Today my husband and I had a bunch of fall chores to do, but with the sun shining bright, we decided to take a few minutes off to sit in the sun. It’s a real joy to feel the last warm rays of the season as it won’t be long until the snow flies.
I have recently been fascinated with exploring the subconscious mind because I believe much of what I know has come from deep within me–not my conscious thoughts–but rather my unconscious or subconscious brain. I believe it powers us more than any of us ever realize, and recently Dr. David Eagleman, a cool neuroscientist, explained as much on The Brain, a series on PBS.
So as my husband and I relaxed in the sun today, we both became quiet and closed our eyes. To my surprise, after having a nice conversation maybe five minutes before, I looked over to see my husband fast asleep.
I watched his mouth drop open, and his breathing level as he drifted deeper and deeper. I pondered for a minute: He is out cold, sleeping without question. What if I did a little experiment?!
What if I woke up him and said, “Hey! You’re sleeping! Do you know how long you slept? You got a whole hour in!”
I wondered if I could lie to his unconscious brain.
I know he wasn’t consciously awake. I could have gotten up and walked away and he wouldn’t have noticed.
Would he know if I lied?
Or would he believe that he did rest that long and could I trick him into feeling refreshed? Which means he would be more productive for the rest of the afternoon! Ha!
When I went to wake him, he jumped–cajoled from his nap! He was truly out.
Do you think he fell for my lie? Or not?
Why do you believe what you believe?
I found this utterly fascinating!
And I can’t lie, so I confessed the truth to him in a matter of minutes and he found it quite humorous! Thank goodness.