What Is the Unconscious

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There are key differences between inner quiet and outer silence.

When we feel awe our focus on ourselves diminishes.

The subconscious is oriented towards feelings and images more than towards words.

The conscious mind thrives on stimulation from inputs like language, sound, comparisons, and problem solving. When sensory and cognitive input decreases—when we become quiet—we make room for subconscious regulation and guidance.

It’s not a coincidence that so many of our quietest practices—prayer, meditation, time spent in nature—are also the practices we can use to feel a sense of peace and calm.

Interestingly, there are key differences between inner quiet and outer silence. Outer silence—the absence of environmental noise—sometimes makes us feel more alert rather than less (Donnelly, 2023).

For people unaccustomed to stillness, this kind of quiet may feel uncomfortable at first, like your mind is scanning for threats. If you feel this way when you're trying to achieve calm, that's not a failure. Consider it conditioning; with routine and practice the quiet will become familiar and embraced by your mind.

The goal, of course, is inner quiet. When mental noise decreases and tension settles, the nervous system shifts away from vigilance. Human cultures recognized this reality long before neuroscience could describe it. Moments of silence, contemplative prayer, monastic practices, and days of rest all create conditions in which conscious driving recedes and deeper regulation emerges.

Nature, Awe, and Feeling Small

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