Science plays a unique role in humanity; however, it still has a lot to explain. We are privileged to live in a time where empirical definitions and reasoning can answer our questions regarding spirituality. A framework called Integrated Information Theory (IIT) is a concept that describes a way to evaluate the extent of consciousness in our mind in a practical manner. This framework has the potential to answer questions that once seemed impossible, like the level of consciousness between different animal species.
As humans, we need to form relationships and strong bonds in our society, whether with our family members, friends, lovers, pets, or even hobbies. As you might presume, such attachments are only possible with powerful, religious, and divine entities. The psychology of our mind clearly defines that our consciousness consists of many different cognitive modules. We believe in God(s) because we imagine that we’re connected with a real entity. By using the method of attributing human characteristics to non-human entities, it makes it easier for us to relate and connect with them.
Another aspect regarding evolution and cognitive adaptation happens in our early childhood via household and educational norms. When we first start to develop an idea about the world, we’re taught to accept the religion we’re raised in. This fact, when coupled with our ability to picture and humanify concepts, creates a stronger sense of belief. At a very young age, we are told that there is an invisible entity watching over us, helping in our most challenging times, and guiding us on the right path. Most of us accept that without further disagreements and live by a religious lifestyle.
Also, another important angle worth mentioning here is the fact that religion rises and empowers social rituals. Being part of a social group, performing or singing an act alters brain chemistry. This feeling of belonging alters the level of dopamine, oxytocin and serotonin, which are the chemicals that put us in a good mood and make us happier. Therefore, it’s only natural for us to want to perform such rituals, again and again, establishing relationships and creating bonds with other, like-minded individuals.
Have you noticed how your relationships change over time, as you become more self-aware and nurture healthy body-mind emotions? As we heal our wounds and find answers to our questions, we realize our power and potential. Relationships with people not interested in listening and growing towards higher consciousness can become superficial and remain closed on a soulful level. Parallelly, we attract people into our personal life who live powerfully from their Main Source: gifts, talents, passion, and strength, no matter who is their God.
What are the levels of consciousness and how does our potential effect our relations with others?
The individual
This is the first stage of spiritual development, also called lower consciousness. Here, the self-identification is limited to one’s own body. The main goal is to heal wounds and move beyond the lower conscious patterns. This yields productive and contributive individual, meaningful relationships, self-confidence, and worth.
The interactivity and connection
This is the second stage of human development, or what it is popularly called middle consciousness. Here, one’s perspective changes and shifts only to realize that we’re individuals who are interconnected and affected by what’s happening outside of the body. At this level, we’re aware of our intuition, our awareness of inspiration and revelation is increased while perceiving as part of the pattern of consciousness.
The Infinity
This is the third and highest stage of human consciousness. Here, pure awareness and kindness are all that exist within us. The main identity at this level of understanding is unity and light, which remains unchanged and powerful. We’re at our most leveled ground of human being from which all blooms, shine, and springs further.
The relationship between science, religion, and spirituality is not necessarily always connected and continuous, and it has its challenges. Scientifically tracking the emotions and beliefs would be like trying to catch the wind. While the experience of emotions varies from one individual to another, transcendent emotions and firmer beliefs are universal and connected to spirituality. On the other hand, transcendent emotions form a bond between people through social behavior. Feelings like gratitude and compassion join us all through their social capacity. These emotions further promote behavior that forms strong relations with other people. Other self-transcendent emotions include inspiration, admiration, love, awe, forgiveness, appreciation, etc.
These positive emotions find their origin in religious and spiritual teachings which are not by default included in psychology treatments and guidance. Depending on one’s view about the world and people, hope can help find the right path and pace and improve one’s wellbeing. This differs from one religion to another, and our understanding of the role of the divine. On the other hand, gratitude is an emotion connected to our morals. Science describes morality as a social emotion that represents a barometer because it indicates when a mutual interaction is considered beneficial. Also, gratitude reminds us that we’re vulnerable with limited power. The benefits of practicing gratitude have shown to be very healing, regardless of religious ideals.
The concept behind forgiveness has various definitions. The general definition is an adaptive human instinct activated in different social interactions and situations. By this saying, to forgive does not require to nurture or obtain a relationship with someone who has wronged you or did bad to you on purpose. To forgive means to buy a ticket for your own freedom, instead of cultivating hate and desire for vengeance.
As you can see, there are noticeable distinctions between science, spirituality, and religion. However, these comparisons aren’t meant to be absolutes or an attempt to polarise one against the other. If you compare them with something diametrically different such as online and land-based gaming, for example, you’ll see that their concepts are quite different. However, they share a few important fundamentals that form the strong bond between them. Have a look at the various designs of online games and check SlotsWise.com for more on the gameplay and design of contemporary gaming.
Higher levels of psychological states, resilience, and improved feedback have all been linked to religious and spiritual awareness. Religion is not a simple subject for a science project or an experimental study. However, knowing that there are a high connection and correlation with psychological well-being, spiritually awakened individuals would agree that there is significant progress in how teachers and gurus present spiritual journeys.
