What with all the affirmations and mantras and positive self talk going on, it’s obvious that we’re trying to work with our minds in a way that will benefit us. But it’s crucial to understand the differences in the conscious and subconscious mind.

The conscious mind makes decisions, filters information, and understands irony, sarcasm, implication and morality concepts. The subconscious mind, however, does not. If you have concerns about being overweight, and you look in the mirror and want to say “Moooooo!” there are ways to get your subconscious mind to help you out.

Your subconscious mind does not know the difference between statements like “I am fat” and “I am not fat.” All it knows is I and FAT. Since the subconscious mind does not understand sarcasm, it’s a relatively easy task to simply change the way you make those statements about yourself. Use sarcasm. Instead, say “Wow, I am PENCIL thin.” Your subconscious will think “I, Thin,” even though you were being sarcastic. And then it will begin to do whatever it takes to make that happen.

Therefore, I contend, sarcasm is healthy. So all of you who say, “I hate sarcasm,” you’re not only telling your subconscious mind that you are sarcastic, you’re also just missing a great opportunity to reprogram your entire life, while getting a good laugh.