Life Is A Playground For Consciousness
Is Life a Playground for consciousness? I pondered this question after reading a metaphysical book in the early 2000s. I have never looked at life as a playground for human spirits, but now I can see it is.
One of the reasons we are in the human body is to play, create, and enjoy life.
That was a question I asked myself when I was 19. I got the answer: “to experience life in the physical.” I didn’t get this answer in one fell swoop, mind you but over time, about a week.
It’s funny how when you ask the Universe a question, the answers will come back to you in one form or another. You might be drawn to reading a book or watching a movie that answers your question.
You might have a conversation with someone, and your thoughts are responded to.
The Universe is funny like that.
There wasn’t any sense of judgment from the information that I received. If I wanted to be President of the U.S. or President of the P.T.A., it didn’t matter; it was all about the experience for me.
When the information came to me, it was slowly downloaded into my brain. This is known as channeling.
The critical element in channeling is the ability to temporarily withdraw the “filters” of your beliefs and be a clear channel. To bring through what is given, not your slant on what you think it might mean.
When I am saying ‘you,’ I mean this in a general term, of course, here, not ‘you’ personally. Always remember that it’s meant to be about the message, not the messenger.
Life Is A Playground
“With humility comes the willingness to stop trying to control or change other people or life situations or events ostensibly ‘for their own good’.
To be a committed spiritual seeker, it is necessary to relinquish the desire to be ‘right’ or of imaginary value to society. In fact, nobody’s ego or belief systems are of any value to society at all.
The world is neither good nor bad nor defective, nor is it in need of help or modification because its appearance is only a projection of one’s own mind. No such world exists.”
– David R. Hawkins
The creation process was instantaneous in the spirit realm where we came from before we incarnated into human form—being physical means we get to watch the creation process unfold before our eyes.
Life was meant to be a playground for consciousness and physical creation, not a virtual prison, and I liken it to kids playing in a sandbox. You’ve seen kids playing in a sandbox before, haven’t you? They are living in the moment without a care in the world.
There are no rules, just individual preferences, and neither is right or wrong; they are. Maybe Tommy and Susie like throwing sand at each other, and that is fine, and maybe Sam likes playing by himself in the corner (Introverted), and that’s alright too.
Sometime later, another boy named Billy came to the sandbox, and he didn’t like the lack of order and no rules stuff. He wanted to be sure that he could be comfortable in the sandbox, so he decided to impose rules and regulations ( Think homeowners associations).
At first, the other kids ignored Billy and thought he was too stiff. Eventually, others began adopting Billy’s attitude, and the next thing you knew, two opposing sides were playing in the sandbox.
One side preferred to live and let live, and the other wanted to restrict freedoms in exchange for comfort and security. Neither belief system was right or wrong, but it was a matter of what I wanted, and this is what you want.
What Is Consciousness?
There are other levels of consciousness, too – the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi describes one way of looking at it. He says that there are, in fact, seven levels of consciousness (awareness).
- The state of waking consciousness;
- Deep sleep;
- Dreaming;
- Transcendental consciousness;
- Cosmic consciousness;
- God-consciousness;
- Unity consciousness.
Most people only experience the first few levels (sleep/dreaming, awareness of the self as an entity).
Few of us genuinely attain the higher levels for any length of time (e.g., God-consciousness – “be still and know that I am God.”) The more we “wake up,” though, the more “conscious” we become – both literally and figuratively.
The famous yogi and guru – Paramhansa Yogananda has had his teaching posthumously expanded by the Ananda Sangha movement to create a simple yet easy-to-understand system that consists of 3 levels of consciousness:
- Subconscious awareness – your collection of memories and experiences and the thoughts you’ve derived from them, of which you have relatively little awareness.
- Conscious awareness – your standard daily awareness and experiences, sensory information, and so on, where you are free to act.
- Superconscious awareness is a heightened mental state where clarity and intuition are far greater than usual, and solutions are as quickly seen as problems.
The more conscious we become, the more genuinely aware we are all connected and are equal in God’s eyes but are parts of the Divine, and we can then feel genuine compassion for others.
Humans’ level of consciousness is still deficient at the time, but that is quickly changing now.
Remember, just fifteen or so years ago, seat belts weren’t mandatory, and Doctors once smoked in their offices.
What was once considered okay or overlooked a while back is no longer tolerated. The paradox is as our conscious awareness expands, so does our desire to control people and things.
What we need to do instead is trust in the process of life and learn to relax, knowing that events unfold exactly as they need to.
Life: A Cosmic Game of Hide-and-Seek
Imagine life not as a rigid race, but as a sprawling playground. A universe where consciousness playfully explores, giggles under starry skies, and discovers itself through messy experiments. This playful perspective might seem whimsical, but it holds powerful truths about our existence.
Firstly, playfulness isn’t about frivolity. It’s about engaging with a sense of curiosity and wonder. A child splashing in puddles isn’t just wasting water; they’re testing boundaries, learning physics, and experiencing pure joy. Life, too, offers countless puddles – challenges, relationships, experiences – inviting us to splash in, learn, and laugh.
Secondly, playfulness embraces improvisation. We may have goals, but the journey is rarely linear. Think of improv comedy: actors don’t have scripts, they respond and build together. Life throws curveballs, and a playful approach helps us adapt, roll with the punches, and even find humor in unexpected turns.
Thirdly, play fosters connection. Sharing laughter, building sandcastles together, or even playfully teasing – these create bonds and intimacy. Life, at its core, is about connection, and embracing its playful side allows us to forge deeper relationships, not just with others, but also with ourselves.
Now, this cosmic playground isn’t without its shadows. There are storms, stumbles, and moments of despair. But even then, playfulness can be a lifeline. Humor can defuse tension, creativity can offer new perspectives, and a playful spirit can remind us that even during hardships, we have the power to choose joy.
So, how do we tap into this playful essence? Here are a few ideas:
- Engage your curiosity: Ask “why?” about the world, explore new things, and rediscover the joy of simple pleasures.
- Embrace spontaneity: Say yes to unexpected adventures, laugh at life’s absurdities, and dance to the rhythm of your own tune.
- Connect playfully: Share games, laughter, and joy with loved ones. Remember, a playful relationship is often a strong one.
- See the humor: Train your mind to find amusement in life’s little mishaps, and laughter will become your secret weapon against stress.
- Remember, you’re playing: Life isn’t just about winning or losing; it’s about the experience itself. Enjoy the ride, learn from your mistakes, and savor the laughter along the way.
Ultimately, life isn’t just a playground; it’s a playground designed by consciousness itself. By embracing its playful nature, we unlock a deeper understanding of ourselves, our connections, and the joy inherent in this grand cosmic game of hide-and-seek.
So, go forth, explore, laugh, and remember – you are the player, and you set the rules of your own fun.
Life’s Playground: Balancing Joy and Jousting with Challenges
Life, it seems, is a master juggler, tossing serious responsibilities, unexpected curveballs, and moments of pure joy all with equal gusto.
We navigate deadlines, mend broken hearts, and grapple with existential questions, all while chasing sunrises and laughing with loved ones.
This inherent duality – the ever-present contrast between life’s seriousness and its immense potential for joy and exploration – shapes our very existence.
Beyond Routine: Embracing the Playful Spirit
Amidst the daily grind, responsibilities can easily paint life as a monotonous painting. But stepping into the playground of possibilities requires embracing a playful spirit.
It’s not about shirking duties, but about infusing our days with a sense of curiosity and wonder. Imagine the child, giggling in mud puddles, lost in the pure joy of the experience. We can recapture that essence, finding humor in everyday moments, learning new skills, and approaching challenges with an open mind.
From Struggle to Growth: The Transformative Power of Play
Life’s challenges are inevitable, often pushing us to our limits. Yet, within these struggles lies a powerful hidden engine: growth. Just as a plant stretches towards the sun, overcoming obstacles strengthens our resilience and shapes us into who we are.
Embracing a playful perspective here too doesn’t diminish the reality of the struggle, but instead allows us to find humor in unexpected places, discover creative solutions, and emerge stronger and wiser.
The Laughter and Tears of Connection
Life’s tapestry wouldn’t be complete without the threads of connection. Sharing laughter with loved ones, building sandcastles of dreams, and navigating differences – these shared experiences strengthen our bonds and create memories that become treasures.
Through playful interactions, we connect more deeply, fostering empathy, understanding, and a sense of belonging. The tears we shed together become shared narratives, weaving a stronger fabric of support and love.
Balancing the Seesaw: Embracing Duality
Acknowledging life’s inherent duality doesn’t suggest ignoring its seriousness or dismissing its hardships. It’s about recognizing that within the shadows of struggle, joy flickers like a resilient flame.
By acknowledging both sides, we cultivate a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us. We can learn to dance with life’s complexities, laugh through tears, and embrace the transformative power of both playfulness and perseverance.
The Levels Of Consciousness
Steve Pavlina and David R. Hawkins
From low to high, the levels of consciousness are:
⇒Shame –A Step above death
⇒Guilt – You think of yourself as a sinner, unable to forgive yourself for past transgressions.
⇒Apathy – Feeling hopeless or victimized.
⇒Grief – A state of perpetual sadness and loss.
⇒Fear – Seeing the world as dangerous and unsafe. Paranoia.
⇒Desire – Not to be confused with setting and achieving goals, this is the level of addiction, craving, and lust — for money, approval, power, fame, etc. Consumerism. Materialism. This is the level of smoking and drinking and doing drugs.
⇒Anger – frustration, often from not having your desires met at the lower level. This level can spur you to action at higher levels or keep you stuck in hatred. In an abusive relationship, you’ll often see an angry person coupled with a fearful person.
⇒Pride – The first level where you start to feel good, but it’s a false feeling. It’s dependent on external circumstances (money, prestige, etc.), so it’s vulnerable.
Pride can lead to nationalism, racism, and religious wars. You become so closely enmeshed in your beliefs that you see an attack on your ideas as an attack on you.
⇒Courage – The first level of true strength. Courage is the Gateway, where you see life as challenging and exciting instead of overwhelming.
You begin to have a clue of interest in personal growth, although, at this level, you’ll probably call it something else like skill-building, career advancement, education, etc. You start to see your future as improving your past rather than continuing the same.
⇒Neutrality – This level is epitomized by the phrase, “live and let live.” It’s flexible, relaxed, and unattached. Whatever happens, you roll with the punches.
You don’t have anything to prove. You feel safe and get along well with other people. A lot of self-employed people are at this level.
A very comfortable place. The level of complacency and laziness. You’re taking care of your needs, but you don’t push yourself too hard.
⇒Willingness – Now that you’re safe and comfortable, you start using your energy more effectively. Just getting by isn’t good enough anymore. You begin caring about doing a good job — perhaps even your best.
You think about time management and productivity and getting organized, things that weren’t so important to you at the level of neutrality. Think of this level as the development of willpower and self-discipline.
These people are the “troopers” of society; they get things done well and complain much. If you’re in school, you’re a good student; you take your studies seriously and put in the time to do a good job.
This is the point where your consciousness becomes more organized and disciplined.
⇒Acceptance – Now, a powerful shift happens, and you awaken to the possibilities of living proactively. You’ve become competent at the level of willingness, and now you want to put your abilities to good use. This is the level of setting and achieving goals.
I don’t like the label “acceptance” that Hawkins uses here, but it means that you begin accepting responsibility for your role in the world.
If something isn’t right about your life (your career, health, relationship), you define your desired outcome and change it. You start to see the big picture of your life more clearly. This level drives many people to switch careers, create a new business, or change their diets.
⇒Reason – At this level, you transcend the emotional aspects of the lower levels and begin to think clearly and rationally. Hawkins defines this as the level of medicine and science. As I see it, when you reach this level, you can use your reasoning abilities to their fullest extent.
You now have the discipline and the proactivity to exploit your natural abilities fully. You’ve reached the point where you say, “Wow. I can do all this stuff, and I know I must put it to good use. So what’s the best use of my talents?”
You take a look around the world and start making meaningful contributions. At the very high end, this is the level of Einstein and Freud. It’s probably obvious that most people never reach this level in their entire lives.
⇒Love – I don’t like Hawkins’ label “love” here because this isn’t the emotion of love. It’s unconditional love, a permanent understanding of your connectedness with all that exists. Think compassion.
At the level of reason, you live in service to your head. But that eventually becomes a dead end where you fall into the trap of over-intellectualizing. You need a bigger context than just thinking for its own sake.
At the level of love, you now place your head and all your other talents and abilities in service to your heart (not your emotions, but your greater sense of right and wrong — your conscience). I see this as the level of awakening to your true purpose.
Your motives at this level are pure and uncorrupted by the ego’s desires. This is the level of lifetime service to humanity. Think Gandhi, Mother Teresa, and Dr. Albert Schweitzer. At this level, you are guided by force greater than yourself.
It’s a feeling of letting go. Your intuition becomes extremely strong. Hawkins claims this level is reached only by 1 in 250 people during their lifetimes.
⇒Joy – A state of pervasive, unshakable happiness. Eckhart Tolle describes this state in The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment.
The level of saints and advanced spiritual teachers. Just being around people at this level makes you feel incredible. At this level, life is fully guided by synchronicity and intuition.
There’s no more need to set goals and make detailed plans — expanding your consciousness allows you to operate at a much higher level. A near-death experience can temporarily bump you to this level.
⇒Peace – Total transcendence. Hawkins claims this level is reached only by one person in 10 million.
⇒Enlightenment – The highest level of human consciousness, where humanity blends with divinity. Extremely rare, and the level of Krishna, Buddha, and Jesus. Even just thinking about people at this level can raise your consciousness.
Is humanity a bunch of actors on a stage?
Literal Perspective:
- Against: From a purely physical and scientific standpoint, there’s no evidence to suggest humanity exists in a simulated reality or within a larger staged performance. Our understanding of the universe and its laws doesn’t currently support such a concept.
- For: Some believe in advanced alien civilizations capable of creating such simulations, or even in mystical or religious explanations where life plays out within a divine realm. These perspectives, however, remain unproven and rely on faith or interpretations outside mainstream science.
Metaphorical Perspective:
- Against: Seeing life as a performance can downplay the very real struggles, pain, and consequences we face. It might discourage taking responsibility for our actions and choices.
- For: Viewing life as a stage can be a powerful metaphor. It can remind us to play our roles with purpose, express ourselves authentically, and leave a positive mark on the world. It can also encourage embracing different perspectives and understanding the roles others play in our own grand narrative.
Here are some additional points to consider:
- Whether we’re literal actors or not, life still involves making choices, facing consequences, and striving for personal growth. Our actions have real-world impact, regardless of the grander context.
- The “stage” metaphor can be empowering or disempowering depending on how you use it. See it as an opportunity to be an active participant in your own story, not just a passive observer.
- Life is filled with mystery and the unknown. Embrace the ambiguity and find your own meaning in the journey, regardless of whether it’s a literal stage or not.
Conclusion
Conclusion: The Infinite Game of Being
Life, a playground for consciousness, isn’t just a whimsical metaphor. It’s a call to action, an invitation to dance with the universe in all its complexity. We are explorers, creators, and players in a grand cosmic game, with the freedom to choose how we engage.
Remember, this playground isn’t without its bumps and bruises. We’ll stumble, fall, and face storms along the way. But within each challenge lies the potential for growth, and laughter can be our secret weapon.
Embrace the unexpected, experiment with curiosity, and connect with others in playful ways.
Ultimately, life’s playground is infinite. There are no finish lines, just an endless expanse of possibilities waiting to be explored. Embrace the joy, weather the storms, and remember – you are the player, the creator, and the artist of your own experience.
So, pick up your paintbrush, grab your laughter, and get ready to play!
⇒Read Next: The Awakening Of Human Consciousness On The Planet