Consciousness in the Face of Unconsciousness Part 2
July 14, 2025
Consciousness in the Face of Unconsciousness Part 2
The most fundamental cause of unconscious thinking and behavior is egocentrism. The unchecked ego has the perspective of “my interests first,” the interests of my family, my tribe, and my story of how life should be for me and everyone else. When we are unconscious, we do not fully grasp the necessary interdependence of all human beings. In unconsciousness, instead of realizing that all of us are connected to each other and are therefore dependent on one another, the focus is on “my welfare” without acknowledging the ripple effect we have on each other. We express this type of unconsciousness by going along with whatever will give ME the most pleasure and least discomfort, with less regard for how these fit in the context of everyone’s well-being. In this case, the unhealthy ego rules thought and behavior.
We are hard-wired for egocentrism. The earliest human beings had to be self-centered, or they would end up as lunch for animals or the neighboring tribe. But in human evolution, we developed abilities to consider the needs of others outside our own family and tribe. As things evolved, other tribes were sources of connection that improved daily life. In time, it was learned that trade, cultural sharing, and cross-pollinating with other tribes made all tribes flourish.
Like many of us in our early adulthood, I made unconscious decisions. Looking back, I regret these and feel embarrassed about them. Nowadays, I still have unconscious thoughts and behavior, but thanks to spiritual practices, I am more aware of them much sooner than before. That awareness often gives me time to prevent the behavior. Our egos never stop because they are tied to the survival instinct, which means they will always look to protect us and achieve their desires. Though that characteristic of the ego can lead to outright selfishness, it can also be used for healthy aims. So, incorporating healthy self-interest with everyone else's is a challenge that requires consciousness.
After becoming sensitive to the conscious life, I became more aware of my unconscious behaviors, but I also became aware of others’. Once, many years ago, I had a neighbor who pumped his basement water into the alley behind his neighbors’ yards. Especially during rainstorms, his water gushed into my yard first before it ran down to other backyards. One day, I told my neighbor how his water was damaging my yard. His response astounded me: He said, “That’s easily solved. You need to attach some PVC pipe to mine and pass the water to your neighbor down the hill from you. They will figure it out.” I at once answered, “But I don’t want to pass along this problem, I want to prevent it.” He looked like I was out of my mind. He owned no part of the problem. We were in two different worlds.
His response was a tutorial, and despite his being a good neighbor in other ways, in this case he was an expert on egocentricity. Thinking of ourselves to the exclusion of anyone else is a primitive form of existence that, thanks to evolution, a large mass of humanity has evolved away from. But sadly, some stay primarily connected to the survival instinct and its child, the quest to rule others and take from them. Even some so-called advanced countries signed the United Nations’ charter but when it is convenient for them, they disregard the charter and invade other counties. In such instances, these counties consider it stupid to believe in their neighbor's welfare.
When in the state of unconsciousness, we are unaware of the interconnectedness of everything, that humanity depends on one another, and that we are all interdependent with the planet. Unconsciousness passes down our devastation of each other and the earth onto the next generation. Unconscious behavior says without shame, “I am taking what I want, even if it harms my neighbors and the planet. I care for myself first and will let others figure out how to deal with it.”
Spiritual practices: Journal your response to the following question: If you believe the words, “Love thy neighbor as you love yourself,” how must you conduct your life? How would a critical mass of people who think and live from this premise affect our culture?
Self-inquiry: Name a few reasons you would not consider others’ needs in your decisions.
Dear God,
I am truly sorry for my unconscious decisions. I wince when I think of some of them. Little did I know then the far-reaching ramifications of my thinking. I am humbly thankful that you reveal many unawarenesses to me every day. Amen
