Consciousness Expansion, Raising Your Vibration, Ascension

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Vocabulary

altered state, ascension, awakening experience, collective consciousness, consciousness expansion, cosmic consciousness, exoconsciousness, non-ordinary state of consciousness, normal waking consciousness / rational consciousness, raising vibration (or frequency), spiritual awakening, spiritual or mystical experiences, transpersonal psychology

1. ALTERED STATE — Another name for “non-ordinary state of consciousness”
2. ASCENSION — Also called the Great Shift, refers to an evolution, expansion, awakening or uplifting of collective consciousness; this is accomplished through a shift in the energy from a denser or slower frequency to a higher or faster one, “a graduation into a higher level of existence” (source) —  another “density” and/or “dimension”
3. AWAKENING EXPERIENCE — The experience of a higher state of consciousness, which may be temporary or sustained; “A kind of ‘waking up’ from the sleep of our normal state… Our normal ‘shadowy’ vision of the world is transformed and we gain something of the intense vision of the world of children and some indigenous people … It’s as if the world switches from monochrome to colour” (Steve Taylor)
4. COLLECTIVE CONSCIOUSNESS —The summation and synergistic effects of individual consciousnesses; may be referencing the consciousness of societies, cultures, civilizations or planets
5. CONSCIOUSNESS EXPANION — An increasing ability to receive and hold more consciousness (more Light, more energy); this is in contrast to a perpetual sense of rigidity and fear — symptoms of avidya (spiritual ignorance) or mistaking one’s True Self for the ego
6. COSMIC CONSCIOUSNESS — “A consciousness of the cosmos, that is, of the life and order of the universe”  (source)
7. EXOCONSCIOUSNESS — “The ability of human consciousness to connect, communicate and co-create with extraterrestrials and multidimensionals” (source)
8. NON-ORDINARY STATE OF CONSCIOUSNESS — Any state that is not “normal waking consciousness;” this terminology is unfortunate and inaccurate, implying there is one normal, correct state of consciousness and others are abnormal and unusual — which is demonstrably false
9. NORMAL WAKING CONSCIOUSNESS / RATIONAL CONSCIOUSNESS — The waking state associated with gamma and beta brain waves and its narrow perceptual ranges, providing a limited experience of reality
10. RAISING VIBRATION (OR FREQUENCY) — Usually refers to specific choices and lifestyle practices that refine the mindbody as a vessel for increasing consciousness
11. SPIRITUAL AWAKENING — Another name for consciousness expansion
12. SPIRITUAL OR MYSTICAL EXPERIENCES — Modern researchers have reported that these words have no common, agreed-upon definition and therefore can easily muddy the waters; thus, we are not using these terms in our examination of consciousness expansion
13. TRANSPERSONAL PSYCHOLOGY — A field centered on the spiritual aspects of human life; this term was introduced in the 1960s by psychologists such as Abraham Maslow and Victor Frankl (source)

Consciousness Expansion

Lesson Overview

In this lesson, we define and describe “consciousness expansion,” “raising your frequency” and “awakening experiences.”

Objective

Become familiar with the foundational concepts related to consciousness expansion including the relationship between frequency, brain wave states, levels of consciousness and “awakening experiences.”

Description

Explain what it means to evolve or expand our consciousness, and provide a teaching metaphor to assist in the explanation. Define the phrase “raise your vibration (or frequency)” and explain its relationship to the expansion of consciousness. Provide practices that may raise your frequency. Describe the terms “cosmic consciousness” and “collective consciousness.” Provide signs that may indicate an expansion of consciousness. Define and discuss awakening and ascension.

Vocabulary

altered state, ascension, awakening experience, collective consciousness, consciousness expansion, cosmic consciousness, exoconsciousness, non-ordinary state of consciousness, normal waking consciousness / rational consciousness, raising vibration (or frequency), spiritual awakening, spiritual or mystical experiences, transpersonal psychology

1. ALTERED STATE — Another name for “non-ordinary state of consciousness”
2. ASCENSION — Also called the Great Shift, refers to an evolution, expansion, awakening or uplifting of collective consciousness; this is accomplished through a shift in the energy from a denser or slower frequency to a higher or faster one, “a graduation into a higher level of existence” (source) —  another “density” and/or “dimension”
3. AWAKENING EXPERIENCE — The experience of a higher state of consciousness, which may be temporary or sustained; “A kind of ‘waking up’ from the sleep of our normal state… Our normal ‘shadowy’ vision of the world is transformed and we gain something of the intense vision of the world of children and some indigenous people … It’s as if the world switches from monochrome to colour” (Steve Taylor)
4. COLLECTIVE CONSCIOUSNESS —The summation and synergistic effects of individual consciousnesses; may be referencing the consciousness of societies, cultures, civilizations or planets
5. CONSCIOUSNESS EXPANION — An increasing ability to receive and hold more consciousness (more Light, more energy); this is in contrast to a perpetual sense of rigidity and fear — symptoms of avidya (spiritual ignorance) or mistaking one’s True Self for the ego
6. COSMIC CONSCIOUSNESS — “A consciousness of the cosmos, that is, of the life and order of the universe”  (source)
7. EXOCONSCIOUSNESS — “The ability of human consciousness to connect, communicate and co-create with extraterrestrials and multidimensionals” (source)
8. NON-ORDINARY STATE OF CONSCIOUSNESS — Any state that is not “normal waking consciousness;” this terminology is unfortunate and inaccurate, implying there is one normal, correct state of consciousness and others are abnormal and unusual — which is demonstrably false
9. NORMAL WAKING CONSCIOUSNESS / RATIONAL CONSCIOUSNESS — The waking state associated with gamma and beta brain waves and its narrow perceptual ranges, providing a limited experience of reality
10. RAISING VIBRATION (OR FREQUENCY) — Usually refers to specific choices and lifestyle practices that refine the mindbody as a vessel for increasing consciousness
11. SPIRITUAL AWAKENING — Another name for consciousness expansion
12. SPIRITUAL OR MYSTICAL EXPERIENCES — Modern researchers have reported that these words have no common, agreed-upon definition and therefore can easily muddy the waters; thus, we are not using these terms in our examination of consciousness expansion
13. TRANSPERSONAL PSYCHOLOGY — A field centered on the spiritual aspects of human life; this term was introduced in the 1960s by psychologists such as Abraham Maslow and Victor Frankl (source)

Consciousness Expansion

To evolve or expand consciousness refers to an increasing ability to receive and hold more consciousness (more Light, more energy).

The experience of higher consciousness brings more clarity, balance and wisdom. There is an empowered awareness of one’s connection to the Source of consciousness, the source of life. This is in contrast to a perpetual sense of rigidity and fear — symptoms of avidya (spiritual ignorance) or mistaking one’s True Self for the ego.

In What is Consciousness?, we learned that individual consciousness is a local expression of the universal phenomenon of consciousness. We can surmise that an antenna is technology that mimics how consciousness works.

Information from satellites comes in the form of a… signal — a continuous wave… of specific frequencies. That signal is captured in the … antenna and… proceeds into the receiver. The information then travels to a computer where it is processed… and translated… into pictures and/or information that we can read and see. – NASA, How Does an Antenna Work?

Our mindbody can be likened to an antenna or the “hardware” that receives a signal — which is consciousness in the form of particular frequencies. Our mindbody translates the signals into pictures, knowledge, and understanding. 

Our mindbody is attuned to particular frequencies within the vast range of the greater consciousness or infinite intelligence.

In telecommunications, when hardware is upgraded, the upgraded device is capable of receiving a greater amount of information. Similarly, our mindbody can be “upgraded” to greater health, awareness and balance, thus being able to receive more consciousness, insight and wisdom. Time-tested practices designed to evolve or expand the ability to receive higher consciousness include fasting, meditation and contemplation.

The process of expanding consciousness or holding more Light may also be called “spiritual awakening.”

THE MINDBODY ANTENNA

We are learning how the body is actually a multifaceted antenna system that receives lots of different kinds of information. That includes your physical body, all the way from your bones down to the cellular level of your existence. The brain processes the physical information that is coming in, and then there is also the subtle energy in your body that interprets information coming in from that way, as well. The mind-body antenna coordinates the whole thing and takes in information from everywhere… Things like yoga and tai chi move our bodies through different ritual positions, helping to facilitate receiving these frequencies. We position ourselves just like we change the rabbit ears on an old TV set, and move through these different energy waves, like a radio scanner that moves through different bands of frequencies to pull in information.– MaAnna Stephenson 

 “Ordinary” State of Consciousness vs Other States

Consciousness expansion is typically accompanied by what have been called “non-ordinary” states of consciousness, “altered states” or “paranormal experiences.”

This terminology is unfortunate and inaccurate. It implies there is one normal, correct state of consciousness and others are abnormal and unusual — which is demonstrably false.

“Ordinary” States Provide Access to Only a Small Slice of Consciousness

The “ordinary state” being compared to in this nomenclature is a very small slice of perceptual awareness among a vast spectrum of possibility.

• The “ordinary” state being compared to is the waking state associated with left brain dominance and its limited perceptions.
• Brain cell activity can be measured. In the “ordinary” state, brain activity demonstrates a frequency that researchers have called gamma and beta brain waves. Modern, mainstream sources present a narrative where this state is “ordinary” or “normal” but that is not correct. Alpha, theta and delta brain wave states are just as normal.
• Alpha and theta brain wave states (which are NOT included in the definition of the “ordinary” waking state) are exemplified by states of deep relaxation and mediation and are associated with a sense of well-being. They are optimum states for learning, concentration and reprogramming the subconscious.

NORMAL WAKING CONSCIOUSNESS IS BUT ONE TYPE

Our normal waking consciousness, rational consciousness as we call it, is but one special type of consciousness, whilst all about it, parted from it by the flimsiest of screens, there lie potential forms of consciousness entirely different. We may go through life without suspecting their existence; but apply the requisite stimulus, and at a touch they are there. – William James 

EVEN THOUGH THE RATIONAL MIND IS AN EXPRESSION OF CONSCIOUSNESS, IT FAILS TO COMPREHEND THE DEEPEST ASPECTS

[Consciousness is] a realm that has many realms within it. There are realms we can tap into that yogis and mystics have entered. Even though rational mind is an expression of the consciousness, it often fails to comprehend the myriad aspects of the Buddha-mind, original mind, inborn wisdom, or luminous consciousness. The more we understand the world of consciousness, the more we’re able to understand who we are and find a means to alleviate suffering, as well as to evolve by widening the circle of love and compassion toward all living creatures. This is why ancient civilizations of the East have been studying consciousness through a variety of meditation practices for thousands of years. – Introduction to Awakening through the Nine Bodies: Exploring Levels of Consciousness in Meditation by Phillip Moffitt

Accessing Other States Grants More Insight

As the important quote above points to, a key to comprehending “luminous consciousness” (awakening) is to give time and effort toward accessing states of consciousness beyond the “ordinary” waking state and its limited frequencies.

Brain wave states (as touched on above) are one perspective for considering various states of consciousness. But there are more angles to consider. Becoming familiar with the characteristics and physiology of the pineal gland is another source of insight. See the link for physical characteristics and more detail. Here we touch on a few highlights relevant to states of consciousness:

Serotonin is stored in large quantities by the pineal gland – a hormone you may have heard of since it is so keenly linked with feeling good. Without proper serotonin creation in the body, the result is depression, and sometimes severe depression. Of the 40 million cells in our brains, serotonin interacts or communicates with almost all of them.[4] – Christina Sarich

Described as the “seat of the soul” and historically understood to be the master gland (“glandula superior” in Latin), the pineal gland was acknowledged in the art and literature of Egyptian, Druidic, Hindu, Hasidic, Islamic, Taoist, Mayan, Tibetan and Aboriginal cultures. “Even the Catholic Pope’s staff often has a pinecone on it. You can also see a pinecone in the Vatican flag.”

Associated with the “third eye”, the pineal gland “possesses all the essential features of the external eyes… the gland actually responds to environmental light… It is surely beyond a coincidence that the yogic texts of India and the mystical traditions throughout the ages have spoken of the ‘eye of intuition’ and the ‘third eye’ when referring to the pineal gland. ” 

AWAKENING THE AJNA CHAKRA TO EXPAND OUR STATE OF CONSCIOUSNESS

We need not be prisoners of our own brain biochemistry… We can expand our state of consciousness by reactivating the pineal gland, awakening the ajna chakra, opening the third eye — they are all the same process. In this way we regain contact with the child within while simultaneously fulfilling the duties and responsibilities of adult life. Then work becomes play and life a game, rather than the serious and depressing business it has become for many people today. – Dr. Swami Karmananda Saraswati

Awakening Experiences

Awakening Experiences Described

Steve Taylor categorizes awakening experiences along a continuum of intensity. In the “most basic kind” of awakening experience, we get a more intense vision of the world, a new dimension of reality “as if the world switches from monochrome to colour.” In more intense awakening experiences, there is a realization of the spirit-force that “is the source of the harmony and the radiance we can see everywhere.”

AWAKENING IN CONTRAST TO THE “NORMAL” RESTRICTED, EXPERIENCE OF REALITY

Some materialistic scientists believe that awakening experiences are caused by abnormal brain functioning… It’s more accurate to see them as a kind of ‘waking up’ from the sleep of our normal state. Our normal consciousness is narrow and restricted and gives us a false and limited experience of reality. That’s why, in awakening experiences, there is a sense that our consciousness has become wider and clearer and that we have gained access to a deeper and truer level of reality which is normally hidden from us. – Steve Taylor 

There is no one way that people report having had awakening experiences but there are many elements people have in common. Most awakening experiences include the following:

• Clarity, revelation, awareness of a deeper or higher level of reality
• A sense of harmony, meaning, unity or oneness
• A sense of everything being intensely real and alive
• Inner peace, joy, bliss or ecstasy
• Altered experience of time — Unlike the experience of linear time in “normal” waking consciousness, time expands or dissolves

A JOURNEY INTO BALANCE & WHOLENESS;
THE INTEGRATION OF THE HIGHER SELF WITH THE HUMAN SELF

What is spiritual awakening? It’s the natural process of Ascension — evolving into a higher-frequency interaction — for more inner clarity, balance and empowerment. It connects you more deeply to your life and your place in the universe, integrating universal law into the human experience more deliberately. When you ascend, you forge a heart-mind balance and consciously become one with your own Divinity. In its simplest form, spiritual awakening is the integration of the Higher Self with the human self. It’s a journey of becoming free within so you are experiencing and creating this world from an empowered perspective. What is ascension? It’s an emotional, physical, mental, and spiritual journey into balance and wholeness. You become more peaceful within, instead of just reacting to external experiences. It is human evolution. And it begins with you. Embrace your path to empowerment. – Jayme Price