The Seven Levels of Consciousness model follows the pattern of development that we experience during a lifetime. Each level represents a different scale and framework of existence that we progressively encounter from birth to death. Not everyone completes the journey to the higher levels of consciousness.
Physical Survival
We begin our physical lives as babies at the survival level of consciousness operating at the instinctual level of decision-making. What we need to do to get our physiological needs met is imprinted in our DNA. The hardware of the brain is not fully developed, and the personal software of the mind has yet to be written. At this time the baby has no awareness of separation; its framework of existence is itself. There is no inner and outer. There is only self.
Relationship Consciousness
After a few months, when we begin to understand that there is a world out there populated with other beings who are more powerful than we are we enter the level of relationship consciousness. We begin to develop the capacity for subconscious belief based decision-making. We learn what behaviours to adopt so that we can feel safe and protected as we interact with these powerful beings we call parents. We also learn what behaviours not to adopt. This is an essential time of learning and relationship enculturation. At this time, the child’s framework of existence is the family environment.
