Existence and Consciousness

"Our presence in life is marked by two fundamental, irreplaceable factors: existence and consciousness. Our spirit is that which exists. Our consciousness is that which allows us to be aware that we exist. Life requires both. Life's purpose, at its most basic, is the maintenance, nurturing and growth of our existence and consciousness. Lack of attention to this purpose will cause atrophy and perhaps eventual loss."-Mary Lee LaBay

Today I made a little trip to my local library. I discovered this amazing book where I found this interesting quote that I wanted to share with you. The book is called Hypnotherapy:A Client Centered Approach by Mary Lee LaBay.

My hypnotherapy classes start in eight days and so being a conscientious student, I thought I would prepare for classes with a little background knowledge.

So, what does this quote mean? Let's analyze and think about it. We, as humans.......EXIST. We are "spirits living in the material world" as the musician Sting would hum.

We each have a CONSCIOUSNESS, an awareness that we do indeed exist and are here on this planet at this time, breathing the air around us, reading this blog, sipping this water(or tea, perhaps coffee) with a light dimly lit next to our computer or maybe kids and pets making lots of noise in the room.

Anyhow, according to LaBay, each of these two "irreplaceable factors" as she calls them need to be nurtured and loved.....cared for, respected, and seen.

I agree with this statement regardless of whether there may be more than only two factors to our presence. Now, why I posted it is because it gives me more reason and responsibility to take this journey into hypnosis and hypnotherapy. I feel a purpose. There are many people to serve, to help and assist on their respective adventures toward self actualization and growth of the consciousness of our existence, towards healing and recovery.

Now, our existence may be easily recognized and felt. However, our consciousness has many levels.......depths, states, beings. These are intriguing to me. I look forward to delving into the ethereal realms of the mind and how it is connected with the spirit forming the mind-body connection.

Thanks for taking this trip with me. I hope you enjoy what you learn along the way as much as I do. What does existence and consciousness mean to you?