Exploring the many states and levels of consciousness within us is known as Svādhyāya - ‘the study of The Self’ – and within that quest is often the attainment of what’s commonly called ‘Divine’ or ‘Christ Consciousness’. Although this is a wonderful goal to aspire to, after over two decades of dedication to this quest myself, I want to offer some clarification and caveats – so you avoid certain spiritual traps when ‘waking up’ and ‘knowing thyself’.

What is a ‘State of Consciousness’?

Firstly, let’s get clear on what we even mean by the term ‘state of consciousness’. At a basic level, one way we can measure different states of consciousness is by what’s happening in the body (physical rest) and what’s happening in the mind (alertness).

For example, when in the Sleeping State, the body is resting, but the mind is not alert. In the Dreaming State, the mind isn’t alert and the body isn’t fully resting either – recall the image of a dog with its paws twitching as it dreams. Or when in the Waking State, which is the state that most people are in when they are awake and going about their daily activities, the mind is more alert, but the body is usually active and therefore not resting.

Most people spend their days moving between these three states of consciousness – Waking, Sleeping and Dreaming. However, there’s a fourth, dare I say it, more ‘ideal’ state that exists; when our mind is alert and the body is resting.

I call this the Calming State – when we are consciously aware and present and not caught up in the thinking-mind. Due to the mind-body connection, when the mind is calm, the body naturally rests. Incidentally, this state of conscious alertness and restfulness has also been called Turiya, which in the Sanskrit language means ‘the fourth’, or Samadhi – ‘a state of meditative consciousness’.

If we don’t stop there, and continue our ‘study of The Self’, there are more states of consciousness available to us, including Perpetual, Exalted and Unity Consciousness, with this ‘final’ state of oneness often referred to as ‘Divine’ or ‘Christ’ Consciousness.

Within these broader states of consciousness, Dr David Hawkins also proposed more of a ‘spectrum of consciousness’. He suggested the lower levels included states like shame, guilt, fear and anger, moving up to higher states like love, joy, peace and enlightenment.

Knowing that these higher, more pleasant and expansive, states of consciousness exist and are possible for us can be exciting, and motivate us to keep going on our spiritual journey.

The Trap Of ‘Doing To Be’

However, here comes my first caveat: Refrain from thinking of them as ‘levels’ or ‘steps’ that you must move up, become or achieve. The ego loves a goal, and if we aren’t careful, our desire to ‘wake up’ and ‘become enlightened’ can become an activity that ends up strengthening the ego and creating more separation within us. Whereby, we get caught in the spiritual trap of believing we need to ‘do something in order to become something’.

All true spiritual teachers have forever said: ‘You are what you seek’. Meaning, you already are what you want. These states of consciousness are already within you. You don’t have to become them; you simply need to awaken to their ‘already existence’.

This is enlightenment. Shining the light of awareness upon the previously unseen, and recognising the fullness of the Self that already exists. Therefore, meditation isn’t about trying to become anything, but a chance to stop, to be quiet and still, and see ‘the Self’ that’s been buried under the usual distractions, illusions, busyness and noise.

The more we engage in the inner mechanism of ‘doing to become’, we inevitably move away from our innate ‘being-ness’. The part of us that believes we need to do something in order to be is the ego, and if you aren’t careful, the ego can keep you doing to be forever.

I’ve met countless well-intentioned individuals who’ve been on their spiritual path for decades, and who are still not quite there yet. The truth is there is no distance between you and your Self i.e. Divine Consciousness. You won’t find yourself in the future or after you’ve done enough spiritual work. It’s not about doing anything. Instead, it’s about undoing the habit of doing and learning to See Thy Self.

Believing We Need To ‘Get Back To God’

While we are at it, I also urge you to not inadvertently create more separation in your quest for unity with The Divine. Learning about these states of consciousness, it is easy to assume that the ‘lower-states’ are not divine, and you need to somehow transcend the pesky lower states in order to access ‘Divine Consciousness’.

This again is a trap because all consciousness is divine. Read that again. To believe that some states are divine, while other states of consciousness are not, is to reinforce the illusion of separation – like you are somehow ‘lost in the wilderness’ or separate from The Divine, and that you again have to be a certain way or do stuff in order to ‘get back to God’. This is a falsehood because You Are That.

I got caught in this trap for years. I was involved in a spiritual community that boasted it was ‘The Path Of The One’. They talked about how separation was an illusion and oneness / unity was the true reality. However, with their next breath they would say that you are ‘either in your mind or in God’. They also implied that if you were in any other state, other than joy or peace, then you were separate from God in these moments. Inadvertently, they were actually reinforcing separation! Not only that, but how horrible, if this were true! If you happen to feel sad today, not only are you feeling crappy, but you’ve also ‘left God’.

The underlying message was that God or The Divine only existed / was only accessible, when I was experiencing stillness, silence, peace, love or joy - i.e. a particular ‘state of consciousness’. Meaning, The Divine only exists in some states and doesn’t exist in others.

So, for a third time, be careful! Many spiritual teachers and teachings sound good on the surface, (as they actually appeal to the ego and the belief that we have to do something) - with the promise that IF you do x, y or z, THEN you will be worthy and able to ‘enter the kingdom of heaven’. This speaks to and satisfies our belief that we are not That yet, and if I do something, I will ‘get there’ - hopefully, eventually, one day! Not true. You Are That, now.

There is so much to discover within – levels and states – and studying and discovering more of The Self is a wonderful thing we can ‘do’ in our lifetime. Just remember, while you walk your spiritual journey, that there is nowhere else you need to get to (space or time), and ultimately nothing you need to do to become you – except awaken to what already is. Everything is made from and drenched in The Divine, and all of you is That.

Big Closing Questions

Finally, let me leave you with a couple big questions to support your Self Discovery: What exists within you, which if That didn’t exist, nothing would – including space, time, matter and consciousness? What are all these ‘things’ appearing to arise from?

I spent years exploring consciousness with the aim of experiencing Christ Consciousness, while all the time believing that it was the ultimate goal. But what if even Christ Consciousness is also part of the illusionary phenomenon that arises from Source?

Don’t stop or be distracted by the phenomenon arising from Source, even if its exquisite Christ Consciousness. Aim to discover the many states of consciousness that reside within you, while also being open to realise the Source from which all phenomenon arises. If you engage meditation and spirituality from this place, the possibilities are literally infinite.

Next Step

If you enjoyed this article, I recommend my Know Thyself Online Retreat. Click below for info and immediate access!

Access Course Now

About the Author

Sandy C. Newbigging is a trauma-aware therapeutic coach, meditation teacher, author and award-winning coach trainer. For twenty years, his research, clinical work and academy courses have been dedicated to uncovering and curing the unconscious causes of mental, emotional, physical, spiritual and life issues. Sandy specialises in releasing past traumas, understanding and harnessing the mind-body connection, improving mindset, and gaining an optimal relationship with life. To work with him, check out his One:One Sessions, Calm Clan Membership and Academy. Sandy recently won the FHT ‘Tutor of the Year’ award!

TO INFINITY & BEYOND | Levels Of Consciousness - Clarifications & Caveats