Your Subconscious Power - How to Be Anxiety Free | Fiona Brennan | TEDxTallaght

Summary

A heartfelt and inspiring story about a young girl's belief in the 'man in the moon' and her imaginary friend, Magic Girl, who helps her navigate life's challenges. The narrative explores the power of imagination and the subconscious mind, highlighting the importance of self-love and kindness in overcoming anxiety and fear. Through the speaker's personal journey, the audience is encouraged to tap into their own subconscious power, parent themselves with compassion, and embrace the magic of life. Ultimately, the message is one of healing, self-empowerment, and the transformative potential of loving yourself.

Takeaways

• 😀 The speaker shares a childhood memory of living on a magical Greek island, where the night skies and the 'man in the moon' were a source of comfort and guidance.
• 😀 As a child, the speaker believed the man in the moon was their protector, but was devastated to see half of his face disappear one night, triggering feelings of fear and loss.
• 😀 The speaker's mother and sister tried to calm them, but they found solace in the idea that their father could fix everything, leading to the realization that each person has a unique 'superpower'—the subconscious mind.
• 😀 The subconscious mind is a powerful tool that can be used for personal growth or, if neglected, can create fear and insecurity, much like a child looking for guidance from a parent.
• 😀 The speaker emphasizes the role of the conscious mind as the 'parent' to the subconscious, shaping the child's (subconscious) perceptions and responses.
• 😀 The speaker describes how their anxiety, resulting from losing touch with their 'magic girl' (an imaginary friend), led them to feel lost, fearful, and disconnected from themselves.
• 😀 Chronic anxiety is described as a condition where the individual feels overwhelmed by fear without understanding its source, and the body suffers from physical symptoms like pain and tension.
• 😀 Anxiety is a widespread issue, with one in four people globally experiencing mental health challenges, which includes feelings of isolation or being in the dark.
• 😀 The speaker reflects on how their personal journey with anxiety has led to healing and light, emphasizing the importance of gratitude and living with purpose, quoting Marcus Aurelius on the privilege of life.
• 😀 The speaker, now a clinical hypnotherapist specializing in neuroplasticity, helps others use their imagination and subconscious mind to rewire their brains and practice self-compassion.
• 😀 The core message of the talk is to encourage others to tap into their own subconscious power, embrace their vulnerabilities, and practice self-love, similar to being a loving parent to oneself.

Q & A

What is the significance of the 'man in the moon' in the speaker's childhood?

The 'man in the moon' was a comforting figure for the speaker during her childhood. She believed he was her friend, guiding and protecting her, particularly when navigating the dark night skies. This belief reflects the speaker's imaginative, childlike worldview where the moon symbolized a source of light and reassurance.

How did the speaker react when she saw the man in the moon 'half there'?

The speaker was horrified when she saw the moon's face appear incomplete, as if part of it had fallen off. This sight caused her emotional distress, and she began crying, stomping her feet in response to what felt like a personal injustice.

Why does the speaker mention her father in relation to fixing the moon?

The speaker's father was portrayed as someone who could fix anything, from watch straps to motorbikes. Her belief in her father’s ability to 'fix' the moon symbolizes her trust in parental protection and the power of imagination, which helped her cope with the upsetting sight of the moon.

What is the speaker’s perspective on the subconscious mind?

The speaker views the subconscious mind as a powerful force, capable of achieving whatever it desires when it feels loved and safe. She compares it to a child that is highly suggestible and vulnerable, emphasizing that the way we nurture and guide our subconscious can have a profound impact on our sense of self and emotional well-being.

What metaphor does the speaker use to describe the relationship between the conscious and subconscious mind?

The speaker uses the metaphor of a parent and child to describe the relationship between the conscious and subconscious mind. The conscious mind is seen as the parent that guides and nurtures the subconscious, which is like a child that is highly impressionable and depends on the parent for emotional support and direction.

What role does the speaker’s imagination play in her life?

The speaker's imagination serves as a powerful tool for coping with fear and uncertainty. She mentions that through her imagination, she created 'Magic Girl,' an imaginary friend who provided emotional support during difficult times. Imagination becomes a form of self-empowerment, helping her navigate through challenges like anxiety.

What does the speaker mean by 'Magic Girl'?

'Magic Girl' is an imaginary friend created by the speaker in her childhood. She represents a source of support, encouragement, and self-soothing. As an adult, the speaker reflects on Magic Girl as a symbol of the inner strength and positivity that can help overcome emotional struggles like anxiety.

What does the speaker attribute her chronic anxiety to?

The speaker attributes her chronic anxiety to the loss of connection with her imagination and inner strength, symbolized by the disappearance of 'Magic Girl.' This disconnection led to a sense of darkness and fear, as she struggled to 'parent' herself with love and compassion.

How does the speaker describe the impact of anxiety on her life?

The speaker describes anxiety as a pervasive and debilitating force that caused physical symptoms, such as muscle pain and heart tightness. She also mentions the feeling of constant fear without understanding its cause, and how anxiety led to isolation, such as canceling appointments and avoiding loved ones.

What message does the speaker hope to convey to the audience at the end of the script?

The speaker hopes to inspire the audience to recognize their own power to nurture and love themselves. She encourages them to be compassionate and kind to the vulnerable parts of themselves, to believe in the magic of life, and to tap into the strength of their subconscious mind, which is always present and ready to shine.