How to draw in boiled lentils and other crazy things your brain can do!
Picture on Left, A subconscious mind drawing done in my pot of lentils with a blender, Picture on Right: Sivaya Subramuniyaswami from Kauai Hindu Monastery
The image on the left was created by my hands, but I did not do it with any skill whatsoever. One fine afternoon, I was busy blending lentils in my cooking pot with an immersion blender. My mind was not focused on the blending.
I guess I was daydreaming?
My heart had a deep yearning to connect with Siddhas (spiritual guides), which I clearly knew I had no chance to do through a visit to a holy shrine of any kind.
After what I thought was enough time, (probably less than 5 minutes) to make circles in the pot with the immersion blender, I looked down to find a very distinct face staring at me. I instantly recognized it from a picture of a saint that I had seen many years ago in Kauai, when I visited the Hindu monastery. To be honest, I was not particually thinking of this saint. But I definitely recognized the face in my cooking pot.
I was speechless…
My subconscious mind had been busy at work creating something that my logical mind had no clue how to recreate again.
How is this possible?!!!
Well, the human brain can store 2.5 petabytes of data. That’s 2.5 million gigabytes—enough to hold 500,000 movies! For perspective, Yahoo’s computational center, which processes 24 billion events daily, is 20% smaller than the capacity of your brain.
Ofcourse it can store and retrieve an image like that without the help of the ‘interfereing’ logical mind.
The subconscious mind is an extremely powerful part of the brain where we can directly impress information, when our senses are withdrawn and the logical brain is quietened, this is possible because even when we sleep, our consciousness is awake and active.
We can bring upon ourselves this state of being at will, by doing a simple body scan exercise, known as ‘Yoga Nidra’ or Yogic Sleep in Yoga. Once the mind has been relaxed and the senses quietened, any affirmations we create are impressed directly on the sub conscious mind which multiplies it many fold in our sleep. These thoughts then direct the senses and the logical mind into action.
You can try this: Think of a thought before you sleep. Notice whether you wake up with the same thought. This works well when we need an answer to a problem. It is possible to train your subconscious mind to receive the answer before you go to sleep and wake up with a dream about the answer.
So in the lentil art that I created without understanding how, the sub conscious mind did all the work! I did not even try to get into a quiet state of mind. It just happened.
Why Subconscious Programming Matters for Math Learning
We can tap into the sub-conscious mind to remove any negative conditioning we might have with learning; for kids this could be a great tool to overcome math anxiety. Subconscious programming isn’t about tricking kids into loving math; it’s about creating an environment where their brains can absorb math as something they’re capable of enjoying and excelling at. It’s about making math feel relevant, fun, and approachable, rather than something to dread.
The subconscious mind holds a lot of power over how we approach challenges. If a child grows up hearing “math is hard” or “I’m not good at math,” those beliefs can become ingrained. These negative associations with math shape their approach to learning it—likely with fear, frustration, and resistance.
However, if we intentionally “program” positive associations with math in a child’s subconscious, we can help them see math as fun, achievable, and even something they enjoy. This programming works by shifting their mindset, challenging limiting beliefs, and encouraging new perspectives on math that foster confidence and curiosity.
Subconscious programming might sound like a fancy term, but it’s really just the idea that our beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors are shaped by things we don’t even consciously think about. When it comes to math, we can actually program our brains to love numbers, problem-solving, and the process of learning. The key is creating an environment and mindset that encourages this love and helps kids view math as exciting and meaningful, rather than intimidating or frustrating.
How Do We Do It? Simple Ways to Create Math-Loving Brains
- Positive Reinforcement and Affirmations
The words we use shape the way children think about themselves and the world around them. Positive reinforcement helps children build their self-esteem and confidence, especially when it comes to math. Encourage a growth mindset with phrases like, “You can do this,” or “Mistakes help us learn.” Remind them that math is about problem-solving, not about being “smart” or “not smart.”
You could even introduce affirmations: “I love solving math problems,” “Math helps me think creatively,” or “I’m good at math.” These simple statements help shift their focus from a fear of math to an appreciation for it. This is best done right before a child falls asleep, or after a simple yoga-nidra exercise of body scanning to relax the mind and the sense organs. - Make Math Playful and Fun
Kids learn best when they’re having fun. So, turn math into a game! Create math-related scavenger hunts, number-based crafts, or fun challenges where math is part of a larger adventure. You can also use books, songs, and activities that incorporate math in creative ways, showing that math can be playful and entertaining rather than rigid and strict. - Model a Positive Attitude Toward Math
Kids watch us closely, and they often mirror our attitudes and behaviors. If you approach math with a positive attitude, they’re more likely to do the same. Embrace challenges, make mistakes, and celebrate progress. Show them that math isn’t something to fear but something to enjoy and explore. - Introduce Math in Everyday Life
Bring math into everyday situations so children can see its value beyond the classroom. Whether it’s measuring ingredients in the kitchen, calculating how much time is left before a game, or budgeting for a family outing, real-world math helps kids connect what they’re learning with their daily lives. - Encourage Curiosity and Questions
Encourage your child to ask questions about the “why” behind math concepts. Ask open-ended questions like, “What do you think will happen if we add these numbers together?” or “How do you feel when you solve a problem?” This helps them connect emotionally to the learning process and builds a deeper understanding of math beyond just getting the right answer. - Focus on the Process, Not Just the Outcome
Rather than just praising the end result (getting the right answer), celebrate the process. Did they think critically? Did they try different methods? Were they persistent? This encourages a mindset that values effort, experimentation, and learning—qualities that are essential for developing a love for math.
When kids learn that math is fun, that mistakes are okay, and that they can figure things out with patience and practice, they’ll start to approach math with a positive attitude that stays with them for life. It’s not just about math—it’s about instilling a mindset that fosters learning, growth, and confidence across all subjects and in all areas of life.
What strategies have you used to foster a love of math in your kids? Share your thoughts below!