Research & exploration: What is consciousness and how it manifests?
Chapter 2: Introduction to my learning journey on Systemic Change
In the second instalment of this series, I delve deeper into my evolving role as an aspiring Systems Changer, having recently completed the immersive experience at the Europe Basecamp with the School of Systems Change.
At the core of my exploration lies a profound question: “How might we scale environmental awareness and action by tapping into the collective consciousness?” It is this inquiry that propels my journey forward, guiding my steps as I navigate the complexities of systemic transformation.
This quest began with my curiosity to grasp the myriad meanings of Consciousness. The term, defined by the Oxford English Dictionary as ‘Internal knowledge or conviction; the state or fact of being mentally conscious or aware of something’, is nothing short of complexity and richness. Afterall, it is a multidisciplinary field that draws from various branches of knowledge, including Philosophy, Psychology, Neuroscience, Cognitive Science, Physics and Quantum Mechanics, Spirituality and Religion, Artificial Intelligence and Robotics.
Based on my own experience and learnings on the subject, with no intention to claim definitive conclusions on the matter, I started to map Consciousness with concepts, nouns, and attributes that I believe encapsulate it.
The magic of this inquiry lies in the profound conversations I’ve had with individuals across various disciplines, each offering their unique perspectives on consciousness. From psychologists and meditators to athletes, holistic health practitioners, ecopreneurs, authors, and activists, these interactions have provided a window into a diverse array of viewpoints. As I prepare to share their inspiring insights with the world, I am reminded of the duty to honour and amplify the wisdom they’ve shared.
Consciousness encompasses the very essence of our being — it is the breath, the presence, and the core of who we truly are. Unlike intellectual knowledge and mere brain information, consciousness resides at the heart of wisdom, intricately connected to our principles and values. It often manifests as a serene, grounding experience, yet simultaneously embodies a dynamic nature in constant evolution.
Connecting with consciousness is akin to tapping into the divine essence that resides within each of us. It evokes a profound sense of unity with the world around us, a deep ‘oneness’ with all of existence.
“How do you define something that is not definable? It is a direct experience with God. Deeper than mind, bigger than physical body, ever present.”
Anika Gunawan, water therapist
The concept was also linked to awareness, perception, and intuition, like a sixth sense that guides us in navigating the world. It involves being deeply aligned and congruent with our true selves.
“It is the ability to recognise that there’s an experience. It’s not conscious and unconscious, it is less conscious and more conscious. The more conscious you are, the more aware, more able to detect what is that is happening, discern subtle differences, and capture trends on your surroundings.”
Michael Miller, Vedic meditation teacher
This experience is accessible to anyone, but each of us hold different levels of consciousness. We choose when to awake and it might be after a great suffering or a life changing event.
Contact with a body of water and majestic nature may provide a sense of relief and connectedness. Breathing exercises, yoga, meditation, outdoor sports, and creative outlets, enable to pause and quiet down the mind, creating the internal silence for the mystery of the unknown to come into action.
From the quantum physics perspective, consciousness is one unified, indivisible field of energy that comes out in waves. By transcending, we contact the unlimited pure potentiality, the creative flow of energy that lives in us and expresses itself through us. Once we tap into it, we sense wonder, blissfulness, and gratitude. A feeling of arrival at destination.
“I’m nothing and everything at the same time. I matter and I don’t matter.” Anika Gunawan, water therapist
Some people recognise their ability to perceive the multi-dimensional waves of energy early in life. They describe it as an innate knowing, an inner voice calling through soft whisper. They ask a question and sense the responses within the body. They feel a deep desire to do something good and be the change they want to see in the world.
Taking action on your calling and bouncing energy off each other is where magic happens. Change occurs on the unified field as it shifts and propagates through individuals.
So, I come back to my question: would the expansion of collective consciousness hold the power to create awareness and instigate individual action to protect our planet? 🌎🌟
I’ll continue this exploration on the coming chapters. See you soon!
CONTINUE READING
Chapter 1: Diving in to find a way out of the climate crisis.
Chapter 3: Our behaviour as humans (and as a collective)
Chapter 4: What makes us change?
Chapter 5: Our connection to and disconnection from nature
Chapter 6: Who are the awakened individuals taking action?
Chapter 7: Living a sustainable life
