By Kathy Rivera Wallace
“Enlightenment is the supreme awakening to the true nature of life.” —Maharishi Mahesh Yogi
The word consciousness is not a new term. Yet only in recent years have scientists and the medical community finally collaborated on studies to demonstrate what ancient teachings have concluded for thousands of years: There are important benefits for the individual and society in accessing the universal field of consciousness.
When I started my spiritual journey, consciousness was a foreign concept to me. It was not until I started to study Transcendental Meditation (TM) and other spiritual techniques that I fully experienced a “connection.” Some of the major tangible benefits that I experienced through my practices were less stress in my life—although things were just as hectic as ever—along with growth and healing in relationships and an improvement in my overall well-being.
Maharishi’s quote above explains the definition of consciousness in an effortless and simple manner, consistent with the teachings of TM, which he developed and taught to millions around the world—including more than 40,000 TM teachers—before his death in February 2008. For 50-plus years, he educated us about the seven states of consciousness, which is a map for meditators in the quest for higher consciousness, or on the path of enlightenment, as Maharishi referred to it. But this quest was not limited only to meditators, as the medical community began to recognize the importance of higher states of consciousness for enhancing mental and physical well-being. The results of patients who learned the TM techniques and worked in higher consciousness have been amazing.
From helping to heal chronic conditions to just maintaining a healthy lifestyle, transcending and accessing higher consciousness has tremendous benefits not only for the individual, but for society as a whole. It has been proven that just 1 percent of the population doing TM can improve the quality of life for the whole world. The benefits include overall reductions in crime, accidents, and violence.
As the individual practices TM, the benefits include improved health; improved relationships (personal and professional); increased intelligence (at any age) and creativity; balanced personality development; and inner happiness. It’s really amazing what working 20 minutes a day, twice a day, with a personal mantra can accomplish!
“The unified field is fundamentally a field of consciousness.”—Maharishi Mahesh Yogi
Maharishi teaches how consciousness, also referred to as the Infinite or God, is a reservoir of creativity and intelligence. He calls it “an ocean of pure knowledge, power, and bliss.” Let’s look at Maharishi’s seven levels of consciousness, which he refers to as the “path of enlightenment:”
- The state of waking consciousness
- Deep sleep
- Dreaming
- Transcendental consciousness
- Cosmic consciousness
- God consciousness
- Unity consciousness
The collective is known as atman, meaning pure Consciousness, since the unified field includes the deepest reality and, therefore, the true identity of everything in nature. It is interesting to note that the first three states are known to every human; whereas, the last four levels are accessible only through regular practice of meditation and other spiritual techniques.
“Nothing survives the direct attention of Consciousness except the truth of who you are because it is Consciousness.”—John Newton, founder of Health Beyond Belief
Another mentor of mine, John Newton, also teaches about Consciousness or Intelligence, as he often refers to it, and how pertinent it is in the process of healing the body and mind. He says that as we access Consciousness and tap into Source, healing takes place not only in the present, but it extends through the entire timeline of an individual—including the past and the future. For over 20 years, John has witnessed people in depression, physical pain, and financial problems move into the light of Consciousness through his Ancestral Clearing technique. It is simple and profound, like Maharishi’s TM technique. Ancestral Clearing is based on prayers, which allow the Infinite to clear what is not for the person’s highest good and well-being.
What we must remember is that our body is intelligent and this inner intelligence or Consciousness is unlimited. John’s technique allows the person to go deeper into sensations and surrender. The Intelligence leads, guides, and directs the person into well-being, and any negative emotions that arise during this process are lovingly released. This is typical and normal, and during the release prayers are conducted by John (or a trained practitioner) to access Consciousness for healing and growth. While most of the work is conducted in the present moment, the Intelligence can continue to work on a person for several days. People typically feel a sense of relief; pain subsides or disappears completely; and joy, gratitude, and happiness fill this space. Changing our beliefs and accepting the intangible is the most difficult part of this task.
“A miracle that’s possible for anyone is possible for everyone.”—Gregg Braden
Gregg Braden, one of the pioneers in bridging science and spirituality, is the author of one my favorite books, The Spontaneous Healing of Belief. He proposes the notion that the universe works like a huge computer based in consciousness or intelligence, making our belief system an important part of this process. He discusses a scientist named Max Planck, who in 1944 stated, “There is a ‘matrix’ of energy that provides the blueprint for our physical world.” This energy is called the “field” among many scientists, and it is another word for Consciousness.
Consciousness/Source/Infinite Creator/Intelligence/The Field/God is a powerful energy ready for us to access through various techniques and processes. As you continue your spiritual journey through meditation and various other techniques, you will gain more and more access to this energy to build relationships, and fill your work with success, joy, love, personal healing, and well-being.1
“To infinity and beyond!”—Buzz Lightyear, Disney’s Toy Story
Author’s note: My day starts with TM (after warm water with lemon) and it’s become a very important part of my evolution. I highly recommend this meditation practice to everyone! I am also a certified Ancestral Clearing practitioner through Health Beyond Belief, and I have witnessed many miracles using this modality. I love my work and my lifestyle, and it has unfolded to a brand that I now call, “Living Vibrantly Now with Katica.” Join our community and learn more at our website: www.katicatv.com. Visit us on Facebook (Katica and Kathy Rivera Wallace) Twitter (Katicatv) or by phone at 727-560-8162.
“Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you’ll land among the stars!”—Les Brown
Kathy “Katica” Rivera Wallace lives her own brand, Living Vibrantly. Katica earned her degree in business and marketing. After years of the corporate grind, Katica worked with her husband to grow their family business, as she continued volunteering in her community. Her naturally giving spirit was reinvigorated through these experiences, leading her on a path of self-improvement with an emphasis on gaining knowledge and certifications that would allow her to help others Live Vibrantly. She achieved certifications in Hypnotherapy, Qi Gong, Food Healing and Ancestral Clearing. Kathy also studied and practices Transcendental Meditation (Maharishi Mahesh Yogi). Through her award-winning webcast, Katica: Living Vibrantly, that seeks to help her audience live a vibrant life by aligning body, mind and spirit. Visit www.katicatv.com.
