CONSCIOUSNESS
Amidst the serene expanse of Mount Evolve, the essence of consciousness pervades every facet of existence. Here, consciousness becomes the ethereal thread connecting all living beings. In the depths of meditation and self-reflection, we explore the profound realms of awareness and understanding. As we ascend the peaks of mind, body, and spirit, consciousness expands, unveiling the interconnectedness of all things. Mount Evolve becomes a sanctuary for self-discovery, where the enigmatic nature of consciousness reveals its eternal nature, guiding us towards enlightenment and a deeper connection with the universe. Discover the mystery of consciousness and its place in the universe and ourselves.
THE HARD PROBLEM
Consciousness remains one of the most enigmatic and profound subjects in both science and philosophy. Despite centuries of exploration and inquiry, it is often referred to as the "hard problem" of science. This is because the essence of consciousness — why any physical state is endowed with conscious experience rather than being devoid of it, and why life possesses qualia, those unique and individual experiences — remains inexplicable.
Yet, even if full understanding eludes us, we can still become acutely aware of consciousness. Often synonymous with awareness, consciousness serves as the core focus of many meditative practices aimed at transcending the mind. By becoming aware of our own awareness, we embark on a journey of deep self-discovery and insight.
In a profound sense, consciousness defines our existence more than our physical bodies. It is the essence of awareness that illuminates our being, using the body as a vessel or tool to interact with and interpret the surrounding world. The body, remarkable in its complexity and intelligence, is ultimately an aggregation of earthly elements. It is shaped by our actions, nourished by what we consume, and constantly transformed by environmental factors, evolving ceaselessly until it ceases to function. In stark contrast, consciousness is not confined by the physical boundaries of the body. It is perceived as eternal and imperishable. This analogy might help: consider the body as a television set and consciousness as the signal. Even if the television is damaged or destroyed, the signal persists. Similarly, consciousness is believed to continue beyond the demise of the physical body. This concept, though not fully comprehended, has found some support in scientific realms, challenging the belief that consciousness originates solely from brain activity.
Understanding the distinction between the physical body and consciousness is pivotal. Realising that our true essence lies more in our consciousness than in our physical form can be a profound and liberating revelation. It can diminish the fear of death and open pathways to a deeper understanding of our existence. This realisation is not just an intellectual exercise; it is a transformative experience that reshapes our perspective on life and our place in the universe.
By embracing this understanding, we empower ourselves to explore the depths of our being and connect with the fundamental essence of who we are. This journey towards self-awareness and enlightenment is not just about transcending our physical limitations, but also about recognising the boundless nature of our consciousness — a journey that redefines our relationship with life, death, and the universe itself.
THE LEVELS OF CONSCIOUSNESS
Consciousness, fundamentally, is our awareness, and this awareness profoundly influences our responses in various situations. It's as if we each operate within our unique level of consciousness, perceiving the world through a personalised filter or set of goggles. While it might seem that our experiences and perceptions are universal, the reality is quite the contrary. Every situation, in its essence, is neutral, devoid of inherent meaning. It is through our consciousness that we assign meanings to these situations, often by projecting our internal states onto the external world.
Consider the example of encountering a homeless person on the street. This scenario, in itself, is neutral. However, our response to it is dictated by our level of consciousness and the emotions that currently govern our lives. For instance, a person whose consciousness is dominated by fear may perceive the homeless individual as a threat, choosing to keep a distance. Conversely, someone habitually angry might view the same person with irritation, either directed at the individual or at the societal circumstances that led to their homelessness. A person resonating with feelings of apathy may regard the situation as utterly hopeless. On the other hand, someone whose consciousness is steeped in love and compassion might see an opportunity to offer help and feel a deep sense of empathy towards the homeless person. Which perspective is correct? None, in absolute terms. Each reaction is a reflection of one's personal state of consciousness.
Importantly, our state of consciousness is not static; it is dynamic and continuously evolving. While we may occasionally experience dips, dominated by lower-emotional states, the general trajectory for many is a gradual elevation of consciousness. This progression is fueled by our experiences, growing awareness, and an expanding understanding of the world around us. As we journey through life, we gather insights and perspectives that subtly lift our consciousness, enabling us to perceive the world with greater depth, empathy, and understanding. This evolution of consciousness is not just a personal journey; it influences how we interact with the world, shaping our actions, reactions, and the overall quality of our experiences.
THE MAP OF CONSCIOUSNESS
This is the map of consciousness developed by Dr David Hawkins. He calibrated the energy in emotions and different levels of consciousness, their worldviews, life experience and how to interact with the laws of the Universe. Above the threshold of 200, energy turns from destructive to constructive, from life-taking to life-giving, from negative to positive, and from false to the truth.
You can learn more about consciousness calibration in his book Power vs. Force in
The Scrolls
CONSCIOUSNESS AND KARMA
Delving deeper into the concept of levels of consciousness not only enriches our understanding of the human psyche but also unveils a profound capacity for empathy towards others. Recognising that every individual's choices and actions are influenced by their current level of consciousness can foster an incredible sense of compassion. While from our perspective—or perhaps even from a more objective standpoint—a person's decision may seem misguided or erroneous, it is essential to appreciate that they are acting by what they believe to be the best course of action at that moment. This insight enables us to cultivate a more compassionate stance towards others, reducing judgment and acknowledging that we all operate within the confines of our unique cognitive frameworks.
Our every action, experience, and contemplation has been a chisel, sculpting the individual we have become up to this moment. This continuous shaping and being shaped by our experiences encapsulates the principle of Karma. It poses an intriguing reflection: if we were to exchange lives with another, possessing their exact experiences and mental constructs, could we truly make a decision that deviates from theirs? While our instinct might be to assert our individuality and claim that we would choose differently, this conviction is itself rooted in our unique consciousness and accumulated experiences. If we were to fully inhabit someone else's consciousness, with its particular history and understanding, we might find ourselves making the very same choices they did.
This contemplation leads us to the philosophical crossroads of free will versus determinism. Are our decisions manifestations of free will, or are they the inevitable outcomes of the myriad factors that have shaped our level of consciousness? This question remains one of the most compelling and debated topics in philosophy, psychology, and even neuroscience. It challenges us to ponder whether our sense of autonomy is as absolute as we perceive it to be, or if it is intricately interwoven with the tapestry of our personal development and the level of consciousness we have attained thus far.
LET GO
Grasping the notion that our decisions are shaped by our level of consciousness, we come to a pivotal realisation about our past choices. How, then, can we harbour guilt for decisions made in the bygone chapters of our lives? At each moment, we were distinct individuals, with less awareness and operating within a vastly different cognitive and emotional framework. Our past selves made choices based on the understanding and consciousness available at the time—not with the wisdom we may possess now. As we evolve, our awareness expands, and we find ourselves making decisions from a more enlightened standpoint.
It's a common human inclination to retrospectively label our actions as right or wrong. However, it's crucial to recognise that the person who made those past decisions is not the one who reflects upon them today. If given the chance to revisit those moments, with the caveat of reverting to our former state of mind and level of consciousness, we would invariably make the same choices. This insight should alleviate the burden of guilt and the sting of regret. Rather than dwelling on what was, we can view each past mistake as a catalyst for personal growth and a stepping stone to higher levels of consciousness.
Transforming regret into a constructive force allows us to embrace our journey of personal development fully. It prompts us to be kinder to ourselves and use our experiences as lessons that propel us forward. By doing so, we can forge a path of continuous self-improvement, where every decision—regardless of its outcome—serves as a valuable lesson, contributing to the ever-unfolding narrative of our lives. This is the essence of living consciously: acknowledging our past, learning from it, and letting it inform, but not dictate our present and future selves.
COLLECTIVE CONSCIOUSNESS
An often-overlooked facet of consciousness is the concept of collective consciousness, a phenomenon suggesting that our individual minds are part of a larger, interconnected network of thought and experience. This concept posits that there exists a shared pool of knowledge, beliefs, and values that transcends individual consciousness, knitting together the human experience in a seamless tapestry.
This collective consciousness is like an ethereal library, an invisible repository of human wisdom and experience, accessible to all yet belonging to no single person. It's the sum total of human thought, culture, and understanding, continuously evolving with each new experience and insight individuals contribute across time and space.
This idea invites us to reconsider our sense of self, urging us to view ourselves not just as isolated entities, but as integral components of a vast, living network of consciousness. It suggests that our thoughts, actions, and experiences are not solely our own, but are inextricably linked to the collective narrative of humanity.
Furthermore, the notion of collective consciousness underscores the profound impact of our individual contributions to the world. Every act of kindness, every creative endeavour, every moment of enlightenment adds a thread to this ever-growing tapestry. It imparts a sense of responsibility, highlighting how our personal growth and enlightenment can resonate far beyond the confines of our individual lives, contributing to the elevation of collective human consciousness.
In this view, consciousness is not just a personal journey inward but also an expansive journey outward, connecting us with the collective human spirit. It's a reminder that we are part of something much larger than ourselves, a dynamic, breathing entity shaped by humanity's collective aspirations, dreams, and insights.
IS EVERYTHING CONSCIOUS?
The enigma of consciousness has long tantalized both scientists and philosophers, posing the profound question: What is the genesis of this intangible essence that animates our existence? We recognize consciousness in all living beings, a spark that seems to differentiate the animate from the inanimate. Yet, this boundary is not as clear-cut as it appears. What if consciousness permeates all things, and what we perceive as inanimate simply lacks the faculties to express consciousness in a way that we can comprehend?
The scientific narrative tells us that the cosmos sprang forth from an infinitesimal singularity, a point not larger than a pinhead, from which all creation unfurled. This 'Big Bang' seeded the universe with the same stardust that forms the galaxies, the planets, and every cell of our being. If all originated from this singular source, could it be possible that every element of the cosmos is imbued with a latent consciousness, a thread of the initial singularity that binds everything together?
Take the humble table, chair, or door. These objects, seemingly inert, are composed of atoms buzzing with energy, each one a microcosm of activity and life, not so dissimilar from the atoms that construct the human form. Could it be, then, that consciousness does not originate but is an omnipresent reality? Perhaps everything inherently possesses consciousness, with life as we know it merely being a complex manifestation of this universal consciousness.
This perspective invites us to reimagine our relationship with the world around us. If consciousness is the underlying fabric of reality, then life is not an isolated phenomenon but a dance of existence playing out across a canvas that is far more intricate and interconnected than we have ever imagined. It suggests that consciousness is not merely an emergent property of complex biological networks but the very foundation of all that exists.
Contemplating this, we might begin to see ourselves not as solitary beacons of consciousness but as integral parts of a vast, conscious cosmos. It is an exhilarating possibility that expands the horizons of our understanding and unites us with the totality of being in a silent symphony of existence. In this grand tapestry, every atom, every star, and every thought becomes a note in an eternal composition, revealing that perhaps the universe itself is conscious, experiencing itself subjectively through myriad forms and expressions.
HEALING WITH CONSCIOUSNESS
At the heart of personal transformation and healing lies the elusive, yet pivotal concept of consciousness—or awareness. It is the silent observer within, the 'I' that witnesses your existence. Picture consciousness as an illuminating spotlight, roaming across the vast stage of the world, or delving into the hidden alcoves of your own psyche. What it illuminates comes into being for you. A melody remains a mere sequence of vibrations until your consciousness embraces it, weaving meaning into the notes, transmuting sound into symphony. Similarly, your eyes may sweep over a panorama, capturing countless details, yet it is only through the lens of consciousness that the environment crystallizes into coherence.
This understanding of consciousness as a selective spotlight holds the key to healing from deep-seated trauma and psychological distress. Human emotions are like waves of energy, flowing through us, and according to the law of conservation, energy cannot be created or destroyed. In moments of acute stress, this energy may be repressed, sealed away within the recesses of our being. Though unseen, it does not vanish; it lingers, stored within the body, awaiting release through tears, laughter, or an outcry—a physical testament to the emotional energy demanding to be acknowledged.
If such energy remains confined, it can slumber in the subconscious for years, contributing to the shadow self—a term coined by the renowned psychiatrist Carl Jung. This shadow represents the repository of all that we have pushed out of our conscious awareness, yet it wields tremendous influence over our actions and daily life. There is a belief that if this suppressed negativity is left unaddressed, it can eventually manifest as physical illness. The path to liberation from this burden is to experience this energy fully, to feel it as acutely as one feels the warmth of the sun or the sting of the cold.
Therapy serves as a powerful conduit for such catharsis. Its objective is to bring the submerged contents of the unconscious into the light of consciousness, to facilitate healing. It is not uncommon for someone to spontaneously burst into tears, an outward expression of the unconscious energies surfacing, striving to be felt and released. The aftermath of such release can be profound, leaving individuals feeling unburdened, as if a great weight has been lifted from their shoulders.
This illustrates the transformative power of consciousness in the realm of healing, highlighting the pivotal role it plays in our journey toward wholeness. With a greater awareness of how the conscious and unconscious facets of the mind interact, we can begin to understand the true scope of consciousness—not merely as an observer of reality but as an active participant in our own healing and evolution. It is through this dance of light and shadow, conscious and unconscious, that we find the path to true liberation and well-being.
YOU ARE IT
Consciousness is not a possession; it is the essence of your being, the very fabric of your existence. Attempting to separate yourself from consciousness is like trying to step outside of your own shadow in bright sunlight; it's an impossibility. This essence that you embody has no beginning or end; it is a continuum that extends far beyond the confines of birth and death. You are a manifestation of this timeless consciousness, a unique expression of something much grander and more eternal than the transient vessel of your physical form.
Contemplate the profound notion that the body is but a vessel—a sophisticated instrument through which the symphony of consciousness is played out. Your senses are the strings upon which reality is strummed, creating a melody of experience. Devoid of these sensory strings, the music of experience would fall silent. The body and consciousness, in their intricate duet, orchestrate the grand performance of the universe.
Consider this: without your conscious presence, the radiance of the sun would go unappreciated, for there would be no mind to perceive its light. The melody of birdsong would dissipate unheard in the absence of your awareness. The rich tapestry of flavours the world offers would remain un-savoured, and the tender touch of a loved one would lose its warmth. It is through your conscious being that the universe comes to know itself, to feel its own beauty, to understand its vast complexities.
Consciousness is the mirror that reflects the universe back upon itself, granting it the gift of self-awareness. In your every moment of conscious experience, you are not merely navigating the universe—you are revealing it to itself, illuminating its corners with the light of your awareness. You are the universe in contemplation, a living, breathing testament to the wonder that blooms when consciousness gazes upon the world and finds itself at every turn.
"The Universe is just playing hide and seek with itself."
-Alan Watts