Perceiving the levels of consciousness

Most of us are aware when we are feeling low and everything is just very hard work, or conversely, when our spirits are high, and we seem to move through life with ease. We can see it in other people, we can see that they have a good energy about them, that there is a clarity and a light, buoyancy and resilience about them and we are attracted to that. We can sense when people resonate at lower vibrational levels, we perceive a murky shadowy energy, and we tread a little more cautiously, keeping them at a distance until we know more.

Science in the measurement of energetic levels

Although we can detect these levels of consciousness at least very generally, they remain in the realm of metaphysics and subjective experience rather than in the domains of established scientific theories. Even so, a few scientific findings might help explain some aspects of these levels, especially how different mental states can correspond to measurable changes in brain activity, neurochemistry, and even the body’s energetic field.

Scientific work in the areas of psychology, neurobiology, bioenergetics, and quantum theory are making strides toward a more integrated understanding of the energetic fields of consciousness. Modern science can measure changes in brainwaves, neurotransmitter levels, and even heart rhythms, and advances in neuroscience, bioenergetics, and quantum biology provide increasing new insights into this fascinating area of study.

As it is, many psychologists, philosophers, researchers have written about these levels, notably David Hawkins and Frederick Dodson, but also others. Hawkins developed a ‘Map of Consciousness’ in his excellent book ‘Power vs Force’ where he outlines human consciousness levels from the lowest states of apathy and shame to the highest states of enlightenment.

Determining your starting level

In this book I have condensed these levels to just seven levels. I have grouped some of the levels together and renamed them according to how they best relate to healing from abusive relationships. This books aims to guide you through all the levels of healing; to embrace your experience at every level, to challenge and confront all of it, so it may no longer lurk unseen and bring unwanted torment at unexpected times.

How do you know which level you are starting from at any given point? It is my view that as you read through this book, this will become clearer. You will see that there is a level where you tend to spend the most time. The hours of your day will be spent primarily in one of the levels, and you only have to ask yourself, what do I think about most of the day, in what emotional or spiritual state do I perform the tasks I need to perform every day, what is it that I actually do for the majority of each day. Secondly, you will see that you are capable of functioning comfortably at a higher level, and you have proof of this, according to things you have done and achieved in the past. This may be looking after yourself through eating well and exercise, it may be through looking after your family with joy, through performing well at your job, running a business, through creative expression such as playing a musical instrument, writing, art or craft work.

The healing journey and how it works

In the healing plan presented here, we will aim to revisit every level as it relates to our being; re-evaluate and recalibrate our own position as it applies. We can then accept and embody each level in a renewed capacity, starting from the lower levels and going up.

All of the levels are beautiful, because they are all parts of the human condition. Suffering is beautiful and can be noble, sadness, melancholia is romantic – poetry and music reflect the beauty of it. Anger is passion, energy and a great catalyst, Courage is Power and the domain of kings and queens. Saying yes is affirmation and diving into the great current of life with joy, and wisdom is when you shed the ego and can finally see with untainted clarity.

Lastly, Beauty is bliss, but it is also a tipping point of sorts, as life is always cyclical in nature. Don’t rush to be a saint, lest you be tortured imprisoned or killed off. Just kidding, but only a little bit. The beauty of the seventh level, will bring moments of bliss and peace that surpasses all understanding, and allow you to radiate love and healing to others in the world as well. A worthy quest in these momentous times.

Overview of the Seven Levels of Consciousness

This first level describes an existential crisis, where the focus is intensely on the issue of surviving. Primal instincts rule, and a person at this level is trying to cope with this brutal trauma of separation as well as the side effects of it, and there are many.

The withdrawals symptoms of ending a relationship with someone who has inflicted emotional wounds brings the dark night of the soul, on repeat. Stabilising and grounding the self, staying safe, and caring for diet and health will help stabilise the chaos of emotions and instincts at this level.

This is the level of withdrawing for a little while and recalibrating, in order to have better judgement about what happened and how to go forward. A metamorphosis of thought happens here, based on the desire to survive and heal.

Balancing out what happened in your own mind; what they did, what you maybe allowed, because you just didn’t know. Overcoming guilt and forgiving self are some of the things that will help survivors get through this level.

Human emotions make a person authentic and real, it is what separates us from beasts, and robots. Every part of the human condition is beautiful therefore, there is a poem, song or a story in all of the emotions we can feel.

Problems arise when we over-identify with emotions, when we think that it is all we are. When healing from trauma, it is helpful to remind ourselves to keep creating space between our feelings, and ourselves as the observer of them. This helps to manage our responses to the emotions that we feel.

More to come soon

More to come soon

More to come soon

More to come soon