Higher States of Consciousness
WE ALL experience three changing states of consciousness. They are waking, dreaming and sleeping states. Each state of consciousness corresponds with a particular physiological state. In the sleep state the mind and body are at rest, in the dreaming state of consciousness the mind and body are rested but there is measurably more activity going on while in the waking state the mind is alert and the metabolic rate is at its most active. These states of consciousness are called relative states because they are always changing.
The state of transcendental consciousness experienced during Transcendental Meditation is different to the other 3 states. The mind is in a state of increased alertness and orderliness characterised by increased EEG coherence in the brain while the body is in a state of rest that is twice as deep as deep sleep.
With regular experience, this state of Transcendental Consciousness can be permanently maintained. This means that even when we are asleep, dreaming or awake we are always functioning from this state of rested metabolic rate and expanded awareness. While stress is characterised by increased metabolic rate and limited vision; we are just trying to get through the experience that is causing the stress with little regard to anything else; higher states of consciousness are characterised by the ability to maintain a calm body and expanded vision; the bigger picture is not lost even in the midst of outer turmoil.
An individual in higher states of consciousness becomes less attached to the circumstances of life and finds more contentment within. This is different to detachment which implies somehow withdrawing from life whereas non-attachment means that the individual is not attached to anything outside of themselves for their state of wellbeing. In contrast as the awareness develops so does the perception of the world around and with that an increasing state of blissfulness. Higher states of consciousness bring more enjoyment in life and appreciation of the world around.
As our consciousness evolves our physiology becomes more resistant to stress. Initially the effect of stress on our physiology is like a rock being struck on stone, it creates a permanent indentation but then as consciousness evolves the physiology becomes like sand so the rock creates some impression but the effect of it soon passes. With further evolution the physiology becomes like water, the rock creates a splash but the water quickly resumes its form, then eventually the physiology is like air, the rock passes through but the air remains the same.
Wendy Rosenfeldt is a Maharishi Vedic Health Educator and Teacher of Transcendental Meditation.
There will be an Introductory talk on Transcendental Meditation on Wednesday the 18th of August at 1.00pm. Please book with Wendy on 5499 9580 or on mobile 0438 507 188 .
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