In this podcast and blog, Chris introduces the concept of the consciousness cone, which comprises seven levels, each corresponding to different parts of the brain: ‘got to,’ ‘should,’ ‘need to,’ ‘want to,’ ‘desire to,’ ‘choose to,’ and ‘love to.’ These levels are divided into motivation (lower levels) and inspiration (upper levels), impacting how individuals operate and perceive life. The ‘got to’ level, associated with basic survival instincts, operates in a bipolar, fight-or-flight manner, influenced by guilt and fear. As one ascends the cone, these influences diminish, making the ‘want to’ level a significant aspiration for many. Higher levels of consciousness promote inner wealth and reduce the impact of primal, disruptive brain functions, ultimately leading to better health and longevity.

Introduction to the Consciousness Cone

Good morning, good afternoon, wherever you are. This is Chris, and today we’ll delve into the concept of the consciousness cone. We’ve established that there are seven levels within this cone, each corresponding to different levels of the brain. These levels range from the most basic, such as the ‘got to’ level, up to the most advanced, such as the ‘love to’ level.

The Seven Levels of Consciousness

The seven levels of the consciousness cone are fundamental to understanding how we operate on different cognitive levels:

  1. Got to: This is driven by basic survival instincts, involving the cellular brain.
  2. Should: Governed by societal norms and expectations, corresponding to the amphibian brain.
  3. Need to: Driven by deeper, more ingrained habits and fears, linked to the reptilian brain.
  4. Want to: The level where most people aspire to be, associated with the mammalian brain.
  5. Desire to: Beginning of inner wealth development, related to the human mammalian brain.
  6. Choose to: Reflects higher cognitive functions, tied to the absolute human brain.
  7. Love to: The pinnacle of consciousness, connected to the spiritual level of the brain.

Motivation vs. Inspiration

We refer to the lower levels, from ‘want to’ downwards, as motivation. External factors and pressures heavily influence these levels. In contrast, the upper levels, beginning with ‘desire to’, are considered inspirational. Here, actions are driven by internal fulfillment and joy.

The Brain’s Functional Segments

Each level of the consciousness cone is linked to specific parts of the brain:

  • Got to: Cellular brain
  • Should: Spinal cord
  • Need to: Brain stem
  • Want to: Basal ganglia
  • Desire to: Limbic brain
  • Choose to: Cortical brain
  • Love to: Corpus callosum

These brain segments correlate with different levels of cognition and behaviour. For instance, the ‘got to’ level operates on a 7:1 ratio, seeing seven positives to one negative or vice versa, and is characterized by bipolar polarity, resulting in a fight or flight response.

Moving Up the Cone

As we move up the cone, the influence of guilt and fear diminishes. Reaching the ‘want to’ level is a significant achievement for many, as it reduces the impact of these negative influences. However, true inner wealth begins above this level, where actions are less about survival and more about conscious choice and love.

Health and Consciousness Levels

Functioning at lower levels of the brain can lead to various health issues. For instance:

  • Reptilian level: Linked to Parkinson’s disease.
  • Mammalian level: Associated with mental health issues like dementia.
  • Amphibian level: Related to heart and lung diseases.
  • Cellular level: Can lead to cancer.

Thus, operating at higher levels of consciousness not only enhances mental and emotional well-being but also promotes physical health and longevity.

Conscious Leadership in Business

Applying the consciousness cone to corporate leadership involves understanding seven levels of human being within the workplace. This model mirrors structures found in nature, such as the shape of a tree or the pyramids in Egypt, and even in music and the layers of the skin.

Entering the Stream: The First Step

The first step in corporate leadership is to ‘enter the stream’, which involves moving beyond anger, greed, and hatred. This foundational step is akin to starting a car; without it, all subsequent efforts are futile. Letting go of ignorance and poor motives, essentially getting past one’s ego, is crucial. While the ego serves a protective function, relying on it in a professional setting can lead to hypersensitivity and taking things personally.

Beyond Superficial Sensitivity

Although HR policies may promote a superficially sensitive and politically correct environment, true conscious leadership requires a deeper understanding and resilience. This involves moving beyond mere reaction to becoming a mindful and conscious individual in the workplace.

Mindfulness: The Second Step

Achieving mindfulness is not the end goal but an essential step towards higher consciousness. Mindfulness involves being aware of the body, feelings, mind, and objects, and generating feelings internally rather than reacting to external stimuli. This means turning up to work already happy, fulfilled, and inspired, rather than seeking these from the work environment.

Building Self-Sufficiency

Self-sufficiency in emotions and actions leads to a state where one can give without expecting anything in return. This overflow of positivity and kindness enhances personal and professional relationships, fostering a more conscious and effective leadership style.

Effort: The Third Level

The next level we will explore is effort, which involves doing the right thing, preventing the wrong thing, and maintaining the right space. Effort is about managing your energy, life force, and the impact you have on those around you. This level emphasizes the importance of sustaining positive energy and influence in the workplace.

Stay tuned for the next part of this series where we will delve deeper into the concept of effort and its implications for conscious leadership.

Thanks for tuning in to ‘The Anti-Guru Guru Show.’ If you enjoyed this post, share it with a friend who needs a reality check. Until next time, keep it real, keep it messy, and keep practicing. See you soon!