The Four States of Consciousness

I have been using the pyramid of consciousness since many years. When I discuss with my clients about the Four States of Consciousness model, and why it can be so difficult to shift from the ego and fear driven states to the ones who are nourished by trust and Love, I like to use this practical example:

1. We are poor victims imprisoned in a cage. Someone or something else has the key, we feel helpless and powerless.

2. We start to understand that we are in charge and that the power to free ourselves from our cage reside inside us. Let's find the key to our emotional freedom in our own fears and trauma.

3. We find out that there is no key to our cage. We have been looking for so long for something that has never been lost. The door of the cage has always been open.

4. Here is the most difficult step in the transformation. The truth about that there is actually no cage. It only ever existed in our mind...

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‍1. Life happens to me

Posture Victim

Experience Blaming and complaining

Beliefs There is a problem. Someone is at fault.

Someone should fix this.

Key question Why me? Whose fault is this?

Benefits Experience separateness, drama as entertainment, and adrenaline high.

Supports empathy toward others.

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2. Life happens by me

Posture Creator

Experience Curiosity, appreciation

Beliefs Problems are here for me to learn from.

I created the problem, so I can solve it.

Key question What can I learn?

What do I want to create?

Benefits Personal empowerment

Define my wants and my desires

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3. Life happens through me

Posture Co-creator

Experience Allowing, flow, wonder and awe

Beliefs I am the source of all meaning I experience.

Things are perfect, whole and complete.

Life handles all apparent “problems”.

Key question What wants to happen through me?

Benefits Non-attachment. Unlimited possibility, plenty of everything

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4. Life happens as me

Posture At one with all

Experience Peace, spaciousness

Beliefs There is just oneness. There are no problems, and no one to “solve” them.

Key question No more questions - just knowingness

Benefits Experience oneness & non-dualism.

Unlimited freedom & peace.

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Source : Navigating the States of Consciousness by John Renesch

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