Happily Manifested

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Book Recommendation #1: The Power Of Your Subconscious Mind By Joseph Murphy

Contents Overview

Hello Readers!

I’m excited to share my first book recommendation with you all. Today, we’re diving into The Power of Your Subconscious Mind, a book that holds a special place in my heart.

Personally, this was the first of many self-help discoveries that gave me insight into the wonders of the mind. It sparked my interest in the power of the mind and it wouldn’t be wrong to say that it has been a game-changer for me. I hope it will be for you too, just as it has been for millions of others.

This is just the beginning!

Every week, I’ll be sharing a new book review, and I’d love to hear your recommendations too. Get ready to turn the page and join me on this literary adventure as we take a full, 360-degree look at the book – The power of your subconscious mind, giving you just the right nudge to grab a copy while keeping its essence intact.

Book Review: The Power of Your Subconscious Mind by Joseph Murphy

A Brief Introduction To The Book

Joseph Murphy’s The Power of Your Subconscious Mind is a timeless self-help classic that explores how reprogramming the subconscious mind can lead to success, healing, and fulfillment in all areas of life. Published in 1963, the book remains widely popular among readers interested in manifestation, positive thinking and self-improvement.

In this book, Murphy beautifully blends spiritual philosophy with psychological insights, emphasizing that faith, belief, and mental conditioning can transform one’s reality.

But does this book still hold relevance today? Let’s find out.

About The Author

Joseph Murphy (1898–1981) was an Irish-born minister, philosopher and self-help teacher with a background in psychology and metaphysics. He was a leading figure in the New Thought Movement, a philosophy that emphasized the power of thought in shaping reality.

His work bridges the gap between science and spirituality, making complex ideas accessible to everyday readers. His background in religion and psychology balances the The power of your subconscious mind’s tone, making it both practical and faith-driven.

Theme & Central Message

The book’s core idea is that your subconscious mind is the key to your success, happiness and well-being. Murphy conducted extensive research to understand the mind and arrived at insightful conclusions, such as:

Our subconscious mind controls our life. The sooner we learn to direct it and shape it according to our desires, the better our quality of life will be.

The subconscious does not distinguish between positive and negative thoughts- it simply acts on what it is given.

Mental programming through affirmations, visualization and faith can transform external reality faster than you might think.

Fear, doubt and negative thoughts are self-imposed barriers- replacing them with positive beliefs leads to transformation.

The power of your subconscious mind combines psychology, spirituality and religious teachings with real-life anecdotes to support these claims. It emphasizes the power of the subconscious mind in shaping both internal and external reality, and how one can take control of it to create desired outcomes

Structure & Chapter Breakdown

The book is structured progressively, starting with well-explained foundational ideas and gradually moving toward practical applications of techniques in daily life

Key Sections of The Power Of Your Subconscious Mind

Understanding the Subconscious Mind: How it works, stores information, and controls behaviors and actions.

Programming the Mind for Success: A detailed guide on using affirmations, visualizations and replacing limiting beliefs.

Applications in Health, Wealth, Career and Relationships: Real-life examples of subconscious techniques for handling different aspects of life and processing emotions.

Spiritual & Philosophical Insights: The power of faith and the role of divine intelligence in our lives.

Each chapter reinforces the core theme with examples and techniques that help readers understand the concepts better and apply the principles in their daily lives.

Murphy describes everything in such minute detail, covering various scenarios and emotions, making it highly relatable and easy for readers to grasp his perspective and incorporate it into their own lives.

Writing Style & Readability

Murphy’s writing is clear, engaging, and inspirational. Here are a few plus points from my side:

Strengths of the Book- The Power Of Your Subconscious Mind

Simple and Easy to Understand: One of the best things about this book is that it’s super easy to read and avoids complex psychological jargon. Murphy uses simple words and language, making it feel like the reader is receiving advice from a friend. It feels real and relatable.

Encouraging Tone: Murphy writes in a way that uplifts and motivates readers. His tone gives an instant push to try and experiment with whatever he shares in the book.

Real-Life Examples: Murphy includes plenty of examples and case studies illustrating how the subconscious mind influences different aspects of life. What I personally liked about his writing style is how he first addresses an issue and then provides a tangible solution, showing how success is achievable through consistent work with the subconscious mind. Many examples even include a timeline, making them even more inspiring and motivating.

Key Techniques & Methods Discussed

The power of your subconscious mind is a treasure for those looking to start their transformation journey but are unsure where to begin from. Murphy offers practical strategies and techniques to reprogram the subconscious mind and move forward with confidence. Some major methods discussed in the book include:

Affirmations & Autosuggestions

Murphy emphasized the power of repeating positive statements to replace negative beliefs in the mind (e.g., “I am healthy, wealthy and blessed”).

Affirmations work because the subconscious mind responds to repetition.

Once you consistently reinforce a positive belief, your subconscious begins manifesting it into reality.

Visualization & Mental Imagery

Murphy describes the power of visualization and explains how the mind can be tricked into experiencing a desired reality through imagination.

Since the subconscious cannot differentiate between real and imagined experiences, mentally picturing a desired outcome helps impress it upon the subconscious, making manifestation easier.

Faith & Belief Conditioning

Murphy strongly believed in the power of faith by having firm conviction in something unseen.

He conveyed to his readers that when you trust in a higher power, your subconscious mind works to make your desires a reality.

The key is to hold onto your vision with unwavering trust and faith, knowing that it will ultimately work in your favor.

The Sleep Technique

The book highlights how giving the subconscious mind positive instructions before sleep can accelerate change.

Murphy explains that focusing on positive thoughts and visualizing your desired reality before bed trains the subconscious to work on them overnight, preparing you for the day ahead.

At times, readers may feel that these techniques are too simple to have a profound impact on their mind and well-being. However, the truth is that the simplest practices often yield the most significant results. It’s not about how complex or easy a technique is, it’s about practicing it with consistency.

We often judge effectiveness based on our preconceived notions, not realizing that the subconscious mind is far less complicated than it seems. In reality, reprogramming it requires just a few practical techniques.

Of course, patience is necessary, but with daily consistency, discipline, and faith, you’ll begin seeing results in both your inner and outer reality within days or weeks- proving Murphy’s teachings to be truly impactful.

book-review-the-power-of-your-subconscious-mind-joseph-murphy

Scientific & Psychological Basis

While Murphy uses a lot of references based on psychology, the book leans more toward philosophy and spirituality rather than scientific precision. In fact, some of his ideas align perfectly with modern neuroscience on reprogramming the subconscious mind, while others lack experimental support.

A few concepts supported by psychology in the book include:

🍀 Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Focuses on changing negative thought patterns to directly influence behavior and actions.

🍀 Neuroplasticity: The brain’s ability to be reprogrammed through repetition and belief.

🍀 The Placebo Effect: Demonstrates how the mind’s belief in healing can trigger real physiological changes in the body, proving that the mind plays a crucial role in well-being and that many health issues are psychosomatic.

While Joseph Murphy’s The Power of Your Subconscious Mind has been a transformative guide for many, including myself, I couldn’t help but wish that certain aspects had been explored more deeply.

For instance, a more nuanced understanding of the brain’s limitations would have added depth to his ideas. Additionally, addressing societal factors, difficult backgrounds and the impact of injustice on the mind would have made the book more inclusive. Nevertheless, Murphy’s work remains a valuable contribution to the self-help genre and is rightfully regarded as one of the top books on understanding the subconscious mind.

Influence & Legacy

The power of your subconscious mind has influenced modern self-help movements and Law of Attraction teachings, including:

Dr. Wayne Dyer, who often credited Murphy’s book as a significant influence on his own spiritual journey. His books, Your Erroneous Zones and The Power of Intention, reflect Murphy’s ideas on the subconscious mind.

Louise Hay, the famous motivational author and speaker, frequently referenced Murphy’s work in her books, such as You Can Heal Your Life. She credited Murphy’s teachings on the subconscious mind and affirmations as inspiration for her own healing and teaching journey.

Bob Proctor often spoke about Murphy’s influence on his life and teachings. His book, You Were Born Rich, reflects Murphy’s principles on the subconscious mind and personal prosperity.

John Assaraf, a brain function expert, acknowledged Murphy’s work as a major influence on his understanding of the brain and subconscious mind. His book, The Answer, reflects Murphy’s ideas on the power of your subconscious mind.

Even today, there are thousands (no, I’m not exaggerating!) of motivational speakers and life coaches who cite Murphy’s teachings, proving the lasting impact of his work on personal development philosophy.

Writing this makes me reflect with gratitude on the incredible power we all carry within- the power to shape our reality and influence the world around us. To leave a legacy that continues shaping lives by creating something so pure in its intention, is truly remarkable and indescribable. Murphy’s teachings are worthy of all the praise and blessings!

Criticism & Controversies

While popular for all the right reasons, The Power of Your Subconscious Mind has faced criticism in several areas, including:

1. Over-Simplified Approach

🛑 The book suggests that changing thoughts alone can fix major life problems, overlooking external challenges such as mental illness, financial hardship or systemic barriers.

🔔 My take on this: Once you read The power of your subconscious mind, you gain deep insight into how life is created and the role we play in shaping it. Although Murphy doesn’t openly address challenges and hardships, the book encourages readers to remain hopeful in all situations. It reinforces that creating a new reality is always within our control, provided we work on transforming our mindset and shift from negative to positive thinking.

2. Lack of Scientific Rigor

🛑 Some critics argue that the book relies heavily on anecdotal evidence rather than scientific research, leading skeptics to dismiss it as wishful thinking.

🔔 My take on this: Even if we question Murphy on whether his examples were subjective or imaginary, what we cannot deny are the countless real-life stories of readers who followed his insights and saw significant changes in their life. Additionally, many influential figures have credited his teachings for their success. Even today, the evidence supporting his principles continue to grow, proving the authenticity behind his teachings.

3. Heavy Spiritual Influence

🛑 Murphy’s references to religion (biblical stories, divine intelligence, universal mind, spirit, soul) might alienate non-religious readers.

🔔 My take on this: The book, The power of your subconscious mind is a personal and introspective work that reflects Murphy’s spiritual perspectives, but it is not an attempt to impose or push his beliefs on readers. Written in the 1960s, its spiritual references were likely familiar to the original audience and provided context for Murphy’s ideas.

While some readers may not resonate with his religious references, the underlying principles, such as the power of positive thinking and self-trust, are universal and can be applied by both believers and non-believers alike. Ultimately, readers have the free will to choose what resonates with them and what doesn’t.

Murphy’s teachings have undoubtedly transformed the lives of countless people, regardless of their religious beliefs.

Practicality & Real-Life Application

On a scale of one to ten, I’d give it a full score of ten on the basis of practicality and daily application because there’s no denying the fact that everything Murphy mentions in his book- from the insights to the techniques- everything can easily be adopted and applied in regular life. All it takes is faith, discipline and consistency to turn them into habits.

A few essential lessons I learned from the book- The power of your subconscious mind 

✔️ Techniques like affirmations and visualization are simple but require consistent practice.

✔️ Observing our self-talk and consciously shifting to positive self-talk by speaking kindly to ourselves and others is something we must cultivate as a personality trait.

✔️ Mindfulness and relaxation techniques like deep breathing and meditation are powerful tools for calming the mind, but they require consistency to yield significant results.

✔️ Cultivating gratitude and appreciating even the smallest things in life is like a hidden gem. Once we develop this habit, we naturally become a magnet for attracting blessings in our life.

✔️ The book is best suited for those willing to put in mental effort to change subconscious patterns. It’s a great reminder that there’s nothing you cannot do or achieve in life.

What you must remember at all times is that none of this should be treated as a quick-fix solution. Results vary for everyone, and while the book downplays the role of taking physical action alongside mental techniques, it should not be ignored. You must build a routine that incorporates Murphy’s teachings while also taking real-world action toward your desires. Simply wishing for something and expecting it to manifest is just a dream.

Who Should Read This Book?

✅ Ideal for

✔️ Those interested in exploring mind-power techniques and positive thinking.
✔️ Readers who enjoy spiritual and self-help philosophy.
✔️ People looking for practical methods to reprogram their mindset.
✔️ Those feeling stuck and seeking healing from an unfavourable health condition, career or wealth block, or going through an empty phase in life.

❌ Not for

❌ Readers who prefer science-backed psychology.
❌ Those uncomfortable with spiritual or religious themes.
❌ People looking for immediate, guaranteed results.

Alternative Books & Recommendations

If you liked The power of your subconscious mind, you might also enjoy:

The Magic of Thinking Big by David Schwartz It has similar positive mindset principles.

Atomic Habits by James Clear– Focuses on behavioral change with scientific backing.

The Biology of Belief by Bruce Lipton– Explores the mind-body connection with neuroscience insights.

Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill A deep dive into the power of positive thinking.

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey– A holistic approach to personal development.

The Secret by Rhonda Byrne A book on the Law of Attraction and positive thinking.

The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle A spiritual guide to living in the present moment.

10% Happier by Dan Harris– Explores the benefits of meditation and mindfulness for a happier life.

Train Your Mind, Change Your Brain by Sharon Begley– A book on neuroplasticity with practical tips for rewiring the brain.

The Upward Spiral by Alex Korb A neuroscience-based guide to improving mental well-being.

Final Verdict & Rating

4.5/5- Insightful, meaningful and truly inspiring!

The book- The power of your subconscious mind, gives you the push to make real changes in your life and take charge of your mental well-being. Murphy covers every area of life, making this a go-to guide during tough times. Each chapter focuses on different aspects, serving as a powerful reminder that nothing is unattainable and that the ability to shape a new reality is always within our reach.

The Power of Your Subconscious Mind remains a timeless classic in the self-help genre. It’s powerful, uplifting and transformative when applied with consistency and commitment.

Would I recommend it?

Absolutely, YES!

With one important reminder: Belief alone isn’t enough- action is also essential.

As long as your intentions are pure and you believe in yourself, you’ll soon be living your dream life.

About the author
happilymanifested@gmail.com

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