The mind and consciousness

 By Jimmy Henderson (Hons (phil), MA (psychology) FRC

   Traditionally, consciousness relates to the use of our senses. In other words, we become conscious of something when we are able to see, hear, smell or touch it. However, in metaphysics, consciousness is seen as much more than mere sense-perception or simply being self-aware. In fact, it is described as a dynamic state of ‘thoughtless perception’ which provides the opportunity for the application of many other mental processes and capacities, as well as providing an ‘inner mental screen’ for framing one’s images, thoughts and ideas.

   According to holistic and mental practitioners, there are many possible levels or states of consciousness, extending from a total lack of self-awareness to exalted states able to produce amazing insights into everyday life, self and reality. These higher levels can be accessed during moments of relaxation and introspection, especially during the application of specific mental exercises such as meditation and imagery.

   The current scientific and psychological view is that our consciousness (self-awareness) is purely the result of brain activity. In other words, it is seen as having a physiological basis and merely a by-product of brain functioning.  However, according to new research in Quantum physics, the phenomenon of consciousness could, in fact, be seen as directly related to higher states of energy. In fact, quantum scientists maintain that reality can actually be reduced to experiences in consciousness, which is not too far from the post-modern Constructivist approach in psychology, which also suggests that our sense of reality is constructed in the mind out of subjective perceptions.

   Quantum theorists also believe that their calculations show how the complexity of the universe points to it being potentially self-aware, and that it could also be seen as a single source of cosmic or collective consciousness, able to reveal itself through the medium of different physical life-forms.

   The Quantum model of the universe introduces new and exciting ideas which are potentially important to a more accurate understanding of existence and purpose, such as the possibility that human beings are merely all parts of a whole, and that the brain may only be fulfilling a secondary role in the channeling of consciousness and that the mind is actually derived from a higher collective source. This can perhaps be better understood in terms of an analogy of an electrical transformer which has the ability to convert a high-voltage electrical energy into a low-voltage potential that is safe to use. Bearing in mind that, in terms of Quantum theory, consciousness is merely an extremely high form of energy, the human brain could be seen as merely acting to step down a universal consciousness into a level of self-awareness which allows us to function as individual personalities on this sphere of being. 

Jimmy Henderson a well-known metaphysician and regular radio talk show guest. He is the author of many articles as well as two self-help books titled ‘Multi-Dimensional Thinking’ and ‘Multi-Dimensional Perception’ which are available at Exclusive Books , Amazon.com and Kalahari.com and via his website  www.jimmyhendersonbooks.com