The Five Stages of Consciousness
Framework Overview
This document outlines five distinct levels of consciousness and their manifestations across various domains, including neurological structures, psychological characteristics, emotional responses, hormonal influences, bodily sensations, mental states, and theoretical perspectives from prominent psychologists.
| Aspect / Theorist | Consciousness | Survival | Ego | Reflective | Broader | Transcendent |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brain | Reptilian | Limbic | Neocortex (prefrontal cortex) | Prefrontal cortex + insula | DNM still, parietal lobe dampened | |
| Characteristic | Instinct, safety | Identity, control | Self-insight, observation | Connection, compassion | Unity, timelessness | |
| Emotions | Fear, panic, anger, shame | Pride, jealousy, competition, frustration | Guilt, regret, curiosity, relief | Gratitude, love, compassion, joy | Ecstasy, peace, surrender, deep joy | |
| Hormones | Cortisol, adrenaline | Dopamine, testosterone | Serotonin, oxytocin | Oxytocin, endorphins | Endorphins, anandamide, serotonin | |
| Body | Pain/pleasure, hunger, threat | Appearance, strength, status | Care for the body | Body as instrument | Body as energy | |
| Mind | Reflexive, black-and-white | Judging, comparing | Self-reflection, critical thinking | Holistic, creative | Silence, insight without words | |
| Heart | Fear, drive for security | Pride, jealousy, personal love | Conscious dealing with feelings | Empathy, deep connection | Universal love | |
| Soul | Unconscious, dormant | Soul ↔ ego confused | Intuition that there is "more" | Soul as inner guide | Soul ↔ one with the whole | |
| Freud | Id | Ego | Superego (developed) | Ego and superego integrated | Beyond id-ego-superego | |
| Carl Jung | Shadow in pure form, unconscious drives | Persona (masker), identification with role and image | Confrontation with Shadow, beginning individuation | Self (Self) as organizing principle | Individuation complete, union of opposites | |
| Gabor Maté | Trauma-survival | Compensatory behavior, addictions | Rediscovering authenticity | Connection heals trauma | Authenticity fully embodied |
Key Concepts
The framework illustrates how different levels of consciousness correlate with distinct neurological, psychological, and emotional patterns. It highlights the progression from basic survival instincts and ego-driven concerns to more complex reflective, expansive, and ultimately transcendent states of being. The inclusion of theories from Freud, Carl Jung, and Gabor Maté provides depth to understanding concepts like the Id, Ego, Superego, the Shadow, individuation, and the role of trauma and authenticity in human development.
