Reference: Course on Subject Clearing
Fineness of Perceptual Elements
A sensation many be looked upon as a very condensed matrix that de-condenses into a matrix of perceptual elements. Thus, greater discrimination comes about. This cycle may repeat with a perceptual element, in its turn, de-condensing into a matrix of finer perceptual elements.
Thus, as incoming sensations de-condense into finer and finer perceptual elements, the discrimination increases.
Over time, the multi-dimensional associations among the finer nodes of the mental matrix multiply. They come to reflect the external universe with greater precision. We identity this precision and clarity as the CONSCIOUSNESS dimension of the mind. The finer are the perceptual elements, the better is consciousness.
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Degree of Assimilation
Sensations not only de-condense into perceptual elements, but they also assimilate with each other through these perceptual elements. When assimilation occurs any duplicate elements are merged together, and associations are set up among other elements.
The assimilation is defined by the degree of continuity, consistence and harmony of associations among perceptual elements.
When there is a discontinuity, a projection is made to bridge over it. When there is an inconsistency or disharmony, an assumption is made to explain it. But such projections and assumptions always generate anomalies.
Such anomalies when discovered, may be traced back to underlying projections and assumptions. New perceptual elements may be postulated through the use of rationality and logic to replace these projections and assumptions. Subsequently, these postulates may either be verified or updated with the help of actual observations. The better is the assimilation, the greater is consciousness.
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Effect of Traumas
There are traumatic sensations that do not easily de-condense into perceptual elements. They embed themselves into the mental matrix as UNASSIMILATED NODES. The content of such nodes cannot be properly perceived because they are not assimilated with the rest of the mental matrix. The effect of unassimilated nodes is to distort the mental matrix. They may be “perceived” only as raw sensations of PAIN and ANXIETY.
When fully activated, the unassimilated nodes bring about unconsciousness and unthinking reactions.
According to the matrix model of the mind, the assimilated portion of the mental matrix provides consciousness and rational thinking. Earlier models have called it the CONSCIOUS or ANALYTICAL mind. And the unassimilated portion of the mental matrix is the source of unconsciousness and unthinking reactions. It has been called the SUBCONSCIOUS or REACTIVE mind.
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Consciousness
Thus, consciousness is a characteristic of the mental matrix that depends on
- The fineness of perceptual elements
- The degree of assimilation in the mental matrix
- Absence of traumas
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