Demystifying Consciousness Development

What is consciousness and how do I develop it?

This is the question I explored when I first started my transformation journey. It felt so abstract and incomprehensible at the time and there were so many perspectives on human consciousness that it all left me utterly perplexed. Research and self-study on the topic helped, however it was only through self-inquiry, meditation and finding stillness that I intuitively tuned into what human consciousness is, or at least what resonated with me. The concept is so vast and is constantly evolving, but as a start, I will share my views and experiences with you, with some tools to explore further. My intention here, is to provide the guidance I wish I had early on and for this to support you as you begin your journey.

Being human is a multidimensional experience and I find that to truly understand esoteric topics, we need to view them multidimensionally, from various points of view. This moves us into a state of openness and cultivates a maturity that allows us to approach these subjects with discernment, taking in context. In my opinion, consciousness is not clear cut and is more accurately understood on a spectrum, however there are distinct themes of development that we are tasked with integrating as we evolve our consciousness. 

 

Foundations of Consciousness

At a base level, consciousness is awareness. When we are conscious of something, we give it our focus and attention, drowning out all other stimuli. In my earlier stages of personal development, I often confused this term with being in a state of "waking", however, from a spiritual context, consciousness is imbued with intention and living energy. It is the product of us directing our life force using our perception, with the intention of experiencing something.

Threat, reward, pleasure and pain are the perceptions and sensations that over time, crystalize our consciousness into specific beliefs and associations, creating the illusion of separation.  At this fundamental level, consciousness is perception.

 

The Sparks of Expansion

If we take it a level higher, we start to see that consciousness is not just awareness, but also a state of clear knowing. Once we move beyond perception, we begin to become curious about the nature of things. The true nature of ourselves, of others and of our environment. This is typically where the spark of transformation ignites. An initiation of sorts, we begin to ask questions to enhance our knowing, of our purpose and existence in the world.

This primal curiosity is what lights the fire of consciousness and through our seeking and exploring, we begin to fan the flame of growth that burns within us, and our consciousness expands. It is here that we engage with concepts such as purpose, identity and choice. At this level, consciousness is knowing.

 

Reciprocity and Connection

Now, taking this one step further, consciousness truly begins to take on a life of its own. We come to know that all life exists in varying states of consciousness. From the elements, to the plants and animals that we coexist with, to the planets, stars and the universe. All are moving through various stages of evolution and with this, through various states of expansion, contraction - transformation! From this perspective, we see life existing in reciprocity and cocreation with all of life.

There is a constant exchange of energy and life force that continuously shapes what we are becoming, moment to moment. It is through this perspective that we experience the collective consciousness and how it is woven into the fabric of our subjective reality. We learn the true meaning of compassion, gratitude, kindness and empathy. At this level, consciousness is love.

 

Unity Consciousness

For many on the path of discovery, there is an end goal that most aspire towards achieving. Although, growth is tied to evolution and is an infinite process, we do reach a point in the development of our human consciousness, where we transcend all the doing associated with transformation and we shift into being. Being all that we know to be true. At this point, we have learnt much about ourselves, others and the world around us and turn our gaze fully inward, where we open the door to the infinite essence that we are.

We begin to embody higher states of consciousness or being and we discover our unlimited, pure, whole, untainted nature. We realise our potential and become our higher selves. It is also here where many align with their purpose, divinity and a higher intelligence. All false notions of separation dissolve and we become one with all that is. We release old beliefs, rise above judgement and see ourselves in the other. At this level, consciousness is alignment.

 

Take time for reflection and introspection, to allow what is shared above to integrate. Developing consciousness is a delicate dance between surrendering to the process of change and taking inspired, intentional action towards the life you want to live. Below are some basic tools to practically start living more consciously:

• Start a meditation practice. Even if just 5 minutes a day, find time to connect with stillness and observe your thoughts. Allow what arises to pass through without judgement and just observe.

 

• Reflect on the areas of your life that are no longer serving you. Acknowledge them with compassion and gratitude and begin to envision the life you want to live. Identify one thing per area that you want to change and substitute it with one, small positive change.

 

• Connect with what truly brings you joy and find ways to do more of it. For me, it was rediscovering what I loved doing as a child, being creative and making time for play!

 

• Work on defining your purpose. Unpacking and refining your value system and how you can be a positive contribution in the world, is a great place to start. Thereafter, filtering your decisions through your value lens, will support you with making purpose aligned choices.

Ultimately, consciousness is the capacity of a being, to know itself, wholly and truly. It is also who we truly are, beyond physicality. 

The transformational path is the conscious act of pushing through the muddy water of our conditioning, so that the flower (YOU!) can emerge pure and bloom, fulfilling it's truest purpose and intention.