Two Levels of Consciousness
We seem to operate at 2 very different but complimentary levels of consciousness:
1) The common, default, symbolic egoic level (discursive rationality, personal-verbal processing):
- ideal for: basic self-preservation, practical & scientific matters, manipulating the material world
- our basic DOING mode – filled with talk & action
- symbols = language (regular & “self-talk”) & images (real & imagined)
- egoic = self-referential – centered around “me, myself & I”
(A quiet ego {“hypo-egoic”} is healthy & necessary; a “noisy ego” problematic)
2) A post-symbolic transpersonal level - known to meditators as “awareness”:
- ideal for: life's most fundamental concerns: love, meaning, depth, values, aesthetics, constant change, aging, sickness & death
- BEING mode – characterized by silence & stillness
- post-symbolic = does not use language & images - these get in the way
- transpersonal = having shifted from egocentric to hypo-egoic, allo- & ecocentric
A healthy, balanced, meaningful life clearly requires that we learn to shift effortlessly between either level of consciousness, to most appropriately serve the needs of the present moment. This is an important skill we learn - directly, experientially - during meditation practice.
Leary MR, Guadagno J. "The role of hypo-egoic self-processes in optimal functioning and subjective well-being." (Chapter 9) in: Sheldon KM, Kashdan TB, Steger MF. eds. "Designing positive psychology: Taking stock and moving forward." Oxford University Press, NY, 2011. p135-146. Kasprow MC, Scotton BW. " A Review of Transpersonal Theory and Its Application to the Practice of Psychotherapy." The Journal of Psychotherapy Practice and Research 1999; 8:12–23. Cook-Greuter SR. "Mature Ego Development: A Gateway to Ego Transcendence?" Journal of Adult Development 2000; 7(4): 227-40.
Using different terminology: http://jglovas.wix.com/awarenessnow#!Our-Uncommon-Understanding/c17jj/56f426520cf213d90db4eced
Zen's surprisingly similar perspective for ~2,000 years: http://www.johnlovas.com/2016/03/perceptions-direct-contact-two-levels.html
