Consciousness: An In-depth Look
By Jim Miles
Our consciousness (our level of understanding) about ourselves and the meaning of life is going through a transitional period. The old static paradigms of separation, exclusivity, competition and mechanism are giving way to the new dynamic paradigms of integration, inclusiveness, cooperation and holism. These new paradigms are impacting all of our social institutions, especially in the fields of psychology and mental health.
The old paradigm was reflected in research that showed from 1970 to 2000 there were 45,000 studies conducted on depression, psychosis and other forms of mental illness and a mere 300 studies were conducted on topics related to human joy, mental health and well-being. A movement is evolving now within the field of psychology that advocates a positive, hopeful, optimistic view (which can be learned) of life and leadership. The goal of psychology is no longer just to focus on illness but to identify what is best in humans – to heal the sick and help people to live better and happier lives. In current leadership counseling, it was found that identifying and focusing on leaders’ strengths and alignments, and building on them rather than focusing on or improving on leaders’ weaknesses, was far more productive.
In the wisdom and mystic traditions, this ancient principle was stated: “When one focuses on the light, the shadows fall far behind. So face the light.” There is a real need to bring the light of wisdom into these matters. Fortunately, the teachings of ancient wisdom are re-emerging in our time and are increasingly available to those searching for answers. We must each work on an individual level first and then collectively to effect positive change.
Prolonged depression can create a biochemical imbalance, which may require medication to restore equilibrium, but its lasting effectiveness depends on our interior work and mental attitude. Professional counseling has proven to be beneficial to many, but in the end, it will be up to us individually to focus on the power each of us has within. If we do this, we will become more adept at handling our problems and coping with our stresses and frustrations. We must learn trust, brotherhood, peace and love. To have these things manifest in reality, we must first love and be at peace with ourselves.
Visualize a goal each day. Meditate to bring your mind and body into focus. Pray to your highest ideal, whatever you conceive it to be. Say positive affirmations. Endeavor not to hurt anyone in thought, word or deed and strive to be more compassionate to those who are struggling with the very real pain of depression. Focusing on others rather than centering ourselves in ourselves has been found to be very helpful in dealing with depression. Take more time to listen to your neighbors, friends, and family, and to your own thoughts as well. This is the sacred duty of each of us. We are creators of our reality.
Knowledge of our personal power, both individually and collectively, can be taught and realized. Ours is a spiritual crisis as well as a mental health issue. How we deal with this crisis can make a difference in whether or not we survive as a civilization.
The ancient teachings tell us that our thoughts and actions are extremely powerful and that they affect everything and everyone around us. Let us each be aware of and take responsibility for what we think and do. Positive visualization and thinking is life-changing and, by realizing this sublime truth, we can change ourselves and the world we live in. In the words of the great Chinese sage and teacher, Confucius:
To put the world right in order, we must first put the nation in order;
To put the nation in order, we must first put the family in order;
To put the family in order, we must first cultivate our personal life;
We must first set our hearts right.
In modern times, the words of the prominent psychiatrist M. Scott Peck seem to echo this timeless wisdom:
“When my patients lose sight of their significance, and are disheartened by the effort of the work we are doing,I sometimes tell them that the human race is in the midst of making an evolutionary leap. Whether or not we succeed in that leap, I say to them, is your personal responsibility. And mine. The universe, this stepping stone, has been laid down to prepare a way for us. But we ourselves must step across it, one by one.”
