Potential Evidence of Higher Consciousness?

[lwu02eb]

In reading In an Unspoken Voice: How the Body Releases Trauma and Restores Goodness by Peter A. Levine PhD something rather off topic jumped out at me and hasn't given me any peace since! Please bear with me as I follow my chain of thoughts, I’ll keep it as concise as possible.

Levine clearly and graphically describes ‘tonic immobility’ aka ‘freezing’ or ‘paralysis’ when subjects are exposed to a situation that induces a state of catatonic fear and pain (he uses potential imminent death as a primary example). He explains that this state leaves the subject numbed due to a massive release of endorphins into the body. This reduces or removes completely, said feelings of pain and terror. He also references the often experienced OoBE (out of body experience) or extreme dissociation that allows the subject to experience this horrifying situation objectively. He explains ‘If one is able to stay broadly focused and perceive things in slow motion, one is more likely to be able to take advantage of a potential escape opportunity or think of an ingenious strategy to evade the predator.’

This process can occur in a wide range of situations and the mind often blocks the actual experience, sometimes for an entire lifetime via dissociation, potentially resulting in PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder). He considers this to be contrary to natural resiliency but he also says that in treating this blocked trauma, it should never be faced head on.

He goes on to say that ‘one need not invoke “intelligent design” to appreciate the biologically adaptive function of diminishing the sharp edges of serious pain, terror and panic’.

My working hypothesis is that this is not easily explainable from a purely Darwinian point of view when one considers that this is apparently a universal response and in many cases, is an end of life experience with the subject left mortally wounded i.e. with no chance of escape.

This seems to me to have far deeper implications than simple Darwinian mechanics. It springs out at me as an example of exactly what he suggests we need not think; benevolent intelligent design. In the case of dissociation or PTSD, is it that the ‘gatekeeper’ of the soul, if there is such a thing, knows that the subject is not ready to learn that particular lesson at that point, or maybe even for the duration of an incarnation? Pure Darwinism would state that there would be no useful purpose to blocking because this could actually hamper survival (as is the case in 2nd Density), so here we might be seeing higher consciousness as work.

Why, if we live in an uncaring, accidental Universe, should it matter whether a subject suffers or not during these experiences? What purpose would this type of contemplation have from a purely Darwinian viewpoint, especially if it is at the end of life? If we invoke the Cs famous phrase “all there is, is lessons”, is it not possible that lessons are learned cumulatively via recycling in 5th Density, or the contemplation zone?

Following this theoretical model, it would appear to me to be exceedingly important to be able to observe one’s own life and death at a later stage and to contemplate it objectively. The Cs have also suggested that souls tend to review their previous incarnations in a much more light hearted fashion in 5th Density than they do in 3rd Density. This would certainly be aided by this benevolent process!

These are just some initial thoughts so I would be really happy to hear what others have to say about this. This subject matter really interests me. I completed my graduate dissertation in the psychological/ sociological experiences of death. Also, if anyone has any suggestions for further reading I would be grateful as I am a beginner.

Please note that I am not a ‘believer’ in anything in particular, but merely an open-minded observer of everything!

 

[lake_george]

This process can occur in a wide range of situations and the mind often blocks the actual experience, sometimes for an entire lifetime via dissociation, potentially resulting in PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder). He considers this to be contrary to natural resiliency but he also says that in treating this blocked trauma, it should never be faced head on.

He goes on to say that ‘one need not invoke “intelligent design” to appreciate the biologically adaptive function of diminishing the sharp edges of serious pain, terror and panic’.

My working hypothesis is that this is not easily explainable from a purely Darwinian point of view when one considers that this is apparently a universal response and in many cases, is an end of life experience with the subject left mortally wounded i.e. with no chance of escape.

This seems to me to have far deeper implications than simple Darwinian mechanics. It springs out at me as an example of exactly what he suggests we need not think; benevolent intelligent design. In the case of dissociation or PTSD, is it that the ‘gatekeeper’ of the soul, if there is such a thing, knows that the subject is not ready to learn that particular lesson at that point, or maybe even for the duration of an incarnation? Pure Darwinism would state that there would be no useful purpose to blocking because this could actually hamper survival (as is the case in 2nd Density), so here we might be seeing higher consciousness as work.

Why, if we live in an uncaring, accidental Universe, should it matter whether a subject suffers or not during these experiences? What purpose would this type of contemplation have from a purely Darwinian viewpoint, especially if it is at the end of life? If we invoke the Cs famous phrase “all there is, is lessons”, is it not possible that lessons are learned cumulatively via recycling in 5th Density, or the contemplation zone?

Following this theoretical model, it would appear to me to be exceedingly important to be able to observe one’s own life and death at a later stage and to contemplate it objectively. The Cs have also suggested that souls tend to review their previous incarnations in a much more light hearted fashion in 5th Density than they do in 3rd Density. This would certainly be aided by this benevolent process!

Hello lwu02eb!

You have an interesting point here. What I am wondering though is how can it be proved that there is a "biologically adaptive function of diminishing the sharp edges of serious pain, terror and panic" which could be experienced by everyone at the point of extremity. I do hope that it is true, but I wonder just how true it is. For one thing, people who are in a situation which could cause extreme pain, etc., right before death then die - so they are not in a position to tell. And then there are cases of people who have been tortured, or who are in so much pain that they do kill themselves - why would this mechanism not protect them?

But may be there is something though which might be along the lines of a "biologically adaptive function" - that women somehow endure the pains of childbirth and then go on to have more children knowing that they could go through at least as much pain again. So it would be biologically adaptive to protect women somehow from remembering too vividly the pain of childbirth. I can't speak from experience - never having had children, but maybe someone who has could respond to this.

 

[lwu02eb]

Hi lake-george

Thanks for your response.

It is Levine making the argument that through the study of animals in the wild and humans in certain situations, this process is generally present. I too have thought of instances where this in not the case and these certainly needs some careful consideration.

My main point really is that it appears to be a rather reductionist explanation to pass such a thing off in whole as a survival strategy despite the fact that in many cases it is counter-intuitive. For instance where a) the subject actually dies and b) where this response has the 'blocking' effect in humans as outlined by Levine, which prevents their successful re-integration into society.

It is interesting to me the lengths that most scientists will go to reduce everything to nothing despite a clear paradox in so doing!

 

[obyvatel]

My main point really is that it appears to be a rather reductionist explanation to pass such a thing off in whole as a survival strategy despite the fact that in many cases it is counter-intuitive. For instance where a) the subject actually dies and b) where this response has the 'blocking' effect in humans as outlined by Levine, which prevents their successful re-integration into society.

It is interesting to me the lengths that most scientists will go to reduce everything to nothing despite a clear paradox in so doing!

The last chapter of Levine's book is titled "Trauma and Spirituality" where he goes into a very brief discussion about the spiritual implications of trauma.

The capability of the parasympathetic nervous system to induce immobilization has been utilized by meditators for getting into deep meditative and contemplative states. The difference from trauma response lies in the fact that such immobilization is self-induced using attention and breathing without the fear component.

The mechanistic scientific worldview has a narrow interpretation of evolution and biological survival. If we take the 4th Way perspective on organic evolution and look at (wo)man as being a conduit of energies coming from "above", then (wo)man's ability to make voluntary contact with such energies in order for those energies to have an action on the 3D world that we inhabit would be essential for our evolution and survival. More complex functions are desired from more complex systems - as from the standpoint of energy efficiency, "nature" would not want to spend more energy to sustain higher complexity if it did not serve some purpose which would be energetically commensurate. If we look at the human being as a physiological system with capabilities which are not optimally utilized - which is referred to in spiritual traditions as "sleep" - then "waking up from sleep" would be a way to ensure survivability and continued evolution.

The physiological capability to immobilize can serve the function of opening up voluntarily to "higher STO energies" while the sympathetic arousal energy could be used to act in accordance to these energies. Imagine a vessel being filled up with such energy in one phase and then discharging this energy to do useful work in the other phase. So in a sense, it is about organic evolution and survival using the physiological systems that are already in place within us - but with a far greater scope than Darwinian evolution is applied in.

My 2 cents fwiw

 

[Voyageur]

Not sure lwu02eb if you have read this thread "Redirect: The surprising new science of psychological change" by Timothy D. Wilson http://cassiopaea.org/forum/index.php/topic,25989.0.html that discusses PTSD amongst other things. You may find something here that is useful in thinking about, too.

 

[lwu02eb]

Thank you both for your responses. I will continue with the book and go on to the suggested reading.

Some interesting things to think about Obyvatel, you have very eloquently elucidated what I was really getting at, there is no need in my mind to be so black and white about things!

 

[Sol Logos]

I've heard before about the idea of guides or as you mentioned Obyvatel "higher STO energies" which may be the same, assisting people in intense trauma by aiding disassociation, or going out of body. It apparently happens frequently with children in abuse situations who might otherwise endure a profoundly more painful experience. I'm not sure in this case if it's voluntary though. Somewhat different for those in deep meditation, who in this state choose to dissassociate, in which case it's voluntary, whether or not it's assisted.

 

[anart]

The physiological capability to immobilize can serve the function of opening up voluntarily to "higher STO energies" while the sympathetic arousal energy could be used to act in accordance to these energies. Imagine a vessel being filled up with such energy in one phase and then discharging this energy to do useful work in the other phase. So in a sense, it is about organic evolution and survival using the physiological systems that are already in place within us - but with a far greater scope than Darwinian evolution is applied in.

My 2 cents fwiw

I've heard before about the idea of guides or as you mentioned Obyvatel "higher STO energies" which may be the same, assisting people in intense trauma by aiding disassociation, or going out of body. It apparently happens frequently with children in abuse situations who might otherwise endure a profoundly more painful experience. I'm not sure in this case if it's voluntary though. Somewhat different for those in deep meditation, who in this state choose to dissassociate, in which case it's voluntary, whether or not it's assisted.

I'm not sure it's necessary to equate an inherent ability to dissociate to protect the mind from severe trauma with "higher STO energies assisting" someone. Basically, the human mind is very, very well designed and dissociation is a part of that design. It is necessary to human psychological (and sometimes physiological) survival for many reasons, actually. 'Corruption of Reality' by Schumaker goes into this in some depth. Just because we are built to dissociate as part of our survival mechanism does not necessarily mean that "STO energies are assisting" - any more than thinking that since we perspire when the body gets too hot that "STO energies are cooling us down". I just think it's important to not jump to conclusions about mechanisms that are inherent for optimum functioning of the organism. Of course, it is very possible that there are different types of dissociation and some are a direct contact with one's own higher being - but that, again, is a tricky matter to discern and it may have nothing to do with "STO energies". fwiw.

 

[JGeropoulas]

It springs out at me as an example of exactly what he suggests we need not think; benevolent intelligent design. In the case of dissociation or PTSD, is it that the ‘gatekeeper’ of the soul, if there is such a thing, knows that the subject is not ready to learn that particular lesson at that point, or maybe even for the duration of an incarnation? Pure Darwinism would state that there would be no useful purpose to blocking because this could actually hamper survival (as is the case in 2nd Density), so here we might be seeing higher consciousness as work.

There is a whole book of accounts of children who were the victims of rape and attempted murder, during which they left their bodies and found themselves on a sunny playground with other children being watched over by a benevolent being. Eventually this being directed them back into their bodies because they had not yet accomplished certain purposes.

These are just some initial thoughts so I would be really happy to hear what others have to say about this. This subject matter really interests me. I completed my graduate dissertation in the psychological/ sociological experiences of death. Also, if anyone has any suggestions for further reading I would be grateful as I am a beginner.

Here's a couple to check out:

Saved By The Light by Dannion Brinkley (who became close friends with Raymond Moody, author of Life After Life, whom he met at a book-signing soon after he was struck by lightening)

Spirit Molecule (2001) by Rick Strassman, M.D.(see below)

Rick Strassman, a Buddhist (at the time), as well as a physician and researcher, was quite intrigued by the pineal gland, which has been mystified people for centuries–and for good reason:

- It’s the only part of the brain that is not part of a hemispheric pair

- It occupies a unique position in the most protected, central part of the brain–right above the connection to all sensory lobes of the brain

- It’s surrounded by the limbic system responsible for our emotional experiences

- It’s functioning is affected by light

- It regulates sexual functions: constant darkness stimulates pineal gland growth and the production of melatonin, and dampens sexual functions; while constant light has the opposite effect.

- It’s realm of influence (light/darkness, creation/death and waking/sleeping) are all familiar themes/metaphors in most spiritual traditions.

- It’s associated with the “third eye,” the “crown chakra,” and the “seat of the soul” (Descartes)

- It’s capable of producing a quick-acting, powerful hallucinogenic (DMT) under certain rare conditions. DMT is the active ingredient in the ayahuasca brew used by South American shaman (those adept in accessing higher realms)

- It has the brain’s “best seat in the house” permitting it to secrete DMT to all sensory and emotional areas of the brain–independent of circulation–thus allowing DMT to affect perception and emotions even after the heart has stopped.

- It becomes functional in the human fetus at 49 days, the same day (7x7) Buddhist traditions say the soul incarnates

Strassman suspected DMT was involved in bridging the material and astral worlds. He wanted to investigate the hypothesis that “the pineal gland is stimulated to produce DMT at times of extraordinary intensity because it is the physical representation of non-material, energistic, processes…(which) provides us with the vehicle to consciously experience the movement of our life-force in its most extreme manifestations” such as when the soul enters the fetal body, birth, psychosis, death, and deep meditative states.

Thus inspired, he launched a rigorously-designed research project. DMT was administered to carefully-screened volunteers who had experience using hallucinogenic drugs for spiritual purposes (vs. recreation). In a strictly-regulated fashion as a passive observer, Strassman sat and listened to what the subjects described during their 40 minute “trip”.

Rather than interpret and explain away what he heard, as psychiatrists are prone to do, Strassman decided to proceed with an open mind, to listen and encourage, and then later try to fit the pieces into some coherent theoretical framework, perhaps even invent one if current preconceptions of the nature of reality couldn't accommodate the data.

So the latter chapters of his book are his efforts to sort the various “trip” transcripts into the categories which emerged. His discussion of the implications is thought-provoking and allows for a number of possibilities including accessing the space between our ordinary thoughts and accessing other channels of reality (some subjects would find themselves in “mundane” domestic scenarios where insectoid beings were sweeping their kitchen floor, while others found themselves at some type of reception for their seemingly-anticipated arrival!)

If only there were more empirical investigations into altered states of consciousness by those with Strassman’s inquisitive attitude and fastidious approach.

For one thing, people who are in a situation which could cause extreme pain, etc., right before death then die - so they are not in a position to tell.

One of the most documented and detailed first-hand accounts of extreme pain, death (28 minutes) is the book, t by Dannion Brinkley (whom I knew casually as a teenager).

Danny was struck by lightening in 1975 and when he awoke twenty-eight minutes later in a morgue, everything was different. He had visited the afterlife, met thirteen angels, and been given 117 revelations about the future, 100 of which have occurred to date (e.g. Chernobyl, Columbine shootings). It’s hard to stop reading this little book.

The Cs have also suggested that souls tend to review their previous incarnations in a much more light hearted fashion in 5th Density than they do in 3rd Density. This would certainly be aided by this benevolent process!

As for the “light hearted” part, see #4 below in the sequence of sights / thoughts that raced through his mind the first few seconds after the lightening struck him:

1- Sees the ceiling about 6” from his face / “There must’ve been an explosion at the nearby hydrogen “bomb plant” (as we grew up calling it!)
2- Sees his wife 15 feet below (he’s seeing through the roof) run into the room / “What’s going on?”
3- Sees his shoes still where he was standing, smoking (the nails in them melted into carpet) / “What’s going on?”
4- Sees his wife trying to revive some guy on the bed– and realizes it’s “him” / “I thought I was better looking than that!”

And then there are cases of people who have been tortured, or who are in so much pain that they do kill themselves - why would this mechanism not protect them?

Seems like torture, functionally speaking, is the art of keeping people at maximum pain just short of those natural protective responses (e.g. passing out or dying). I read once the Nazis developed/were developing a drug that prevented these merciful protective responses. I don’t know what could be more psychopathic and evil than that!

 

[realitybugll]

I think that there is probably some science people with a background in evolution that could make a good argument for the blocking trauma effect you mention. I'm not sure if it is possible to prove evolution is not responsible for x phenomena, and thus reason the existence of a soul. Because in terms of the human, evolution should explain everything. if it does involve mutations, 4D, well then that is more complicated then the general consensus.

I think the soul, taking this to mean higher centers at the moment, could be related to a lot of psychological conditions in humans. I also think these conditions could be explained through evolution or neuroscience. So I imagine "evolution" meaning the chemical reactions that constitute DNA changes, duplication etc. is in a sort of parallel to the higher densities. This makes sense in the view that EE could change DNA. that higher density can influence lower, or that it is expressed through lower. As completely physical beings we are beholden to the laws of the physical world I suppose.

 

[lwu02eb]

Thank you all for your responses, I shall take away what you have said and review.

It seems that overall there is agreement that this particular issue is rather hard to bottom out, but then it would be when our society tries to push us into a corner of mechanical belief. We are encouraged to only find plausable that which has pretty charts, graphs and general evidence in the material sense associated. This won't stop my investigations, however, as I think it is best to be entirely open minded. I am pretty much approaching this from the common sensical notion that humanity has, by no means, reached the pinnacle of understanding and therefore is not generally in a strong position to dismiss or to prove!

 

[anart]

This won't stop my investigations, however, as I think it is best to be entirely open minded.

The problem with being 'entirely open minded' is that one tends to end up accepting a bunch of horse hockey because it feels 'good' - or because one 'likes the idea'. It tends to be much more effective, and wise, to keep your mind open while being a cynic and only accepting ideas that actually hold water, that have, at the very least, vertical or lateral confirmation, if not hard data to back them up. In other words, work really hard to not get lost in a dream of ones one creation due to flights of fancy and comfortable theories.

 

[lwu02eb]

I can assure you that I most certainly don't have a problem with cynicism, if anything, my problem is too much cynicism! I understand from bitter experience the importance of discernment. I agree that it was misleading to say that I am 'totally open minded', rather I approach things in relation to possibility and probability.

The vast majority of things in life today strike me as 'horse hockey' and feeling good is usually a warning signal for me. For the record, I most certainly don't believe that you make your own reality - day to day living affirms this for me very effectively.

 

[lwu02eb]

I might add that I am a sociological statistician and I work with, nay, produce so called 'hard data' every day so I know how easy it is to produce anything that one's superiors desire when using the right procedures. As an 'Intelligence Analyst' for the police I have daily personal insight into the suffering and misery in people's lives. My early naivete, which led me to think that I could help these people, was a hard lesson indeed and gave me clear insight into how far removed 'hard data' is from reality in this corrupt system. This is where inuition comes in, the stuff that can't be measured but which might save your life one day. I am just sharing this so that you have more information about me and can see where I am coming from. It is rather hard to know individuals and sometimes to gauge their information via this medium I find.

 

[anart]

I can assure you that I most certainly don't have a problem with cynicism, if anything, my problem is too much cynicism!

Good, in this current reality, that is a MUCH healthier problem to have!