EDF 2085 Reflection Paper #9

Jackie Lawrence
EDF 2085
Reflection Paper #9

There were a couple of major themes to the article “Transformation: Awareness and Consciousness.” I thought it was a glorious article that touched on many significant things that many of us neglect to ponder on a daily basis, such as spirituality, fulfillment, clarity, and levels of consciousness. It is easy to get caught up in the mix of contemporary lifestyles. School, work, family, friends, goals, and hobbies can often overwhelm the little time we are given each day. Sometimes it is even possible to lose the basic concept of who one is and why they exist on planet earth. Personally, in order to achieve a balance in my life, it is imperative to be aware and conscious. Yoga and my personal version of practicing spirituality serve as my main outlets in achieving a sense of expanding my “self” and maintaining true happiness.
David Rosenthal and Colin Wilson examine and define different levels of consciousness. Rosenthal’s beliefs include creature consciousness, transitive consciousness and state consciousness. Wilson describes seven various levels of consciousness, which I enjoyed reflecting on and applying to my own experiences in life. For example, I believe I experience Wilson’s Level 5 on a daily basis, which is described as “an active, spontaneous, happy consciousness in which life is exciting and interesting.” I try, each and every day, to reflect on the multitude of reasons I am grateful to be alive, which aids in my ability to achieve a sense of happiness and contentment. I also make it important to talk to my loved ones often. They may live thousands of miles away, but our relationships could never be closer. Additionally, I’ve been fortunate enough to reach Level 6 a couple of times, which had resulted in true, life-changing transformations. True awareness occurs once the mind transcends itself and we see ourselves from outside our own body, as a detached observer. Sometimes, at least for me, obstacles and eye-openers assist in expanding one’s sense of self. Usually, I have to make tough mistakes in order to become aware and experience paradigm shifts. I thought this article was truly beautiful because it reminded me of my own personal transformations, which have molded me into who I am today. And as Socrates once reflected, “an unexamined life is not worth living.”