The stages of consciousness.(TO ME ,BY ME ,THROUGH ME, AS ME)

Have you ever wondered why some people seem to move through life effortlessly while others struggle to find their path? It often comes down to consciousness not in a mystical sense, but in a deeply personal, practical way. Understanding the "Four Stages of Consciousness" – To Me, By Me, Through Me, and As Me can illuminate our journey, making life less of a battleground and more of an adventure. In this article, we’ll dive deep into these stages, exploring their meanings, offering real-life examples, historical contexts, and practical exercises so you can apply these principles to your own life.

What Are the Four Stages of Consciousness?

Let's start with the basics. The "Four Stages of Consciousness" describe a progression in our awareness and how we perceive the world. This model isn’t a strict ladder; instead, it’s more like a winding path. At different points in our lives, we may find ourselves in any of these stages, and that’s okay. What’s essential is understanding where we are and what the next step might be.

• To Me

• This is the victim mindset, where life happens to us. We feel at the mercy of external forces, powerless and often frustrated.

• By Me

• Here, we take responsibility. Life happens by our actions, and we start to see the power of our choices.

• Through Me

• In this stage, we become a conduit for something greater. We align with a purpose, allowing life to flow through us.

• As Me

• The final stage is a profound realization of unity. Life happens as us, and we experience oneness with everything around us.

Stage 1: To Me - The Victim Mindset

Ever had one of those days when everything goes wrong? Your alarm doesn’t go off, you spill coffee on your shirt, and then you hit every red light on your way to work. It feels like the universe is conspiring against you, right? This is the "To Me" stage in a nutshell.

At this stage, we see ourselves as victims. Life is happening to us, and we feel powerless. This stage is characterized by blame blaming others, circumstances, even fate. Wikipedia defines this stage as a state where external events dictate our reality, creating a mindset that is reactive rather than proactive.

Historically, many people have found themselves stuck in the "To Me" stage. Think of the ancient Greeks who believed that everything was controlled by the whims of the gods. The idea that forces outside of our control dictate our destiny is not new. But staying here too long can be stifling.

Personal Anecdote:

I remember a time when I was stuck in a job I hated. Every day felt like a struggle, and I blamed everyone my boss, my coworkers, even the weather for my misery. It was only when I realized that I was playing the victim that I started to change.

Exercise:

Start noticing when you use language like "I have to" or "I can't." These phrases are indicators of the "To Me" stage. Challenge yourself to replace them with "I choose to" or "I can."

Stage 2: By Me - The Creator Mindset

Now, imagine you’re done with feeling like life’s punching bag. You’re ready to take control. Welcome to the "By Me" stage. At this level, you realize that you have power. Life happens by your decisions, actions, and mindset. You shift from being reactive to being proactive.

Wikipedia describes this stage as one where personal responsibility becomes central. The mindset here is about empowerment. You begin to see the results of your choices and recognize that, while you can’t control everything, you can control how you respond.

Historical Reference:

Think of Thomas Edison, who famously failed 10,000 times before inventing the light bulb. In his words, "I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work." He exemplified the "By Me" consciousness, turning every failure into an opportunity.

Real-Life Example:

Picture a single mother working two jobs to provide for her children while pursuing a degree at night. She doesn’t wait for life to give her a break; she makes it happen.

Exercise:

Write down one area of your life where you feel stuck. Identify three actions you can take to change the situation, and commit to taking at least one of them this week.

Stage 3: Through Me - The Conduit of Purpose

So, you’ve embraced responsibility, and now you’re ready for more. Enter the "Through Me" stage. Here, life flows through you. It’s like when artists say they’re "in the zone" – they’re not trying to control every brushstroke; they’re letting inspiration guide them.

At this stage, we align with something greater than ourselves – a purpose, a calling, or a passion. We become conduits through which this energy flows. According to Wikipedia, this stage represents a state of surrender where effort feels effortless.

Historical Reference:

Think of Martin Luther King Jr. His "I Have a Dream" speech wasn’t just words; it was a message that flowed through him, touching millions and creating change.

Personal Anecdote:

When I started writing, I thought I had to control every word, every sentence. But then, something shifted. I stopped trying to be perfect and let the words flow. Writing became more joyful and less of a chore.

Exercise:

Find a quiet space and ask yourself, "What wants to come through me today?" It could be a creative idea, an act of kindness, or even just a simple smile. Allow it to manifest without judgment.

Stage 4: As Me - The Unity Consciousness

Finally, we reach the "As Me" stage. This is where things get profound. At this level, there’s no separation between you and everything else. Life is not happening to you, by you, or through you , it is happening as you.

Wikipedia defines this as a state of unity consciousness, where we see ourselves as part of the whole. The boundaries between self and others blur, and we experience a deep sense of oneness.

Historical Reference:

Think of the Buddha or any enlightened being. Their teachings often focus on the dissolution of the ego and the realization that we are all one.

Real-Life Example:

Picture a volunteer who dedicates their life to serving others, not out of obligation, but from a sense of deep connection to all humanity.

Personal Anecdote:

I had a glimpse of this stage during a meditation retreat. For a few fleeting moments, I felt a deep connection to everything around me , the trees, the sky, even the ants crawling on the ground. It was a powerful reminder that we are all interconnected.

Exercise:

Spend a few moments each day in nature. Close your eyes, take a deep breath, and imagine yourself dissolving into everything around you. Feel the unity.

Conclusion:

So, where do you find yourself on this journey? Remember, there’s no right or wrong place to be. The beauty of these stages is that they are fluid. You can shift from "To Me" to "By Me" in a single moment of realization. The key is awareness. The more you understand these stages, the more you can navigate life’s ups and downs with grace, ease, and a sense of adventure.

Consciousness is like an elevator , you decide which floor you want to get off on. But why not explore all of them? After all, the journey to self-awareness is the most exciting trip you’ll ever take.