Science of Consciousness

a·nal·y·sis /əˈnaləsis/
Noun
1. Detailed examination of the elements or structure of something, typically as a basis for discussion or interpretation.
2. The process of separating something into its constituent elements.

My analytic mind takes the universe between my ears apart, dividing ideas into ever simpler constituents in an attempt to understand the whole. This is the scientific approach to consciousness. I notice that my awareness consists of my sensoria, my drives, my emotions and my intellect. From these elements emerge my holistic experience.

ho·lis·tic
/hōˈlistik/

Adjective
1. Characterized by comprehension of the parts of something as intimately interconnected and explicable only by reference to the whole.

At the holistic level, I start to perceive something that none of my categories seem to contain. I hear echoes of Spirit bridging all the categories and binding reality together into an awesome whole. This is the physical->mental->spiritual hierarchy that seems so obvious and correct to my analytical mind.

But what if it’s the other way around? What if Spirit is the primary reality, and the parts are merely ramifications of that Whole? Perhaps I can approach an awesome Unity. Maybe I can feel holy fear in the presence of God.

If I stop trying to divide my reality into pieces. I can approach this Experience. But I can’t get there through description. Language is the tool of my analytical mind. My descriptions of God refer to aspects of his Consciousness and cannot convey His actual presence.

The dao that can be told
is not the eternal Dao
The name that can be named
is not the eternal Name.

Lao Tzu - Dao De Jing

I must allow the unnamable God to seize me. I must abandon myself to the fearful hurricane of Spirit in order to experience peace.

Who am I to Doubt the Power of God?

If I’ve undergone the radical shift of step three, then I know that my ideas are the only thing standing between God’s will and its mental and physical manifestation in my life. 

My doubt is my ego defending its sovereignty. The ego centered fear I feel when I contemplate letting go of my character defects, of making my amends, of turning over my will and life right now is actually the awareness of God’s power. The fear is a blessing that draws my attention to the next step in my spiritual growth. Here is where I must surrender to move forward.

Radical Shift

Radical Shift

Listening to Ron on step 10 got me thinking. Steps one, two and three result in a radical shift of perspective from an ego centered universe to a God centered universe. In a sense, that’s the whole deal. The rest of the steps are a concrete plan to manifest the consequences of that shift in my life. Ron talked about the shift in radical terms. Not only do I change my view of where my problem lies - within myself and not in other people, places and things - but my ideas about the whole order of the universe radically change. The obvious hierarchy of physical->mental-> spiritual is inverted. Now I see God, as I understand God, as the primary reality. From this Spirit arises mentality, Then my ideas create the world I inhabit. 

I’ve heard this message over and over throughout my life, but somehow I made a breakthrough in understanding it this weekend. Thanks Ron and Primetime!