Scientists still find it hard to define consciousness up to today. It is more than just your thought, mood and an awareness of your environment. Rather it is an integral part of yourself that even dictates what truths in reality you perceive.
By this I mean that two people could both by conscious and still view the same situation differently.
So your consciousness dictates your perception and your perception informs your consciousness and there is no chicken or egg. Science believe that even a fetus develops a consciousness while in the womb, not to mention the myriad of animals that have identities of their own and peculiar thought processes.
These why society, which has a group consciousness, is forever debating abortions and cruelty to animals.
It is from our consciousness that we can appreciate other beings consciousness and so show compassion and empathy.
Like I mentioned in my blog on the Power of Habits, we are not even conscious or aware of most of the decision we make in a day: we see the cue, enter the loop, get the reward and move on.
This was a necessary evolution trait and should not be eliminated: we have too much to do that are routine so we need habits to optimise brain energy. But the Power of Habit showed us hot to take control and enforce the habits we prefer to imbibe. And this correction of habits can only start with a conscious choice.
I have been writing a lot about will and choice because it is fundamental not only to my faith but also every aspect of our lives including the economist and financial behaviour which is my area of specialisation. Firstly, incentives and consideration of opportunity costs make for sound choices in economics while investment policy statements clearly define the “investing consciousness” of the client making it easier to make financial decisions.
In conclusion, it is never too late to become aware of some the habits or choices, we are making that we would rather not. That is just a learning opportunity to incorporate the right actions and get a more favourable result. And habits and choices formed from an awareness that strives to solve problems and share love will never go wrong.
God Bless.