The Invisible Power of the Mind: A Lesson on Paradigms

Photo credit: Voice.mv

In 2021, I learned something that changed the way I see myself and the world around me. I realized that although the mind is invisible, its presence is undeniably real. When we feel emotions, we instinctively touch our hearts and say, “That made me happy,” or “That hurt.” However, when we think, we point to our heads. This simple behavior helped me understand a deeper truth: the mind is neither the heart nor the brain—it is something entirely different.

The human mind consists of two distinct parts: the conscious and the subconscious. The conscious mind is our reasoning mind. It has the power to choose, accept or reject ideas, and think independently. It is where our higher faculties reside—perception, will, imagination, memory, intuition, and reason—making it the seat of our intellect.

In contrast, the subconscious mind is our emotional mind. It accepts all information it receives, without questioning whether it is true or false. It cannot distinguish between what is real and what is imagined. This is where our paradigms are built—those deeply embedded mental programs that influence our habits, beliefs, and ultimately, our results.

So how do we know what our paradigms are? We look at our results. If we are unhappy with the outcomes in our lives, it’s often because the paradigms running in the background are no longer serving us. To change our results, we must first change the paradigm behind them.

These paradigms are not formed overnight. They begin to take shape from the moment we are born, influenced by our environment—our families, schools, culture, and even our genetics. A baby’s conscious mind is not yet developed, so everything it experiences goes directly into the subconscious mind without any filter. That same pattern continues for most adults—statistics suggest that 97% of people live their lives on autopilot, allowing the outside world to shape their subconscious, instead of consciously choosing their beliefs and behaviors.

There is an unseen power that flows through all of us. Science may call it energy; theology may call it spirit. As Muslims, we believe this power is the Ruh (soul) gifted by Allah—a divine connection that gives us life and consciousness. Whatever name we give it, this power never stops flowing. The tragedy is that many people allow their paradigms to control how they use this power—often unconsciously reinforcing limitations rather than possibilities.

In 2021, I began learning how to shift my paradigm through discipline, awareness, and dedication. It’s a process of reclaiming control over the mind—of choosing to think, rather than react. It’s not easy, but it is liberating.

My sincere gratitude to my mentor Bob Proctor for the teaching.

Comments

Why We Become a Child Again Around Our Mother

They say a mother can take your pain away and make you feel like a child again. It is true—not just in a poetic sense, but in a very real psychological way. After living with my in-laws for some time, I started to notice something strange whenever I visited my mother. The moment I entered her home, something inside me shifted. My voice softened. I felt lighter. I would leave responsibilities at the door and sit on the floor or curl up on the sofa like I used to. I was not acting strong or trying to be put together—I simply became… myself. A softer, more vulnerable, more peaceful version of who I am. I often found myself wondering, “Is this really me? Or am I just slipping into some old pattern?” That question stayed with me until I started reading about the neuroscience and psychology behind it. What I learned made everything make sense. The Brain Remembers Safety Our brains are wired to remember emotions. When you are around your mother—especially if she represents love, sa...

When Pain Finds a Voice: A Story That Mirrors the Lives of Many Women

With my client’s full consent—while keeping her identity protected—I am sharing a story that reflects the silent suffering many women carry in their hearts. As I sat listening to her, I realised how deeply emotional distress shapes a woman’s life, and how many endure heartbreaking experiences behind closed doors. No woman should ever face such pain alone, yet her story echoes countless untold stories in our society. What moved me most was the resilience in her voice. She did not speak like someone defeated. She spoke like a woman who will one day look back and recognise the strength it took to speak up, to rise, and to share her truth so that even one other woman may find the courage to change her life. She discovered her husband had been cheating on her, but long before the betrayal surfaced, she had been living under constant criticism and fault-finding. While she devoted herself to raising their three children—building a home filled with warmth, stability, cleanliness, and love—he d...

My Experience in HDh. Kulhudhuffushi

My recent trip to HDh. Kulhudhuffushi for a training and group coaching turned out to be much more than a professional assignment—it became a journey of learning, connection, and cultural discovery. Having lived all my life in the capital city, Malé, I have always been familiar with its fast pace, modern lifestyle, and limited sense of community due to the city’s busy rhythm. Although I used to travel to islands as a child, years passed without such experiences. Now, traveling as a professional—conducting training and coaching sessions—has given a completely new meaning to island visits. Kulhudhuffushi, often called the “heart of the north,” is one of the largest and most vibrant islands in the northern Maldives. It serves as the main hub of Haa Dhaalu Atoll, connecting the surrounding islands through its port and domestic airport. The island is well-developed, with schools, healthcare facilities, shops, and cafés, yet it still carries the charm of island life—peaceful, community-drive...