Blog #28--What Is Consciousness?

We love to claim we are conscious beings who can therefore be distinguished from all other creatures in Nature. Only humans, as the belief goes, can be aware of our own existence. Only we can both observe and experience life simultaneously. Yes, we love to brag about our specialness.

Unfortunately, we have yet to determine the mechanism that creates consciousness. Scientists and philosophers have debated all sorts of theories on the subject, but solutions that satisfy all sides of the debate have not appeared. Oliver Burkeman calls it “the hard problem” in his January 22, 2015 The Guardian newspaper article entitled, “Why Can’t The World’s Greatest Minds Solve The Mystery Of Consciousness?: Philosophers and scientists have been at war for decades over the question of what makes human beings more than complex robots.”

In general, scientists don’t readily accept any theory that lacks empirical evidence. Many philosophers and religious leaders prefer a description more intangible than many scientists can accept. It is difficult for the various debaters to agree on a precise definition that fits every situation.

The brain is a highly complex organ, and its mapping is tedious and far from complete. It is so complex, it can be difficult to see the forest for the trees, as they say. But before there were complex brains, there were simpler ones that are more easily studied. Examining the simplest life forms would likely improve our chances of creating understanding, but we are averse to admitting we are similar to them. So we remain stuck studying the individual trees in a vast forest.

The stated goal in my book “It’s a Secret, So Pass It On: a Toolbox For Life” is to unite science and religion. This is a monumentally difficult task to accomplish, and I have no illusions it will succeed. The difficulty lies in our lack of understanding of ourselves and how we function. We falsely assume we are different from all other life forms in Nature. In doing so, we prevent ourselves from finding the answers we seek.

The human ego thinks in finite terms. We are born, and we will die. In my mind, consciousness is energy; as such, it is eternal and has no beginning or ending. Despite knowing that energy can neither be created nor destroyed, this concept bothers scientists who need answers to all their questions and don’t accept spiritual beliefs without proof. But brilliant scientist Albert Einstein recognized the existence of a “space-time continuum,” which is an eternal sea of energy where there is no separation between time and space. I believe we access this continuum when we are conscious.

While most humans are capable of experiencing consciousness, many of us spend the majority of our days avoiding it. We get busy with the details of our daily lives and put our minds on hold. We play with modern technology and visit with family and friends on social media. We drown out our own inner voices with loud music, alcohol, drugs and other escapist behaviors.

When I worked as a sports journalist, I interviewed many athletes. While most were intelligent and communicative, they tended to repeat what their coaches wanted them to say or to describe only the superficial details of their play. I’m fairly certain they weren’t observing themselves while they spoke. If anything, they wanted to conclude the interview so they could get on with their lives. They may not have been conscious during the game either.

I interviewed a star linebacker on multiple occasions, but he was usually surrounded by reporters. When I finally got a chance for a one-on-one interview, he said to me, “I wondered when you would get around to interviewing me.” In other words, he was aware of me even though we hadn’t officially met.

I realized he was conscious at the time, and he confirmed it when asked. Our short conversation went far beyond the details of the game; he was aware of what he was thinking while he was making plays on the field, and he shared all that with me. The contrast between the linebacker and most athletes was obvious.

When humans study consciousness, we do it with our egos. Every question we ask leads us to another question because we expect finite answers. Without realizing it, we soon find ourselves spinning in a circle. Elton John’s classic song “Circle of Life,” from the animated movie “The Lion King,” describes this circular pattern. So does the Native American belief in a medicine wheel. It is how life works from an ego perspective.

I am convinced true consciousness has to do with balancing the left and right hemispheres of our brains. With both sides working together for a common cause, we can connect to the space-time continuum. I believe that is what happens when a light goes off in our heads. The flash of light is accompanied by a knowledge that can help us solve life’s problems or provide a greater understanding of what we truly are.

Burkeman’s concluding paragraph begins: “It would be poetic—albeit deeply frustrating—were it ultimately to prove that the one thing the human mind is incapable of comprehending is itself.” It is frustrating for the human ego to admit it doesn’t control things, but that may be the answer scientists, philosophers and religious leaders must ultimately accept if they want to know more about consciousness.

If nothing else, what right do we have to judge ourselves or others when we don’t even know how we function? They say outer space is the final frontier in our quest to know the Universe, but eventually we must discover the truth about ourselves.

Comments and questions can be directed to dreamtime@insight-books.com.