What Is Consciousness ?

Sometimes, as many of you know, I like to play around with philosophical thoughts. This be one of those times.

At the root of all consciousness is awareness. However to be aware of something it must be compared to something else. If that be the case then all consciousness/awareness must be outside the true core of whom we are. It matters not whether it be self awareness of that of another object. Both require a comparison between one thing and another.

I'm assuming we are looking far something greater. An explanation of our true nature whether there is a comparison available or not. Is it even possible for us to have an understanding beyond metaphorical explanations?

One such example would be, "the eye cannot see itself". The only way would be able to view one's eye is in a mirror or in some such reflective manner (physically or otherwise). So be it with thought(s) as well.

Another way of saying this is "all things", mentally or physically speaking, bear witness to our existence, but only bear a limited reflection of whom all we are in our entirety. Think of this another way. Your in a dark cave. When you shine a light on some THING you become aware of it's existence, but only in a limited way. You cannot see all the surroundings at once little alone your own self within the darkness. If one were to focus the flash light entirely on only oneself there'd be even less perception of the what lies outside oneself. Many go through this life in such a manner. But that's a whole other discussion I won't go into here.

This whole matter is like a dog chasing it's own tail.

There are two other things one might consider. There are all those things that exist and those that not yet exist. It may be possible that awareness may come to know what exist (in part), but what has yet to exist lies within awareness itself. It follows then that if time exist only within the world of existence (a world of comparisons) , it doesn't necessarily outside of it. If we remove time from the equation it follows all that is or isn't lies within. So in other words, beyond our human brain's capabilities

Quite the dilemma if we ever hope to understand the paradox that confronts our human understanding of exactly what awareness is (our true being). Hence most people just throw up their hands and go with spiritual religious beliefs. A cop out if you will. It's just easier that way.

It's been said by some who had near death experiences that humans are taking a vacation from the blissfulness that exists beyond this life and looking for adventure. Well that might explain that, but it still doesn't answer the question of whom we truly are at our core, does it? We might be a chip off the old block (God/the creator), but I can't help wonder if God (whatever/whoever that be) is just as inquisitive as we to what's going on?

Even God (he/she/it) understands awareness cannot be born from unawareness. This all has to start somewhere whether time exists or not. Hence I'm led to believe all that exist was created by the first in the hopes of solving this riddle. The impression of an all-knowing God may very well be a false doctrine. Even he/she/it may not know everything either when it comes to he/she/it self. If that be the case one may come to understand the reasons for all things and the creation of things yet to come in the pursuit of such knowledge.

Is there such a thing as eternity or just the illusion of it?If my speedometer only goes up to 100mph am I going, 200mph or 1,000mph?
If I have a foot ruler how do I measure the miles?
To an insect who's life span is 24 hours a year is an eternity.
We have no way of knowing how fast or how far if we don't have a means to measure such.

Now excuse me while I go have a couple of beers and a nap.

What the hell?
You think I had all the answers?
     Didn't learn anything did ya!

After reading this.. that's about 10 minutes you'll never get back.
:-)