Sleep, Dreams, And Consciousness (2)

Seth Speaks, Session 533

Sleep, Dreams, And Consciousness (2)

It is well known that fluctuations of consciousness and alertness exist in the sleep state.  Some periods of dream activity do indeed supersede those of some waking states.  But there are also fluctuations in normal waking consciousness, rhythms of intense activity followed by a much less active period of consciousness.

Some waking states, of course, come very close to sleep states.  These blend one into the other so that the rhythm often goes unnoticed.  These gradations of consciousness are accompanied by changes in the physical organism.  In the more sluggish periods of waking consciousness there is a lack of concentration, a cutting off of stimuli to varying degrees, an increase in accidents, and generally a lower body tone.

Because of your habits of an extended sleep period, followed by an extended waking period, you do not take advantage of these rhythms of consciousness.  The high peaks are to some extent smothered, or even go unnoticed.  The sharp contrasts and the high efficiency of the natural waking consciousness are barely utilized.

Now I am giving all of this material here because it will help you understand and use your present abilities.  You are asking too much of normal waking consciousness, smoothing out the valleys and peaks of its activity, demanding in some cases that it go full blast ahead when it is actually at a minimal period, denying yourself the great mobility of consciousness that is possible.

The suggestions given earlier in this chapter, concerning sleeping habits, will result in a natural use of these rhythms.  The peaks will be experienced more frequently.  Concentration will be increased, problems seen more clearly, and learning capacities better utilized.

This extended period, given to waking consciousness without rest periods, builds up chemicals in the blood that are discharged in sleep.  But in the meantime they make the body sluggish and retard conscious concentration.  The long sleep period to which you are accustomed then does become necessary.  A vicious circle then is formed.  This forces over stimulations during the night, increasing the body’s work, making it perform continuously over an extended time physical purifications that ideally would be taken care of in briefer periods of rest.  The ego feels threatened by the extended “leave of absence” it must take, becomes wary of sleep, and sets up barriers against the dream state.  Many of these are highly artificial.

A seeming duality is the result and a mistrust on one part of the self toward the other.  Much creative material of quite practical value is lost in the process.  The procedures mentioned would allow much greater access to such information, and the waking self would be more refreshed.  The symbolism in dreams would appear with greater clarity, not, for example, be lost through the many hours you now give to sleep.

Muscular strength would benefit.  The blood would be cleansed more effectively than when the body lies prone for such a time.  Most of all, there would be far – if you will excuse me – better communication between the subjective layers of the self, an increased sense of security, and, particularly with children, an earlier kindling of creative abilities.

A clear, uncluttered, bright, and powerful consciousness needs frequent rest periods if its efficiency is to be maintained, and if it is to correctly interpret reality.  Otherwise it distorts what is perceived.

Rest or sleep cures – very extended sleep periods – have been helpful for therapy in some cases, not because extended sleep is in itself beneficial, but because so many toxins had built up that such extended periods were required.  Learning processes are definitely hampered through your present habits, for there are certain periods when consciousness is attuned to learning, and yet you try to force learning during unrecognized minimal periods.  Creative and psychic abilities are thrust into the background simply because of this artificial division.  Dualities result that affect all of your activities.

In some cases you literally force yourselves to sleep when your consciousness could be at one of its maximum points.  This is, incidentally, in the predawn period.  In certain afternoon hours consciousness is lowered, and needs refreshment that is instead denied.

If the stages of waking consciousness were examined as sleep stages are presently being examined, for example, you would find a much greater range of activity than is suspected.  Certain transition stages are completely ignored.  In many ways it can be said that consciousness does indeed flicker, and varies in intensities.  It is not like a steady beam of light, for instance.