SELF-IMPROVEMENT
Becoming a More Conscious Person
Using Intuition to Guide You on Your Path to Freedom and Happiness
“There is nothing more alluring to man than freedom of conscience, but neither is there anything more agonizing.” — Fyodor Dostoyevsky
Many people consider money the ultimate determinant of our choices and freedom. But when we peel back the layers, it becomes clear that our inner resources are crucial in determining our options and opportunities.
After all, a billionaire with crippling anxiety and low self-esteem may find their choices limited despite their vast wealth.
Conversely, someone with little material means can tap into their consciousness and inner potential -achieving greater freedom than someone trapped by their external circumstances.
In reality, outer and inner resources contribute to our freedom and happiness, but when push comes to shove, our consciousness calls the shots.
The Role of Consciousness
At its core, consciousness is the ability to be aware of our thoughts, feelings, and surroundings. It allows us to make sense of the world and navigate our lives.
And while we often take it for granted, consciousness is miraculous. Just think about the different thoughts and sensations you can be aware of now — it’s incredible!
But our consciousness doesn’t only receive information; it also creates our reality. Each of us has a unique perspective on the world, shaped by our individual experiences, beliefs, and values.
It is through this lens that we interpret everything we see and hear. In other words, our consciousness filters and shapes the information that comes into our awareness. Which then determines how we see the world and what choices we have available.
So if our consciousness determines our perception of freedom, what does that mean?
Well, it means that true freedom and happiness come from within.
It doesn’t matter how much money or power we have; if we’re not conscious of our thoughts and feelings, we will always be at their mercy.
But, if we can learn to control our consciousness — to direct our attention where we want it to go — then we can create the reality we choose. We can be free from our past experiences, other people’s opinions, and society’s expectations. Anything that stands between us and our deepest desires. All it takes is awareness and effort.
The Role of the Mind
The mind is a set of cognitive and mental processes that govern the body’s actions. The mind affects the human experience, shaping our perceptions, memories, thoughts, and emotions.
Consciousness is the quality or state of awareness of an external object or something within oneself. It has been defined as subjectivity, awareness, sentience, the ability to experience or feel subjective, wakefulness; having a sense of selfhood; having a personality; and self-consciousness.
In recent years, there has been a growing interest in understanding the role of the mind and consciousness in determining our well-being. A growing body of research suggests that training attention can improve our mental health, boost creativity, and increase productivity.
While it may seem like this ability should be straightforward and intuitive, it requires a great deal of focus and discipline. But with time and practice, we can all cultivate greater mastery over our minds and become more conscious.
And that is when true freedom begins to reveal itself indeed.
The Role of Intuition
Intuition understands something without using rational or logical thought — it’s a gut feeling.
Intuition can be used in everyday life to make decisions in various situations. Intuitive people are often able to have strong feelings about things and others.
While there is much debate around the role of intuition in consciousness, many experts believe that it plays a critical role in our ability to make sense of the world.
Whether making important life decisions or navigating complex social interactions, our intuition often provides valuable insights and guidance that can be difficult to access through rational thought alone.
By tapping into your inner voice and learning to listen more to the subtle signals of your body and mind, you can gain greater insight and clarity about the choices that lie ahead.
And with this greater awareness comes a newfound sense of confidence and freedom in choosing the right path for you.
Real Vs. Perceived Choices
When we think about the choices we face in life, it can often feel like there are endless possibilities. But while this may seem like a good thing at first, it can also be overwhelming and paralyzing when making decisions.
In reality, many of the perceived choices that we face in our lives are not options at all.
Instead, they represent different ways of arriving at the same outcome or desired result. This is because most decisions are based on past experiences and learned behaviors rather than genuine choice or freedom.
We can become more conscious and aware of the actual vs. perceived choices that exist in our lives. By learning to pay more attention to our inner experiences and the sensations that arise in our bodies, we can become better at identifying the subtle cues from within.
And as we gain greater clarity about what is important to us, we can begin to make decisions based on our values rather than external influences or social pressures.
So if you’re ready to start making choices that lead you toward freedom and fulfillment, explore the power of self-awareness, intuition, and consciousness and learn how it can help you navigate your path with confidence and wisdom.
With time and practice, you will discover a more profound joy in being alive and living your truth.
Please share this article with your friends and family if you found it helpful. You may also sign up to receive updates when I publish new material!
If you’re new to Medium and want to show your support, consider becoming a member through my page to gain unrestricted access to my articles and hundreds of other authors! Your membership fee directly contributes to my work since I receive a share of your monthly payment at no additional cost to you.
I published this article in my Substack´s Newsletter, “Beyond Two Cents.” on October 31st, 2022.
© Alejandro Betancourt, 2022. All Rights Reserved.
