Capturing Human Consciousness

I suppose the beginning of dissecting human consciousness would be to decide what it is. Is it a state of mind, something we tap into when on a higher level of understanding and at peace within ourselves? Is it a matter, a scientific quality that can be quantified and parceled up and shipped off to labs? Or is it simply the act of asking myself these questions, is it awareness? Being “conscious” is technically just the act of being awake. However, that is not the same as human consciousness, which requires much more effort. It is a unique quality, one that usually takes time and effort to find. The difference between human consciousness and subconscious is fine, but what makes it up is the aspect of awareness. Both concepts are built into the human mind, yet consciousness is much less immediate or attainable. It is something, almost like a skill, that must be mastered or controlled. When we’re lucky, we can recognize its presence. Then, we have peace of mind. But many times, it is disappears.

I often wonder where our consciousness goes. It escapes sometimes, so where does it end up? In this day and age, especially, does it leak into the LED screens of our cell phones and laptops and gadgets that continuously evolve at a faster rate than at which we can keep up? Or, is there a stream of universal consciousness that we must take the initiative with and tap into it by active volition? If so, this is more along the lines of shamanism and reiki, which I have personally disputed and debated about. Is the search for human consciousness somehow just another form of religion, trying to find meaning in our messy lives? Leaning towards the side of atheism, I used to find fault in theories like those. However, now I think that if we didn’t at least try to figure out where we stand and why, we lose a crucial sense of purpose in our lives.

Capturing human consciousness from the inside out requires one to self reflect. For me, it brought uncomfortable moments of realization that I am not at the level of inner peace that many strive for. Instead, the velocity of my thoughts races by, fueled by the desire to push forward or break through some unattainable level. Consciousness should exist in the present moments of one’s lifetime. Yet the awareness of now is lacking; past and future dominate my thoughts. In Mrs. Dalloway, Woolf constantly interjects memories or reflections on the past into the novel. By putting emphasis on the past, is Woolf saying that it is what drives us? Thus, our consciousness, and even being “present”, must somehow combine the elements of the past, present, and the infinite possibility of the future. This library of memories, instinct, and expectations becomes our complete, collective identity.

As humans, consciousness is a gift. We are lucky to have it, but many take the awareness for granted and never quite get actually attain it.