Written by Joseph Murphy, The Power of Your Subconscious Mind is a classic best-selling self-help book that focuses on the subgenre of mind dynamics—the act of harnessing thought processes to achieve positive results. Published in 1963, this seminal work by an ordained minister with a PhD in psychology is designed to provide actionable techniques for controlling and directing the subconscious mind. With an upbeat focus on the power of imagination and visualization, the book teaches specific methods to influence and change behavior patterns in order to achieve specific goals for physical and mental health, relationships, wealth, and general well-being. The book has been highly regarded for its accessible approach to complex ideas, and because Murphy actively combines scientific principles with spiritual insights, the book remains a cornerstone of the self-help genre that is widely praised for its practical advice and transformative potential.

This guide refers to the Kindle edition.

Summary

In his Introduction, Joseph Murphy states that he has seen miracles happen to people around the world. He insists that his readers will also experience miracles when they begin to tap into the power of the subconscious mind. He promises to outline the use of “scientific prayer,” which he defines as a method of actively directing the interaction of the conscious and subconscious minds to achieve a specific purpose and solve problems in every part of life.

Chapter 1 describes the subconscious mind as a “treasure” that exists within everyone and offers wisdom, power, and healing. Murphy asserts that what people experience is a matter of the subconscious mind’s reaction to conscious thoughts; he states that thoughts are causes, while conditions are effects. He explains the duality of the mind, contrasting the objective, conscious mind with the subjective, subconscious mind that takes over during sleep. He believes that habitual thought patterns of the conscious mind “plant” thoughts in the subconscious.

Chapter 2 explains that people think and make decisions with the conscious mind, and these thoughts then sink into the subconscious, the seat of emotion and creativity. Murphy stresses the importance of maintaining positive conscious thoughts because the subconscious cannot distinguish between good and bad thoughts. He observes that the subconscious operates independently of the senses and perceives through intuition, emotion, and memory. It operates best when the mind is drowsy or asleep. People can choose what conscious thoughts are passed on to the subconscious mind, and by changing the “major premise,” it is possible to achieve goals such as performing well onstage or in an interview.

In Chapter 3, Murphy describes how the subconscious both regulates bodily functions and answers questions and problems; it also holds power over healing the body. He claims that he has used the technique himself to heal his cancer. To heal oneself, he suggests stating a wish before sleeping while believing that the healing presence in the subconscious is powered by the mind of God and is continually flowing through the body.

Chapter 4 covers mental healings in ancient times, including faith healings and healings through prayer. He believes that people who were cured by faith healing were acting on suggestions given to their subconscious. For prayer to be successful, Murphy asserts that it is necessary to envision a concrete picture of the desired object or result. A complete belief in and reliance on the inner power of the subconscious is also required. To illustrate the power of the subconscious over all the functions and conditions of the body, Murphy asserts that people respond in a similar way to osteopathy, chiropractic medicine, naturopathy, psychiatry, and faith healing. He therefore concludes that all healing that takes place is due to the power of the subconscious.

In Chapter 5, Murphy discusses mental healing, which involves removing mental blocks in the patient to release the healing power of the subconscious. He also labels the power with names such as nature, life, God, creative intelligence, and subconscious power, asserting that the process of mental healing is the same as that of physical healing; while in a drowsy state, the patient makes the choice to imagine a desired end and remains faithful to the vision of wellness. Murphy asserts that it is possible for an individual to direct personalized healing or the healing of others. Here, too, he states that belief in the process is key. Chapter 6 continues this topic and provides a variety of techniques for personal prayer.

Chapter 7 describes the subtle ways in which the subconscious acts. Murphy asserts that the subconscious is always trying to be helpful but may speak through intuition, impulses, hunches, intimations, urges, and ideas. Murphy states that the subconscious actually forms a person’s organs and cells, so it has the power to make them conform to their perfect, intended pattern. Chapter 8 turns to the topic of how to succeed in prayer. First, the person must look at the problem that needs to be solved and then imagine the solution. Finally, it is possible to rest in the conviction that the solution has already occurred. He also warns that trying to will the desired result into being is not effective.

In Chapter 9, Murphy discusses using the subconscious for wealth. He suggests that people find work that they love and then build the idea of wealth and abundance into their mentality. Chapter 10 continues to discuss wealth as Murphy explores every person’s right to be rich. He states that money is not a source of evil; instead, it is a way to provide people with abundant lives. As with other prayer techniques, the process for attracting money is to picture an end result.

Murphy turns to the topic of success in Chapter 11. There are three steps to success. First, a person must find what they love to do and do it. Second, they must specialize within their field. Third, they must make sure that their vocation benefits humanity. When buying or selling, in addition to relaxing and imagining an end result, it is necessary to include thoughts of the other partner in the transaction.

Chapter 12 gives examples of various scientists who have used the subconscious mind to make important discoveries. Many made these discoveries during sleep. Murphy observes that science-related questions can be solved by turning over the scientific problem to the subconscious mind just before sleep. Because the subconscious has a memory of everything that has ever transpired, it can aid in making discoveries. In Chapter 13, Murphy discusses the importance of sleep: the period during which the subconscious is the most active. He believes that just like scientific discoveries, wisdom can also come in dreams.

In Chapter 14, Murphy turns to the ways in which the subconscious can help resolve marital problems. He says that all marital troubles, including divorce, separation, annulment, and litigations, can be healed if the couple prays, studies the laws of life, and mutually agrees on a common purpose or plan. He advises sincerity and honesty in a marriage and gives suggestions for how to attract an ideal mate. He ends the chapter with steps for staying together through prayer, especially by affirming guidance through infinite intelligence and expressing love and appreciation for the spouse.

Chapter 15 discusses happiness, and Murphy asserts that it is possible to choose this state of mind. He states that happiness doesn’t rely on wealth but on thought and feeling and that the best approach is to begin every day by surrendering charge of one’s life to divine order. He also states that during the day, people should affirm that they are attracting those things that bless them. He advises avoiding negative statements that attract bad experiences and recommends banishing fear and worry and focusing instead on being virtuous because doing so helps one express God, or the best part of oneself.

Chapter 16 addresses the topic of human relations. The golden rule—doing unto others as you would have them do to you—reflects the work of the subconscious. Murphy states that the good and evil done to others will return to the initiator because the subconscious records each act and reacts based on the person’s intention. He advises recognizing the worth of others to be loved and valued and stresses the importance of preventing others from exploiting oneself. He emphasizes staying true to life’s highest goal, which he defines as serving others and discovering God’s wisdom, truth, and beauty.

In Chapter 17, Murphy discusses techniques for forgiveness, asserting that life always forgives people. He states that because God—in the form of life—flows through everyone, people must learn to forgive themselves. To forgive others, Murphy suggests quieting the mind and thinking of God and then affirming forgiveness for the offender and releasing them from one’s feelings. He also emphasizes the importance of wishing the person peace. The goal is to no longer have painful emotions toward the person.

Chapter 18 focuses on how the subconscious removes mental blocks, including breaking bad habits and even addictions. He reasons that because imagination created the mental block or bad habit, imagination can also remove it. Murphy advises first admitting that the problem exists, then releasing feelings of powerlessness by consciously thinking of the desired result, such as sobriety, and then picturing a loved one offering congratulations for one’s success.

In Chapter 19, Murphy shows how to use the subconscious to remove fear, to which he attributes failure, sickness, and poor human relationships. His technique for overcoming a phobia involves vividly picturing oneself in the feared situation, such as swimming or riding in an elevator, and then “blessing” the fear by stating something along the lines of “The elevator came out of the universal mind” (190).

Murphy closes his book in Chapter 20 by discussing the effects of aging and giving advice on how to stay young in spirit. He points out that while people’s bodies grow old, the subconscious—as the timeless and endless mind of God—never ages. The secret to staying young at heart is to constantly dwell on positive qualities such as patience, kindness, honesty, humility, and goodwill. Because age brings greater knowledge and maturity, he asserts that society should value older workers. Old age also provides the best vantage point for contemplating God’s truths.