Will Consciousness ever be Natural?

[christinemariexo]

Recently I came to the realization that I have been living on autopilot for most of my existence... My lack of consciousness has resulted in what seems like a complete waste of my life. I feel like I have been coasting through, such that I don't, and never have had any meaningful relationships or friendships, any vivid memories to recall, or retention of knowledge from experiences that I have "invested" my time into. I've been living so unconsciously that I haven't made any real connections to anyone or anything, nor have I been successful at making any "false" ones.

At times I feel as though I am able to connect with my conscious self, and, when I reach that level, the feeling resembles losing an incessant headache that for my existence I've been oblivious to. Maintaining the conscious, for me, is impossible. It seems no matter what I do, the autopilot takes over. I've seriously put in effort at times when I've wanted it most, and no matter what my attempts, my thoughts scatter around in my mind - but this effort, because in my unconsious mind, seems like a lazy attempt that I am not sure how to overcome. I always resort back to the same unhappy, detached girl who is constantly overthinking, overanalyzing, and just looking for some peace.

I appologize if this post is scattered, problem is that's exactly how my thoughts have been for a long while... I'm not sure how else to make sense of it. Is it possible to make the conscious natural? Normal? So far I've learned that it's certainly not easy.
If anyone has advice, or can relate, I would love to hear from you.

[Dharma]

I guess, as Morpheus said in the Matrix, "welcome to the real world".

Hopefully you allowed yourself a blast of joy for your realization and did not continually berate yourself for your lack of consciousness. Unconsciousness is a habit. And it takes time to break it.

Just practice being present and be easy on yourself when you discover you're not. Getting upset or angry at yourself will just add more denial to the moment. It's going to seem like you spend 99% of your day in your mind and 1% present in the moment. It will take practice and in a little while you'll be 2% conscious, and so on.

Keep working at it, you will see improvement.

[Louise Gilbert]

Take a look at this video on consciousness and the brain...very interesting. I've not come across this blog before but the video is definately worth a watch if you want to explore the difference between I as the body, and Us as consciousness..

Webreakstuff » Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor at TED

Louise

[christinemariexo]

Originally Posted by Dharma

I guess, as Morpheus said in the Matrix, "welcome to the real world".

Hopefully you allowed yourself a blast of joy for your realization and did not continually berate yourself for your lack of consciousness. Unconsciousness is a habit. And it takes time to break it.

Keep working at it, you will see improvement.

Joy... that's a concept. I have spent so much time coming down on myself that I can't even remember the feeling. It's just that I am such a naive person, and have been dealing with this in so many situations in life - to now come to the realization that I've been doing it all unconsciously.. UGH, it's a whole new frusterating chapter.
I find comfort in your words, to know that with practise and time I will gradually become more successful... And I will concentrate on shifting my perspective toward a more positive one, not only in regards to this realization, but on many, many other aspects in my life. ... what a long journey ahead ...

Thank you.

[Rhythman]

Don't worry about your thoughts. Concentrate on your sense perceptions throughout the day and don't follow your thoughts. This will help your mind to settle down. After a while, this mode of being will become autopilot.

Rhythman

[coLLege kid07]

Originally Posted by christinemariexo

At times I feel as though I am able to connect with my conscious self, and, when I reach that level, the feeling resembles losing an incessant headache that for my existence I've been oblivious to. Maintaining the conscious, for me, is impossible. It seems no matter what I do, the autopilot takes over. I've seriously put in effort at times when I've wanted it most, and no matter what my attempts, my thoughts scatter around in my mind - but this effort, because in my unconsious mind, seems like a lazy attempt that I am not sure how to overcome. I always resort back to the same unhappy, detached girl who is constantly overthinking, overanalyzing, and just looking for some peace.

I'd feel good about yourself because some people either never realise this or just cover it up with things like drinking, drugs, video games ect. Not saying any of these things are "bad" persay, but using them to cover up your true feelings just isn't healthy.

I recall being in your position a few years ago. I recall at this time I wanted eagerly to go back and eagerly to go back into unconsciousness...however today I see it as quite the opposite. Right now I feel as if its the greatest thing thats ever happened to me, and I'm sure down the road you'll feel the same way too.

I recall when I went through this period I went obsessive on Personal Development. I probably looked at it for a few hours per day. To make a long story short, I think the best thing I learned are that joy and happiness are inside you.


Best of luck

[christinemariexo]

Thanks guys, I appreciate the input.

Does anyone know if there are people who are naturally born conscious? Or is it something everyone has to learn?

[coLLege kid07]

Originally Posted by christinemariexo

Thanks guys, I appreciate the input.

Does anyone know if there are people who are naturally born conscious? Or is it something everyone has to learn?

Well to my knowledge...I believe Jesus is depicted as the only one. I recall it as being sent down from God or something of that extent.

As far as the learning goes...its more or less delearning what which taught or conditioned in you as a child. It's the epidemic that has plagued the world for centuries as it were, but nevertheless not meant to be taken seriously for it is just that; an illusion something we've learned not actually "Truth".

[responsibility]

The truth will set you free!

I always resort back to the same unhappy, detached girl who is constantly overthinking, overanalyzing, and just looking for some peace.

Then stop over thinking and over analyzing, and just Be. This "mental static" can be easily flushed out through a few spiritual techniques (as they are applied daily) such as the ones found on this page. Of course if you're wondering whether this really works, why not check out the testimonial's page?