Navigating the 18 Waves of Consciousness: A Journey Towards Ascension

The quest for spiritual ascension is often depicted as a ladder of consciousness, where each rung represents a pivotal step toward enlightenment and higher awareness. Central to this journey is the need to navigate through layers of the ego, surrender to greater truths, and cultivate faith in the divine. The 18 waves of consciousness outlined here—ranging from shame to God consciousness—offer a roadmap for those seeking to ascend spiritually.

These steps align with our relationship with the ego, the process of surrender, and the embrace of faith. By understanding each wave, we can better navigate our internal terrain towards enlightenment and a deeper connection with the universe.

The Ego: Releasing the Lower Frequencies

1. Shame

Shame is often the first barrier in our emotional landscape. It stems from societal judgments and deep-seated beliefs about self-worth. According to Dr. Brené Brown, in her book The Gifts of Imperfection, shame is a powerful force that fosters fear and disconnect. To heal from shame, we must recognize it, bring it to light, and understand that it does not define us.

2. Guilt

Closely related to shame, guilt arises when we believe we have failed to meet our own or others' expectations. This emotion can, however, serve as a catalyst for personal growth if used constructively. The key is to learn from our mistakes while releasing the grip of guilt—transforming it into actionable insights for improvement.

3. Apathy

Apathy reflects a disconnection from oneself and the world. It often manifests as an inability to engage with life or take responsibility. Dr. Viktor Frankl, in Man's Search for Meaning, illustrates that finding purpose can help overcome apathy and ignite the will to live more fully.

4. Grief

Grief is the natural response to loss. Though painful, it is also a transformative process that can lead to profound insights about love and attachment. Allowing ourselves to grieve fully can help to release attachments that hinder our spiritual growth.

5. Fear

Fear is a powerful emotion that often holds us back from fully experiencing life and our spiritual journey. As Eleanor Roosevelt famously said, “You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face.” Recognizing fear as a construct rather than an absolute truth is vital for moving to the next wave of consciousness.

6. Desire

Desire can lead to attachment and can often create suffering when we identify too strongly with wanting something external. However, when seen through the lens of intention and purpose, desire can be a motivator for positive change. Spiritual teacher Eckhart Tolle suggests practicing presence to differentiate between healthy desires and those rooted in ego.

7. Anger

Anger is a natural human emotion but, when uncontrolled, can cloud our judgment. By embracing anger as a messenger rather than an enemy, we can harness its energy for healing and transformation. Dr. Marshall Rosenberg, in Nonviolent Communication, emphasizes the importance of expressing anger in a way that facilitates understanding rather than division.

8. Pride

While a sense of pride can be constructive, excessive pride can lead to egotism and separation. Learning to balance pride with humility allows us to recognize our worth without alienating others. The wisdom of spiritual traditions reminds us of our inherent interconnectedness.

Surrender: Awakening to Higher Realities

9. Courage

Once the layers of ego begin to peel away, courage becomes essential. It takes immense bravery to confront our fears and step into the unknown. As author Rilke eloquently stated, “Be patient toward all that is unsolved in your heart and try to love the questions themselves.” Courage allows us to embrace uncertainty as part of our journey.

10. Neutrality

Achieving neutrality means letting go of judgment. In this state, we allow ourselves to observe life without attachment to outcomes. Dr. David R. Hawkins, in Power vs. Force, illustrates that neutrality opens the doors to deeper understandings and insights, ultimately leading to a more peaceful existence.

11. Acceptance

Acceptance is a cornerstone of spiritual growth. It requires surrendering to the present moment and embracing whatever arises. As the Buddha taught, “Acceptance is the answer to all my problems today.” It’s about recognizing that life unfolds as it should, even when it doesn’t align with our expectations.

12. Willingness

Willingness is the active choice to seek growth and transformation. It creates space for new experiences and perspectives. In her book The Law of Attraction, Esther Hicks emphasizes that willingness to receive abundance aligns us with universal forces for good.

13. Reason

The awakening mind seeks understanding through reason. Rational thinking can empower us to discern truth from illusion. However, it’s essential to balance reason with intuition as we ascend, understanding that the intellect is one aspect of a larger experience.

Faith: Embracing Divine Will

14. Love

Love, in its purest form, is a transformative force. It guides us to act from a place of compassion and empathy. As spiritual teacher Marianne Williamson states, “Love is what we are born with. Fear is what we learn.” Cultivating love as a primary motivator propels us toward a higher state of consciousness.

15. Joy

Joy is an elevated state of being, often arising from living in alignment with our true selves. It serves as both a reflection of internal peace and a bridge to deeper spiritual understanding. Author and teacher Eckhart Tolle reminds us in A New Earth that joy is found in the present moment.

16. Peace

Peace is the natural state that emerges from love and joy. It reflects an acceptance of life as it is—a surrender to the flow of the universe. The Dalai Lama teaches that cultivating inner peace not only transforms our lives but also has rippling effects on the world around us.

17. Enlightenment

Enlightenment is often construed as the ultimate goal of spiritual practice. However, it is less about reaching a destination and more about the ongoing process of awakening to higher states of consciousness. Spiritual teacher Thich Nhat Hanh states, “Enlightenment is the ability to see that life is beautiful just as it is.” This realization fosters a sense of gratitude and reverence.

18. God Consciousness or Ascension

The final wave of consciousness, often referred to as God Consciousness or Ascension, involves identifying with the divine essence within ourselves and all beings. It transcends the limitations of personal identity, inviting us to participate in the collective consciousness of humanity. As spiritual leader Sri Aurobindo said, “Man is a transitional being; he is not the highest form of existence.”

Conclusion: Embracing the Journey

The 18 waves of consciousness serve as a guiding framework for our spiritual evolution. As we navigate through each stage—moving from the depths of ego to the heights of divine consciousness—we cultivate a deeper understanding of ourselves and our interconnectedness with the universe.

This journey is neither linear nor simplistic; instead, it demands continual introspection, healing, and growth. In embracing these waves of consciousness, we align ourselves with a higher purpose, fostering compassion, understanding, and unity in our world.

Each step we take offers an opportunity to transcend our limitations and fully inhabit our divine essence. As we ascend, we can inspire others to do the same, co-creating a world rooted in love, joy, and peace.

References

- Brown, Brené. The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You're Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are. Hazelden Publishing, 2010.

- Frankl, Viktor. Man's Search for Meaning. Beacon Press, 2006.

- Tolle, Eckhart. A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life's Purpose. Penguin Group, 2005.

- Rosenberg, Marshall. Nonviolent Communication: A Language of Life. PuddleDancer Press, 2015.

- Hawkins, David R. Power vs. Force: The Hidden Determinants of Human Behavior. Hay House, 2002.

- Williamson, Marianne. A Return to Love: Reflections on the Principles of A Course in Miracles. HarperOne, 1992.

- Aurobindo, Sri. The Life Divine. Arya Publishing House, 1939.

- Hanh, Thich Nhat. The Heart of the Buddha's Teaching: Transforming Suffering into Peace, Joy, and Liberation. Broadway Books, 1999.

The journey toward ascension is an evolving experience, reminding us that spiritual growth is not only about what we learn but about what we are willing to release and embrace. The path is yours—walk it with courage and love, and invite others to join you on this transformative quest.

--Julia O’Hara

Here is a link where you can purchase my CD, “Dreamcatcher”.

https://elasticstage.com/juliaohara/releases/dreamcatcher-album

YouTube Top Song List.

https://www.YouTube.com/results?search_query=julia+o%27hara+top+songs

Amazon PlayList

https://www.amazon.com//music/player/artists/B0D5JP6QYN/julia-o'hara

Spotify PlayList

https://open.spotify.com/artist/2sVdGmG90X3BJVn457VxWA

You can also purchase my books here:

https://www.lulu.com /spotlight/julie-ohara

I am also a member of Buy Me A Coffee – a funding site where you can “buy me a cup of coffee.”

https:www.buymeacoffee.com/JulieOHara