to act reasonably, not under the influence of impulsive desires or stereotypes.

However, consciousness has weaknesses. Logical analysis requires time and effort. In addition, consciousness operates only with the information that is already presented in thoughts. And subconscious experience and intuition can often suggest a solution faster and more accurately than formal reasoning.

That is why it is so important to supplement the capabilities of the conscious mind with the insights of the subconscious and intuition to maximize results. When the rational brain works together with the instinctive and intuitive brain, it allows us to make the best decisions with all the wisdom in our minds.

Subconscious

The subconscious mind is the vast area of our psyche that lies beyond conscious thoughts. Unlike the conscious mind, which processes information on purpose, the subconscious mind works spontaneously and involuntarily. A huge number of memories, beliefs, attitudes and perceptions, habits and emotions are stored in the subconscious. From there they influence our perceptions, attitudes and behaviors even without conscious control.

For example, irrational fears, complexes and patterns are often rooted in subconscious attitudes, despite their unreasonableness from the point of view of logic. The subconscious stores our fears and emotions as well as our parent’s. Since all this is inherited by us as a set of programs necessary for life.

On the other hand, intuitive wisdom and inspiration also come from the depths of the subconscious mind. It is there that all past life experiences are stored, providing clues for making the right decisions even in new circumstances.

Thus, for the harmony of the mind, it is important to learn to recognize constructive and destructive subconscious attitudes. Understanding the shadow aspects of the subconscious mind will help to lessen their influence through conscious effort.

Intuition or the “third brain”

Intuition is often referred to as the “third brain” and likened to the function of the stomach. Indeed, intuitive insights come from the underlying wisdom of our being, just as digestion occurs internally without the control of consciousness.

Unlike logical analysis of a situation, intuition provides answers without elaborate reasoning. It is as if it “grasps” the truth in its entirety, without step-by-step reasoning. Sometimes an intuitive answer comes in the form of a sudden insight or even a physical sensation like a “gut feeling” or “chuika”.

Feelings in the stomach – “butterflies”, “lump”, “cold”, “stomach cramp”, “internal tension”, “inability to eat” – often occur with strong emotions, premonitions, excitement. And indicate that intuitive signals are often felt as physical signals in the abdominal area. Intuition, too, is related to subconscious feelings and premonitions.

The digestive process in the stomach is a hidden, subconscious process. Similarly, intuitive insights come from the subconscious mind, without the control of the conscious mind.

Surprisingly, intuitive decisions are often correct, even if the conscious mind cannot logically justify their correctness. Apparently, intuition relies on much more information from our past experience than is available for conscious analysis here and now.

The network of intestinal neurons is extensive, which is why it is called the intestinal nervous system. It consists of interconnected nerve bundles in the intestinal wall and contains more than 100,000,000 neurons, more than the number of neurons in the spinal cord.

The intestinal nervous system, like the brain, uses bioactive chemicals to transmit information between cells. 90% of the body’s total serotonin is found specifically in the gut. It serves as a “transmitter” in the interaction between the gut and the brain, as well as a regulator of intestinal motility. Thus, the intestinal and central nervous systems are similar in structure and function and are in constant interaction.

Nutrition has a great influence on the working of the mind and intuition. When we consume food that is light, fresh and wholesome, it stimulates blood flow and improves brain function. We feel a surge of energy and mental clarity. In this state, it is much easier to solve problems and hear our intuition.

However, heavy, overcooked or stale food acts as a burden on the mind and body. After such food, we often feel lethargic, sleepy, and find it difficult to concentrate and make informed decisions.

So when talking about the “third brain” – the gut – it is important to remember that its source is our entire energy system. And the quality of our diet plays a key role in keeping this system in optimal condition.

Thus, the consumption of foods with a high glycemic index (sweets, pastries) causes a sharp spike in the level of serotonin and dopamine – “hormones of pleasure and motivation”. On the one hand, this gives a burst of vigor and good mood. But on the other hand, it can dull intuition, provoking impulsiveness and momentary desires.

That’s why a balance of “fast” and “slow” carbohydrates is important. Complex carbohydrates from vegetables, whole grains support the production of serotonin evenly and gradually. This creates a stable positive background for harmonious brain function – a balanced combination of logic, intuition and common sense.

How to harmonize the work of all three brain systems?

In order to achieve their balanced interaction, it is useful to understand the specifics of the functioning of each of them.

• Consciousness works on the basis of willpower, self-discipline and concentration. To strengthen its capabilities, regularly train your ability to think logically through education, reading, and problem solving.

• The subconscious mind, on the other hand, functions automatically under the influence of repeated experience. By anchoring the right attitudes through regular practices (meditations, affirmations, visualizations), we thereby program constructive subconscious patterns.

• Regarding intuition or the stomach, it is important to monitor nutrition and restore the integrity of our entire being. Practices of integrating the body and psyche (yoga, breathing practices, creativity) strengthen the intuitive connection to deep wisdom, reduce stress tolerance, and help us achieve a comfortable state.

Cleansing the body of excess sugar and caffeine can significantly improve whole body functioning. A chronic sugar/caffeine stimulating “background” depletes the nervous system and leads to an imbalance of joy hormones.

Therefore, temporarily giving up sugar and coffee allows you to “reboot” your mood regulation system. Levels of serotonin, dopamine and other hormones are stabilized. Both physical and emotional well-being improve.

As a result, consciousness is clarified, anxiety is reduced, and inner peace is enhanced. This unlocks access to deep intuitive wisdom, allowing all three brain systems to work in harmony. When consciousness, subconsciousness and intuition work in sync – complementing and reinforcing each other – we gain the amazing ability to make optimal decisions with the fullness of our inner resources.