Integral Theory for Beginners: 'States of Consciousness' — Understanding the Diverse States of Awareness

In this series, under the theme of "An Ultra-Introductory Guide to Integral Theory for Beginners!", we carefully address topics that get to the core of Integral Theory one by one, so that even beginners can learn without difficulty.

Up until the previous installment, we focused on introducing 'Levels (Stages)', which is one of the major components of Integral Theory.

'Levels (Stages)' are like a map showing the internal development of human beings, and they are a very important concept for understanding how the 'structure of how we perceive the world' transforms.

Furthermore, 'Levels (Stages)' indicate a developmental process in which we acquire more complex and comprehensive perspectives as knowledge and experience accumulate.

However, just because one has reached a certain stage does not mean that the perceptions and behaviors of that stage are always consistently exhibited.

Therefore, another important element that is indispensable for understanding Integral Theory appears. That is 'States (of Consciousness)'.

This time, we will focus on 'States (of Consciousness)', one of the five basic concepts of Integral Theory, and explore the mechanism of how our states of consciousness affect our performance.

What are 'States (of Consciousness)'?

In Integral Theory, 'consciousness' is viewed from two main perspectives.

One is the 'Levels (Stages)' we have introduced so far. This is also called 'stages of consciousness,' and it maps out the changes in the 'structure of how we perceive the world' that mature over time—in other words, human internal growth.

And the other is 'States (of Consciousness)', which we will cover this time. This relates to the state of our mind 'in this very moment'. To use an analogy, it is like the ever-changing weather—sunny, cloudy, or sometimes shifting like a storm.

While 'Levels (Stages) are sustainable and structural transformations' that indicate the growth of one's perspective, 'States (of Consciousness) are temporary and momentary shifts in modes'.

The Interaction between 'Levels (Stages)' and 'States (of Consciousness)' — How Consciousness Appears in 'Performance'

In Integral Theory, it is believed that the two axes of 'Levels (Stages)' and 'States (of Consciousness)' are intricately intertwined and influence our 'performance'.

'Levels (Stages)' represent the 'height of development,' indicating the worldview or consciousness structure a person has acquired, but that does not mean one can always exert the power of that level.

No matter how mature a perspective one may have, one's abilities, judgments, and attitudes change significantly depending on the 'State (of Consciousness)' at that very moment.

For example, even a person at the 'Rational Stage (Achiever Stage) / Orange,' who has a rational perspective as a developmental stage, might, when tired or hurt...

• excessively blame themselves, thinking 'I am the only one at fault'

• withdraw or sulk, thinking 'No one understands me anyway'

Such reactions may emerge.

This does not mean that the person's developmental stage is fake, but rather that a 'disturbance in state' is temporarily bringing out a lower pattern of consciousness.

This 'State (of Consciousness)' changes moment by moment depending on the situation, environment, physical condition, and so on, just like the 'weather' of the mind.

That is precisely why, in order to understand someone's "here and now," it is important to look at the following two perspectives simultaneously.

1. Vertical axis: 'Levels (Stages)'— The degree of development of that person's internal structure

2. Horizontal axis: 'States (of Consciousness)'— The state of emotions and energy in this very moment

By deciphering the interaction between this "vertical axis × horizontal axis," we can delve deeply into the complex movements of a person's heart and the background behind their words and actions.

Only when 'States (of Consciousness)' are balanced can developmental stages be fully utilized.

For example, even if one has reached a higher 'Level (Stage),' if the state at that moment is dominated by 'fear,' 'anger,' or 'a sense of emptiness'...

• It becomes difficult to view things objectively

• Relationships with others become superficial

• Dialogue with others becomes shallow

These things actually happen.

In other words, even if you have the potential of a higher stage, if your heart is turbulent, you cannot exert the power of that stage. Conversely, even if you are immature in terms of developmental stage, when you are in a state that feels 'warmth'—such as connection, trust, or affection...

...

• You can feel yourself and others with softness

• Relationships with others are filled with kindness and empathy

• You can face even deep questions with a softly open attitude

Rich performance can emerge, such as the above.

In this way, to understand and practice human development more organically, caring for 'States (of Consciousness)' is essential, not just 'Stages (structures of consciousness).'

Therefore,learning methods to balance 'States,' that is, techniques and habits to tune the consciousness of the 'here and now'becomes important.

Methods to balance 'States (of Consciousness)'

There is not just one way to balance our states (of consciousness).

What feels comfortable varies from person to person, and what is effective depends on the situation. Here, we will introduce several representative approaches.

🧘‍♂️ Methods to approach the mind and body

• Journaling (verbalizing emotions)

• Meditation / Self-compassion

• Introspection

• Yoga, stretching, and walking

• Breathing techniques (e.g., 4-7-8 breathing / abdominal breathing)

• Basic physical care such as diet, sleep, and hydration

🪞 Methods for regulating through people and environments

• Dialogue with people you feel safe with

• Coaching, counseling, and therapy

• Creating a space that utilizes nature, light, sound, and scent

• Scheduling (morning routines, designing white space)

And so on; there are many.

However, you do not need to practice everything. Rather than trying things blindly, I recommend first grasping 'what state you are in here and now' and approaching it from the areas that are particularly necessary.

Therefore, to regulate your state, let's first grasp the condition of your state.

To grasp the condition of your state, I recommend utilizing the 'Four Quadrants' that we discussed previously.

For example, mapping your state using the four quadrants looks like this.

By organizing with this framework, you should be able to see 'what is the most necessary approach for me right now?'

Also, to grasp the state of each quadrant, try asking yourself the following questions.

• Upper-Left Quadrant (Individual Interior): How do you feel right now? What thoughts are running through your head?

• Upper-Right Quadrant (Individual Exterior): What are your physical sensations? Are you tense? Is your breathing deep or shallow?

• Lower-Left Quadrant (Collective Interior): Have you felt connected to people lately? Do you feel lonely? Is the culture of the group you belong to safe?

• Lower-Right Quadrant (Collective Exterior): Is the environment you are currently in (place, systems, rules) safe for you? Is it well-organized?

How was that? Have you been able to organize your states?

Now, let's summarize how to approach each quadrant.

Methods for regulating states: An approach utilizing the four quadrants

🔹 [Upper-Left (Interior-Individual)] Regulating thoughts and emotions

• Journaling (putting emotions into words)

• Meditation / Self-compassion

• Introspection and cognitive restructuring (e.g., noticing assumptions)

• Writing poetry, expressing through art

🔹 [Upper-Right (Body)] Regulating mind and body

• Yoga, stretching, walking

• Breathing techniques (e.g., 4-7-8 breathing / abdominal breathing)

• Diet, sleep, and hydration

• Nervous system self-regulation (e.g., swaying, vocalizing, humming based on Polyvagal Theory)

🔹 [Lower-Left (Relationships)] Regulating through connection with others

• Talking with someone you feel safe with

• Empathetic check-ins in a group

• Coaching and therapy

• Building safe communities and culture (psychological safety)

🔹 [Lower-Right (Environment/Structure)] Regulating spaces and rhythms

• Optimizing the workspace (nature, light, sound, scent)

• Scheduling (morning routines, designing white space)

• Institutional aspects (break culture/introduction of check-ins)

• Utilizing technology (reminders, BGM, biofeedback)

There is depth to 'States of Consciousness' — The 5 levels of consciousness

So far, I have introduced 'states of consciousness' from the perspective of 'whether you are centered or scattered' to make them easy to understand. However,
there are actually even deeper layers to 'states of consciousness'.

In Integral Theory, states of consciousness are organized into the following five levels.

1. Waking state

2. Dreaming state

3. Deep dreamless sleep state

4. The state of the empty witness

5. The state of pure non-duality

These are the five. These states of consciousness also correspond to the progressive stages of meditative experience and are sometimes referred to as follows:

1. Gross state (= material or physical state)

2. Subtle state

3. Causal state (= extremely subtle state)

4. Turiya state (state of contemplation/witness)

5. Turiyatita state (non-dual state, state of one consciousness)

Of these, 1 through 3 are states of consciousness that we experience daily, while 4 and 5 are deep states of consciousness that can be experienced through meditation, deep introspection, and many years of practice.

To summarize, it looks like this.

'I understand the basic states of consciousness 1-3, but... is it really necessary to go through the trouble of training to attain states 4-5?'
I can almost hear people asking that.

On this point, Ken Wilber, the proponent of Integral Theory, says the following.

To explain this in a little more detail,

It is said that. In other words, 'the exploration of states boosts the development of levels.'

Next, I would like to explain each state of consciousness, but...

Since it will be long, I will stop here for now!

Next time, we will finally delve into each state individually!
If you are interested, please come back and read it again!

Thank you for reading this far.
I will continue to share IVAP's initiatives.

Giving a 'Like' or 'Follow' would be a great encouragement!

[Inquiries to IVAP]

Please send any inquiries to IVAP to the address below.