Your Consciousness Isn't A Competition

Ever thought about consciousness as a ladder you climb? 🪜 You know, going from level one, maybe a bit of a "simpleton" - all the way up to "super-woke Buddha-level enlightened"? 🧘 It's a common way to picture it, kind of like leveling up in a video game or climbing the career ladder to CEO.

But what if I told you I think consciousness is a bit more... multi-dimensional than that? To me, it's not really about a step-by-step upward journey. The whole idea of a single "direction" for consciousness feels a bit silly, doesn't it? It can expand in so many ways!

In this video, I chat about how we can imagine consciousness having:

✨ Height: This is probably what most people mean by "woke." It's your meta-awareness, your ability to see the bigger picture of who you are, your intentions, and your place in things. It's knowing that you're aware.
🌍 Breadth: Think of this as how wide your awareness stretches. Are you tuned into just your own little bubble, or do you feel a connection to other people, to nature, to the vastness of the universe? It’s about being aware of how others are feeling and that you're part of something much larger. This is your connection to the world.
🌊 Depth: This is all about the intensity and commitment you bring to an experience. It's not just glancing at a painting; it's diving in, studying the colors, feeling the emotions, and letting it speak to you. It’s about how deeply you embody an awareness or characteristic through practice and focused experience.

And hey, there's probably even a fourth dimension – the type of consciousness. What's it like to be a four-year-old with their unique perspective? Or a bird? Or someone from a completely different walk of life? Can you imagine that?

The thing is, every single person you meet, even a child, will be conscious of things you aren't. In that moment, they're the teacher, and you're the student. Humbling, right? 😊

We often get hung up on "height," admiring those who seem super self-aware. But there are so many ways to be conscious! You can find it in raising kids, in your work, in a walk in the woods, or just by sitting still and exploring your own awareness.

A word of caution though: trying to "force" consciousness, to rush up that imaginary ladder, can sometimes lead to what Carl Jung called "ego inflation." You know, that feeling of superiority because you think you've "worked harder" at being aware. But how do we really know what journey someone else is on?

I believe consciousness unfolds most beautifully when we learn to flow with life, to be present, and to commit to our experiences, whatever they may be. It's not a race or a competition. Remember that Zen master who told the eager student it would take longer to get enlightened if he rushed? The message is pretty clear: slow down, be present, and let experience soak in.

What does consciousness mean to you? How do you see these different dimensions playing out in your own life? I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Thanks for watching, and see you all in the next video!

#Consciousness #SelfAwareness #PersonalGrowth #Mindfulness #Spirituality #Philosophy #HeightDepthBreadth #BePresent #Awareness #NoCompetition