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What is Dr. Hawkin's Scale of Consciousness?
What Does "Scale of Consciousness" Actually Mean?
The Scale of Consciousness, developed by Dr. David Hawkins, is a system for understanding different levels of human awareness, emotional states, and thought patterns. Rather than referring to "enlightenment" in a vague or mystical sense, it is rooted in psychology, neuroscience, and behavioral research on how different emotional and mental states affect perception and decision-making.
Breaking It Down: Consciousness as Awareness
In psychological terms, consciousness refers to a person's level of awareness—both of themselves and the world around them.
- At lower levels, consciousness is narrow and reactive (e.g., someone stuck in shame or fear sees the world as threatening).
- At higher levels, consciousness is expanded and responsive (e.g., someone operating from love and acceptance sees more possibilities, solutions, and deeper meaning in life).
Dr. Hawkins’ scale ranks these different levels of awareness based on how they influence our thoughts, emotions, and actions. He observed that certain emotions—like shame, guilt, or fear—limit awareness and keep people trapped in rigid or survival-based thinking. In contrast, emotions like love, joy, and peace allow for greater clarity, problem-solving, and wisdom.
Psychological Basis for the Scale
While some associate the scale with spirituality, it actually has strong psychological roots in areas such as:
Emotional Intelligence: Recognizing and regulating emotions is key to self-awareness and personal growth. The scale reflects how different emotional states impact decision-making and perception.
Cognitive Psychology: Thoughts shape emotions, which shape actions. The scale helps map out limiting vs. expansive thought patterns that drive behavior.
Developmental Psychology: Human awareness evolves over time. People naturally move through different levels of perception, from ego-centered survival thinking to higher, more interconnected awareness.
Neuroscience & Stress Response: The lower levels on the scale (shame, fear, anger) are linked to fight-or-flight responses, while the higher levels (acceptance, love, peace) are associated with a regulated nervous system and higher cognitive function.
Dr. Hawkins' work provides a structured way to observe and measure these patterns, helping people shift from reactive emotional states to more intentional, balanced ways of thinking.
Why Call It a "Scale"?
The term "scale" refers to the ranking system Hawkins used to organize different levels of consciousness in a measurable way.
- The scale isn’t about spiritual superiority—it’s a map of human awareness that shows how emotions affect perception, choices, and well-being.
- It’s like a thermometer for emotional and mental states—showing where we are and how we can shift toward greater balance and clarity.
Just like physical health has measurable indicators (heart rate, blood pressure, etc.), our mental and emotional state can also be observed, understood, and improved. The Scale of Consciousness provides a roadmap for increasing self-awareness and emotional resilience.
Understanding the Scale: Where Do You Land?
- 20= Shame (is experienced as) Feeling worthless, withdrawing from life.
- 30= Guilt = Self-blame, stuck in the past
- 75= Grief = Feeling hopeless or lost
- 100= Fear = Worrying, avoiding challenges
- 150= Anger = Blaming others, feeling frustrated
- 175= Pride = Defensive, stubborn, needing to be "right"
- 200= Courage = Willing to grow, taking responsibility
- 250= Neutrality = Letting go of resistance, being flexible
- 350= Acceptance = Understanding, forgiving, moving forward
- 500= Love = Choosing kindness, acting from compassion
- 600+= Peace & Enlightenment = Deep wisdom, spiritual clarity
Notice that 200 is a key turning point. Below 200, emotions like fear, anger, and shame keep us stuck in survival mode. At 200 and above, we start making choices based on courage, trust, and truth.
How Can You Use the Scale for Self-Awareness?
✔ Recognize Where You Are – When you feel stuck in negative emotions, ask yourself: What level am I at right now?
✔ Shift Your Mindset – Small changes, like practicing gratitude or taking deep breaths, can move you up the scale.
✔ Align with Truth – Ask, Am I choosing from fear, or from truth?
Watch Dr. Hawkins Explain Muscle Testing
If you’re curious about how Dr. Hawkins used muscle testing to develop this scale, check out this video:
Final Thoughts: How to Move Up the Scale
To elevate your consciousness and live more in alignment with truth, focus on:
✔ Self-awareness – Notice where you are without judgment.
✔ Releasing fear – Choose trust instead of control.
✔ Seeking truth – Align your actions with what brings lasting peace.
✔ Spiritual alignment – Choose love, faith, and integrity over fear and pride.
Does This Resonate With You? You might like this blog on Manifesting too!
What helps you shift from lower emotions (like fear or anger) to higher ones (like peace or love)? Let’s talk in the comments!
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Hey, I'm Christa…
Restorative Living is a space created to support your healing journey- helping you find emotional freedom, reconnect with your true self, and develop the conviction to live aligned with your deepest truth. Through insights, science-backed methods, and real-world applications, this blog explores what it truly means to heal (mind, body, and spirit) so you can move forward with clarity, peace, and purpose.