Mind, Consciousness & a Scale

Our psychology, our mind and consciousness have a direct impact on our health and longevity. We are only human and we feel powerfully, experiencing a wide range of emotions that can influence our physical well-being. I observe myself daily and anyone that I work with to see what type of emotional conflicts are affecting their health.

David R. Hawkins, a renowned psychiatrist, spiritual teacher, and author, developed the Scale of Consciousness as a framework to understand and measure the various levels of human consciousness. This scale, extended in detail, provides a deep understanding of human consciousness, categorizing states from the lowest levels of shame and guilt to the highest levels of enlightenment. It also includes aspects of self-identification, location, dimensions, vibrations, and colors, offering a nuanced perspective on each state.

Lower Ego Self (20-199)

Shame (20) — Acceptance Shame represents the lowest level of consciousness, characterized by feelings of humiliation and worthlessness. Individuals at this level often feel fundamentally flawed and undeserving of love or happiness. This state triggers the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, leading to elevated cortisol levels, which can suppress the immune system, increase inflammation, and contribute to chronic illnesses such as cardiovascular disease and depression. The prolonged activation of the HPA axis due to chronic shame can result in a state of constant stress, leading to adrenal fatigue and compromised metabolic function.

Affirmation: "I am worthy of love and acceptance."

Guilt (30) — Forgiveness Guilt involves self-reproach and a focus on past mistakes, leading to a cycle of self-punishment and remorse. Chronic guilt can increase cortisol and adrenaline levels, affecting cardiovascular health and leading to hypertension and heart disease. It can also disrupt sleep patterns, contributing to insomnia and further stress. Neurophysiologically, guilt is linked with heightened activity in the anterior cingulate cortex, which processes emotional regulation and decision-making, leading to an overactive stress response.

Affirmation: "I forgive myself and others."

Apathy (50) — Remembrance Apathy is marked by feelings of hopelessness and despair, leading to a lack of motivation and disengagement from life. This state often results from prolonged stress or trauma and manifests as emotional numbness. Physiologically, apathy can lead to decreased physical activity, contributing to muscle atrophy, weight gain, and cardiovascular issues. It is also associated with decreased dopamine levels, exacerbating feelings of lethargy and disengagement. The underactivity of dopaminergic pathways in the brain can lead to a lack of pleasure and reward, further deepening the state of apathy.

Affirmation: "I embrace life with energy and purpose."

Grief (75) — Remembrance Grief involves deep feelings of loss and sadness, often triggered by significant life changes or the death of a loved one. It can lead to immune suppression, increased cardiovascular risk, and sleep disturbances. Chronic grief can elevate stress hormones like cortisol, leading to inflammation and further health complications. Neurophysiologically, grief activates the brain's limbic system, particularly the amygdala, which processes emotions, creating a heightened state of emotional pain and stress.

Affirmation: "I honor my grief and find peace."

Fear (100) — Safety Fear is a state of anxiety and apprehension, marked by the activation of the sympathetic nervous system and the release of cortisol and adrenaline. Chronic fear can lead to long-term health problems such as suppressed immune function, increased inflammation, and cardiovascular disease. Neurophysiologically, fear enhances the activity of the amygdala and prefrontal cortex, leading to heightened anxiety and impaired executive function.

Affirmation: "I am safe and secure."

Desire (125) — Wholeness Desire involves longing for material possessions or status, driven by dopamine-mediated reward systems in the brain. Chronic desire can lead to imbalances in dopamine levels, resulting in addiction-like behaviors and perpetual dissatisfaction. Elevated stress from unfulfilled desires can increase cortisol levels, contributing to chronic stress and related health issues. This overactivation of the mesolimbic pathway can lead to a state of constant craving and dissatisfaction.

Affirmation: "I am whole and complete."

Anger (150) — Calmness Anger arises from frustration and unmet needs, leading to increased adrenaline and cortisol levels, and activation of the sympathetic nervous system. Chronic anger can result in hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and weakened immune function. Neurophysiologically, anger activates the amygdala and hypothalamus, leading to increased autonomic arousal and stress response.

Affirmation: "I choose calmness and understanding."

Pride (175) — Dignity Pride is marked by a sense of superiority and separation from others, driven by an overactive ego. It can lead to chronic stress, social isolation, and related health issues such as hypertension and heart disease. The need to maintain a superior image can result in heightened cortisol levels and anxiety. Neurophysiologically, pride involves increased activity in the prefrontal cortex associated with self-referential thinking, and can lead to a lack of empathy and social disconnection.

Affirmation: "I embrace humility and compassion."

Rational Linear Emotional Self (200-399)

Courage (200) — Strength Courage represents the entry into positive states of consciousness, involving the willingness to face challenges and embrace vulnerability. This state activates the brain's reward system, increasing dopamine and endorphin levels, which enhance motivation and resilience. Neurophysiologically, courage enhances the activity of the prefrontal cortex, improving executive function and decision-making, while reducing amygdala reactivity, which decreases fear and anxiety responses.

Affirmation: "I am strong and resilient."

Neutrality (250) — Balance Neutrality is characterized by emotional balance and flexibility, avoiding extreme reactions. This state is associated with stable neurotransmitter levels and reduced stress, promoting overall health. Neurophysiologically, neutrality supports balanced activity in the anterior cingulate cortex and prefrontal cortex, enhancing emotional regulation and cognitive flexibility. It also supports a stable autonomic nervous system, reducing physiological stress responses.

Affirmation: "I am balanced and calm."

Willingness (310) — Generous Spirit Willingness involves a proactive attitude and openness to new experiences, characterized by optimism and hopefulness. This state enhances mental health by increasing serotonin and dopamine levels, promoting motivation and emotional resilience. Neurophysiologically, willingness enhances the activity of reward pathways and the prefrontal cortex, fostering positive emotions and cognitive engagement. This state also supports neuroplasticity, encouraging the brain's capacity to adapt and grow.

Affirmation: "I am open and willing."

Acceptance (350) — Letting Go Acceptance involves embracing reality and letting go of resistance, characterized by forgiveness and harmony. This state reduces stress by lowering cortisol levels and supporting overall well-being. Neurophysiologically, acceptance enhances the activity of the prefrontal cortex and anterior insula, promoting emotional regulation and interoceptive awareness. This balanced activity supports a state of equanimity and resilience.

Affirmation: "I accept and let go."

Higher Self (400-1000)

Reason (400) — Understanding Reason involves intellectual understanding and the ability to see the big picture, characterized by logical thinking and the pursuit of knowledge. This state enhances cognitive function, stimulates brain activity, and promotes mental clarity. Neurophysiologically, reason enhances prefrontal cortex activity, supporting executive functions such as planning, decision-making, and abstract thinking. It also supports the integration of information across different brain regions, enhancing overall cognitive coherence.

Affirmation: "I seek clarity and wisdom."

Love (500) — Constant Flow Love is a state of unconditional kindness and compassion, characterized by a deep connection with others. This state promotes overall health and well-being by increasing oxytocin levels, reducing cortisol, and enhancing immune function. Neurophysiologically, love enhances activity in the ventromedial prefrontal cortex and the release of oxytocin, promoting social bonding and emotional regulation. This state also supports heart health by reducing blood pressure and heart rate.

Affirmation: "I radiate love and compassion."

Joy (540) — Love at Play Joy is a state of profound inner peace and happiness, marked by a sense of wonder and gratitude for life. This state enhances overall health by increasing the release of endorphins, dopamine, and serotonin, which promote feelings of happiness and well-being. Neurophysiologically, joy enhances activity in the prefrontal cortex and limbic system, fostering positive emotional states and enhancing resilience. This state also supports neuroplasticity, encouraging brain growth and adaptability.

Affirmation: "I embrace joy and gratitude."

Peace (600) — Love at Stillness Peace represents a state of transcendence and inner calm, characterized by a profound sense of stillness and harmony with the universe. This state promotes significant health benefits by reducing stress, lowering cortisol levels, and enhancing immune function. Neurophysiologically, peace enhances activity in the default mode network and promotes coherence between the brain's hemispheres, fostering a state of deep relaxation and interconnectedness.

Affirmation: "I am at peace."

Enlightenment (700-1000) — Love Expansion Enlightenment is the highest level of consciousness, involving a complete dissolution of the ego and a direct experience of the divine. This state promotes profound changes in the brain and body, enhancing empathy, compassion, and emotional regulation. Neurophysiologically, enlightenment supports increased gamma wave activity, promoting heightened awareness and cognitive function. It also supports a state of global brain coherence, fostering a sense of unity and oneness with the universe.

Affirmation: "I am one with the universe."

This is a simple way to navigate our psychologies and see where we stand at different stages in our lives, on different days. As we move up to ‘love and above’ good health really sets in. This is the work!

“ensouled flesh, emptying mind

the work of being human”

—rensen

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