Introduction to Consciousness and Reality

Exploring the Fabric of Existence

Zen Benefiel
4 min readFeb 4, 2024

In the vast expanse of human inquiry, few questions are as profound and enduring as those concerning the nature of consciousness and the essence of reality. This exploration delves into the intricate dance between the seen and unseen, the known and the mysterious, weaving through the fabric of existence to understand how we, as conscious beings, experience and shape our universe.

The Quest for Understanding

At the heart of this quest lies the fundamental question: How do we experience reality? This inquiry is not merely philosophical but encompasses the realms of science, spirituality, and beyond, inviting us to consider the myriad ways in which reality manifests and intertwines with consciousness. I had a spiritual awakening as a teen that could be classified as cosmic consciousness or samadhi. My curiosity of nearly 50 years continues as I seek to explore and explain my discoveries through wordsmithing.

Consciousness: The Observer and the Observed

Consciousness, often defined as the state of being aware of and able to think about one’s existence, experiences, and the environment, is as elusive as it is central to our understanding of reality. It is the lens through which we perceive the world, a bridge between the…

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Zen Benefiel

Vulnerable and radically curious toward harmony among people and planet. Co-Executive Director of Live and Let Live Global Peace Movement and Foundation.