The Living Universe - Duane Elgin [60]
Stage II: Oceanic Consciousness
The next step in conscious awakening occurs as the duality of watcher and watched merges into the unity of an integrated experience of conscious knowing. With stability of attention, the distance between knower and known gradually diminishes until the two become one in experience. We no longer stand apart from reality, observing it; rather, we come into a direct and unbounded relationship with existence. When we are fully present in the precise center of our moment-to-moment experience, we automatically come into a living relationship with the infusing field of aliveness—an experience that is intrinsically nurturing and satisfying. At the center, we find the simple joy and contentment of being alive. Our experience of intimate connection with all of creation naturally awakens feelings of compassion.
As we deepen into the experience of our communion within the seamless fabric of creation, it naturally awakens a feeling of compassion for the rest of life. We see that we are not separate, as everything contributes its part to the continuous flowering of the cosmos. Our scope of empathy and concern broadens as we are able to see beyond our own skin. Intuitively, we know that because we all arise from a deep ocean of life energy, a vital connection is continuously present. A natural inclination toward ethical behavior grows within us. Immersed in the larger ocean of life, we understand that if there is suffering anywhere on the Earth we are all suffering. We recognize that our experience of life is permeable, that our intuitive capacities extend into the ocean of our shared existence, and that we share in whatever measure of happiness or sorrow is being created for the whole.
We may momentarily forget the unbounded nature of our Being but with focus, intention, and grace we can take a breath, notice the warmth that arises in our hearts, and re-affirm our capacity for being in the world with lovingkindness. Once we know our cosmic nature and that we are immersed in this reality, we know how to look within to discover anew the cosmic aspects of our being. In a self-reinforcing spiral of development, we become increasingly secure in our knowledge of this ordinary miracle and grow as beings of cosmic dimension, connection, and purpose.
Stage III: Flow Consciousness
The third stage of awakening unfolds as we become increasingly settled within an oceanic consciousness and a feeling of communion with the totality of existence. With increasingly precise and sustained attention we begin to ride the flow of the universe as it continuously arises. Gradually we learn the skills of “reality surfing,” riding the wave of continuous creation.
By embracing the full dynamism of the cosmos, the last vestiges of the passive observer are transformed into the fully engaged participator. The loop of self-knowing closes and the full capacity for “knowing that we know” is realized. By coming to the center of oceanic consciousness and great Being, we discover the flow of the living cosmos in its process of great Becoming. Being and Becoming are both true. To complete our learning we must learn the skills of movement, of flow, of reality surfing, of Being Becoming