Consciousness and Experiences

Many of our mental, emotional, and behavioral patterns are so ingrained within us that it can becomes tough to see them especially when they’ve been with us for a long time. Like looking through a foggy window, our perceptions are just not as clear as they could be.

Let’s take the following scenario as an example. Let’s imagine that some friends of ours were sharing their perceptions of having attended the same on-line event and how each of them had differing experiences as we would expect. For instance, Jane had looked forward to the conference, yet found two of the presenters not up to her expectations, thus, became quickly disengaged early on. She did however find enjoyment in some of the exercises presented and a few discussions that took place periodically among other participants throughout. Sally was happy that the event was taking place on-line rather than in person so she could attend and multi-task in the background. She felt she learned a few things from the event, had some confirmations with her own path and life experience, yet didn’t gain any benefit from most of the exercises and discussions that ensued. Liam, conversely, had definitely been drawn to a couple of the presenters and exercises yet overall, did not enjoy the discussions that came about.

In the end, everyone came away with something from the event yet they each had different experiences, again, as would be expected. To gain further insight from the experience, each person could acknowledge that they were coming from different places regarding the event. They could find a wealth of knowledge by exploring what expectations they had, or didn’t have, what pet peeves of theirs may have gotten in the way, which personalities or topics perhaps acted as triggers for them, and so much more. Through discussion, it may become apparent that in most cases, each person was limiting their own experience simply by what they were bringing to the situation and what they were expecting to get out of the event.

Preconceived expectations tend to limit our ability to truly see what is going on around us. We often miss some subtle details along the way with such blinders. For instance, Jane might be able to admit that she felt let down by the information shared from the presenters. From her perspective, she may have been expecting to be inspired by a specific phrase, magic formula, special programming, or glaring vision. By her admission could come to the realization that things would ultimately require her taking individual focus and accountability to make things happen. However, her ability to embrace several of the exercises conducted may have allowed her to gain some internal peace and in turn, had her realize that she herself needs to put in regular effort to see results she wants.

Sally, on the other hand, might discover she didn’t really enjoy the exercises simply because she wasn’t engaged deeply enough to get anything out of them. Having plans to multitask throughout, the event unfortunately may have become more like background noise and her distractions inevitably prevented her from properly focusing, eliminating any direct connection she may have been able to experience. She did, however, appreciate listening to the participant discussions, as she felt she was able to relate with several individuals and what was shared, and realized she was not entirely alone.

Liam enjoyed the event overall, with the exception of the participant discussions. In his mind, he had been thinking that he was paying to hear the “experts” speak, thereby automatically dismissing potential learning opportunities from the sharing that could have occurred. Perhaps in his mind, he found that some of the participants reminded him of certain people in his life for whom he had little respect or tolerance for or by whom he had felt betrayed. He realized how shutting down or shutting out others because of past experiences could be limiting his own growth potential as a person while possibly alienating others.

Through similar conversation or internal reflection, each person could discover that what each brought to the experience directly impacted how they received the event and thus, their feelings associated with it. By coming with their own expectations, hopes, parallel plans, past experiences, judgments, etc, - as we all do in most situations – those aspects colored the type of encounters they ultimately had. While each did glean something from the event, they might realize how much more they could have enjoyed the event, had they shifted things in the moment or prior to the event for maximum benefit.

Yet, all is not lost for because through discussions Jane realizes that although she was seeking a quick fix, and learned techniques that she could do on her own and apply to various situations. Sally learns that she deserves to invest time in herself and to be fully engaged and focused in a future event and in her daily life. Liam now understands that he needs to forgive and let go of people who have wronged him, so as to not cloud his acceptance when meeting new people, because we can learn from everyone.

All this confirms what many of us already know: what we bring into our consciousness, and the emotions that feed or nurture those thoughts and beliefs - whether perceived good or not so good - shape and create our experiences. Consider that without realizing, we may have set expectations for people and their responses, or abilities, that may or may not accurately define who they are or what they may be capable of doing at that given moment. We may bring specific limiting thoughts to what we deserve in life for whatever reasons, which could be hindering us from ultimately receiving more good in our lives.

It is lovely to see that we can continue to learn and change with each experience when we take the time to self-reflect and accept responsibility for the energy, emotions, and thoughts we bring to all of our moments. Our consciousness directly and indirectly affects our experiences.

Realizing that life certainly has its challenges and absolutely has an unlimited supply of joys, when we become more aware of what we're bringing to the table consciously and unconsciously in every moment, we give ourselves the chance to change our experiences.

"Change your beliefs, and you change your reality." So true.

Pamela Aloia is an energy practitioner and author who has focused the last 20 years on individual and collective energy healing. She offers insight for people to enhance life experiences using practical and heartful aspects. In addition to various articles, Pamela has written several titles including The Current is Only but a Moment The Daily Cloak, 52 Pick Me Up, and Nurturing Healthy Change. She has appeared on notable talk shows including Out of the Fog and Coast to Coast with George Noory and is available for individual sessions to provide objectivity, support, and accountability while helping uncover one’s true potential. Pamela is available for on site or remote workshops, consultations, and interviews. For more information visit www.pamelaaloia.com