(being there) Chapter 2: Consciousness

Consciousness is the way each of us defines reality out of the infinite data and experiences we encounter in every moment. Since we can experience the universe only through our own consciousness, it is difficult to imagine that there are other ways to experience the universe and all of its events.

But the first lesson of Enlightenment is to begin to comprehend that, since you are employing your consciousness to make sense of the chaos of the universe, you are the creator of your universe. And if you are the creator of your universe, then you are also the creator of everything you experience.

It follows then, that if you are the creator of your experience, you have within you the power to create "what you truly want." This concept is the essence of personal power. You are the creator of what you truly want, whether you are aware of it or not.

You do not need to fully understand this maxim in order to begin the journey to Enlightenment. Its profundity becomes increasingly evident as greater levels of consciousness are realized. If you are unhappy, displeased, confused, dissatisfied, unfulfilled or dismayed over what you have created, then the first task becomes one of understanding how you got to be in this reality, which you created.

All that is required to begin the journey is to be willing to crack open the door of awareness. This is done by making a choice for consciousness, the first choice, in each and every moment. This first choice of consciousness is the willingness to feel all that you feel, no denial and no avoidance. By becoming aware of all of your inner experience, you will be moved to learn the subsequent, and necessary, set of skills.