Our consciousness is a pond. Thoughts bubble up from below (unconsciousness).

When we are at peace, the pond's surface lies still. Our thoughts, small bubbles, puncture the surface with their light vibrations. Intrusive thoughts create ripples of emotion. They shake the fabric of our minds and deform the pond's otherwise settled state. How we engage with these disturbances reinforces the architecture below the pond's surface; our unconsciousness. Indeed, paying attention to the waves will only encourage their frequency. The mind produces the thoughts which we deem important. Consciously encouraging positivity teaches our unconscious to produce likewise. So lend no importance to the waves. They will come and we will continue.