The idea that Psychedelics raise our consciousness is a widely accepted notion. However, an alternative perspective suggests that they may not raise our consciousness but rather activate a latent form of consciousness that we are conditioned to repress since childhood. The renowned philosopher, Alan Watts, proposed the existence of two distinct types of consciousness...
Spotlight Consciousness
The first type of consciousness Watts describes is called ‘spotlight consciousness’. This form of consciousness is closely associated with the ego & is characterized by its focus on achieving significant goals. It is the aspect of our consciousness that enables us to pay attention in school, concentrate on tasks at work, and pursue success. In our society, there is a strong emphasis placed on this version of consciousness, and we instill it in our children from a young age through instructions such as "pay attention," "sit down," "focus," and so forth.
This is how a significant portion of our lives unfolds. We often find ourselves caught up in the egoic version of ourselves, taking life overly seriously. We become fixated on immediate concerns & rush through experiences, constantly striving to reach the end goal. Unfortunately, this approach causes us to overlook & neglect numerous aspects of life that hold meaning & significance. In our haste, we miss out on the richness & depth that each moment can offer.
In this state of consciousness, life is perceived as a sequence of events, a journey that we must navigate. We follow a linear path, progressing from one stage to another: from school to more schooling, then onto acquiring a house, getting married, having children, and so on. The cycle seems never-ending, and we inadvertently shape the consciousness of our youth to approach life as if it were a conveyor belt, urging them to follow the same preconceived trajectory.
Indeed, there are situations where focused attention is crucial & necessary. When piloting an aircraft, performing surgery, or constructing a rocket, unwavering focus becomes indispensable. However, what often remains overlooked is the recognition & understanding of another form of consciousness...
Floodlight Consciousness
When you drive a car with a friend, you can engage in a deep conversation, fully absorbed in the dialogue, while simultaneously adhering to traffic rules, being aware of other vehicles on the road, and safely reaching your intended destination. This phenomenon is what Watts coined, "Floodlight Consciousness."
When a Buddhist monk enters a state of meditation, an individual practices Breathwork exercises, or someone embarks on a Psychedelic journey, they tap into the realm of floodlight consciousness. In these experiences, their attention expands beyond the immediate surroundings & they become aware of being aware. They transcend the narrow focus on external stimuli & cultivate a heightened sense of awareness.
It is plausible to theorize that young children likely spend a significant portion of their lives in this state of consciousness. The developing brains of children often exhibit predominant theta wave activity, which is associated with a highly receptive & expansive state of awareness. During this phase, children are fully present & deeply engaged in each experience they encounter. They possess a natural inclination towards being fully aware & open to the richness of their surroundings.
Psychedelics have the capacity to activate floodlight consciousness, both during the journey & after. This is why I believe Psychedelics have the potential to catalyze profound transformations within an entire society, extending beyond individuals who are specifically seeking relief or healing. When floodlight consciousness is awakened, a heightened sense of awareness emerges, leading to a transformative shift in perception. This expanded awareness has the power to initiate significant changes in how we relate to ourselves, others, and the world around us.
Rather than conceiving of consciousness as a muscle that develops & strengthens over time through effort, it might be more accurate to view it as a dual system of engaging with the world. It seems that we have overlooked one of these systems in our societal focus on spotlight consciousness. Now, you may be wondering, why does this understanding matter? The reason is that when we tap into our innate awareness, we awaken a more profound & authentic version of ourselves. This has a ripple effect that extends to everyone around us. By embracing & embodying floodlight consciousness, we contribute to positive transformations within ourselves, fostering a more compassionate, empathetic, and interconnected world.
We have become consumed by the pursuit of meaning, purpose, and viewing life as a relentless journey that we must endure. In the process, we inadvertently slip into a state of unconsciousness. There are moments when we intuitively sense this & recognize the wonder & profundity of being a sentient being. However, these realizations are frequently disrupted by the distractions of modern life; text messages, work emails, or notifications from social media. In an instant, we find ourselves trapped in the cycle once again, akin to a hamster on a wheel, completely oblivious to the remarkable experience of simply existing as conscious beings.
Accessing & embracing our floodlight consciousness may indeed be the pivotal aspect of the ongoing Psychedelic renaissance. A society comprised of individuals who are awakened & deeply aware would undoubtedly bear a stark contrast to the world we currently inhabit. The transformative power of floodlight consciousness has the potential to reshape our collective values, relationships, and priorities. It can foster a society characterized by heightened empathy, interconnectedness, and a profound sense of responsibility towards one another. By recognizing the significance of floodlight consciousness, we can envision & work towards a future that transcends the limitations of our present reality.
Over the course of the past four years, engaging in deep inner work with Psychedelics has profoundly transformed how I navigate life. My perspective has shifted in remarkable ways. I have developed a heightened awareness of the individuals around me, recognizing their uniqueness & inherent value. I have become acutely aware of the subtle beauty that permeates our extraordinary planet. I have cultivated a deeper attentiveness to my loved ones, fostering stronger connections & a greater appreciation for their presence in my life.
Additionally, this journey has allowed me to embrace a profound acceptance of things as they are, relinquishing the impulse to constantly assign judgments & values to everything & everyone. However, the transformation does not stop there..
I am intentional with everything I focus on in the present moment. When I express gratitude to the barista at Starbucks, I genuinely mean it. I make a conscious effort to maintain eye contact during my interactions with people. When I attend parties, I actively listen to others, displaying a genuine curiosity about their lives, interests, and passions. I am eager to learn about what brings them joy & excitement. Unlike before, I now frequently wear a smile, radiating positivity. If I come across a couple taking a picture of one another, I kindly offer to take a photo of them together, creating a lasting memory for them. When I encounter individuals striving to improve themselves at the gym, I make it a point to go out of my way & acknowledge their progress, offering words of encouragement. Above all, I consistently show up for the people I love, demonstrating my unwavering support & presence in their lives.
The inevitable outcome of living life in this state of consciousness is the potential to experience a sense of perpetual bliss. This shift occurs as you recognize the interconnectedness between yourself (the ego) & everything that surrounds you, realizing that you are an integral part of the greater whole. While challenges…suffering, pain, and hurt may still be present, you approach them with a deep understanding that you are inseparable from the world around you, much like a ray of light is inseparable from the sun. This awareness allows you to navigate difficult moments with a profound sense of belonging & purpose.
I hold a hopeful outlook that we are on the cusp of fostering a new & profound relationship with life. In this transformative journey, Psychedelics are poised to play a significant role. By activating a different form consciousness & facilitating an expanded awareness, Psychedelics can contribute to a greater sense of bliss & well-being within individuals. As we personally experience increased happiness, we naturally radiate positivity & compassion, thereby diminishing the suffering of those around us. Through this ripple effect, our collective awareness may be uplifted, fostering a more harmonious & interconnected world.
And that is a monumental accomplishment, as Master Shi heng Yi beautifully describes —
Til next week,
AW
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For almost the entire time I have experimented with psychedelics (round 1 in 2017-18 and round 2 in 2022-23), I have also been watching and witnessing the early growth of my young niece (she's 7 now). And it has been almost impossible for me to ignore the fact that the medicine beckons me to engage with the world *more like her* than like most of the adults I'm surrounded by.
Very interesting Andrew. I wonder what the difference and similarity between the floodlight consciousness and the subconscious is.