Conceptual impressions surrounding this post are yet to be substantiated, corroborated, confirmed or woven into a larger argument, context or network. Objective: To generate symbolic links between scientific discovery and design awareness.
Dissecting the brain in search of consciousness is like disassembling a watch in order to find time.
Hypothesis: Consciousness is a field of vibrational energy. The field of consciousness is unique and omnipresent. Consciousness is a ubiquitous field of energy in the form of light and information. This field becomes cognizable by virtue of its energy being in perpetual motion, i.e. energy in motion. Consciousness is dualistic in nature, which in turn creates an incalculable number of impressions within and beyond its Presence.
Consciousness' Presence substantiates its own attendance by recognizing its own fluctuation between states of awareness that likewise create its own constraints. Within the parameters of this self- contained existence, internal impulses generate an infinite number of unpredictable events, circumstances and formations of energy which appear both designed and chaotic when observed from a complementary perspective.
Humanity reflects a similar design found to be measurable at microcosmic levels. Humanity actively participates in a commonly shared Consciousness merely by being a symbolic formulation of it. We each observe and perceive consciousness from our own POV. We likewise participate in the expression of this conscious system of energy in our own unique way. A pure understanding of Consciousness remains unknown when observed from microcosmic levels only until the context of that observation becomes increasingly embracing. Humanity is a metaphor - a design in search for the meaning and purpose in support of the very Consciousness it strives to know and experience.
formulation 1 the action of devising or creating something: a particular expression of an idea, thought, or theory. 2 a material or mixture prepared according to a particular formula.
It is within the context that preserves this boundless field of Conscious energy that a variety of forms and patterns of appear to emerge. Energy in the form of light and information prevail, complementary results of an attractive pulsation between divergences within itself. Attractions repulsed creating disturbances from within. Vibrations in the form of waves emerge joining together, expanding and contracting into crests and troughs of a toroidal presence - micro fields chaotically surfacing to be observed.
Such events seem to have surfaced out of nowhere because there is nowhere only now, manifestations mostly occurring beyond our senses, undulating before our awareness, complementing their common singularity while divergent in character and expression. So many virtual attributes appear to be central to a core/source deep within this unknown Presence, a nucleus that becomes apparent by means of a series of wave of projection and stemming from a wide variety depths and re-sources, all moving and crossing themselves like immiscible agents within the context of a commonly shared medium, a universe, a wholeness, unity. We sense, observer, perceive, imagine, interpret, feel, act upon and believe that together these attributes represent and are contingent upon a contemporary definition/ understanding of consciousness.
virtual: adjective almost or nearly as described, but not completely or according to strict definition: • Computing not physically existing as such but made by software to appear to do so: a virtual computer. also virtual reality. • Physics denoting particles or interactions with extremely short lifetimes and (owing to the uncertainty principle) indefinitely great energies, postulated as intermediates in some processes.
Perceptions are centered about certain characteristics and qualities harbored within a particular POV metaphorically described and symbolically expressed as consciousness.
Our interpretation of these "objective" events are actually the result/product of a series of subjective impressions, i.e. experiences, made from the stuff only we can perceive from a highly concentrated/focused POV. These feelings and interpretations become substantiated by means of experiences shared and subjective, symbolic and metaphorical interpretations made from within a context of never-ending change. Energy in motion so often felt and described as an e-motion in support of every desire and/or need to find and experience a balance and/or harmony in every situation encountered in Life. In reference to humanity our emotions are the force that drive us both literally and figuratively. Our desire to make sense of the world, to understand the meaning and purpose of Life is the major POV from which every observation is made. *
* e-motion conjures up every impression made from a subjective POV as does the mind an objective interpretation surrounding a common event and/or experience. Together they seek balance and harmony by means of creating a form, i.e. a design, by means of substantiating, i.e. bringing to Life, certain qualities within a universe/reality/wholeness of our own making. The entire experience (Reality) is a design in process in the making, a design process that is symbolically transpiring before our awareness/consciousness, a design process contingent upon symbolic creation, expression and implementation by means of symbol, metaphor and analogy.
* * *
The Design of Consciousness: A Multidisciplinary Inquiry into the Field of Awareness
The reductionist approach of dissecting the brain to uncover consciousness parallels the futility of dismantling a clock to locate time. While the mechanical constituents may yield insights into operational structure, they fail to reveal the ontological essence of the phenomenon in question. This analogy highlights the central epistemological limitation of the materialist paradigm in consciousness studies: the conflation of structural causality with emergent experiential phenomena (Chalmers, 1995).
Consciousness as a Field of Vibrational Energy
We hypothesize that consciousness is not a byproduct of neural complexity alone, but rather a fundamental vibrational field—an omnipresent matrix of energy manifesting as both light and information. This view aligns with emerging interpretations in quantum field theory (QFT) where fields, rather than particles, are regarded as the primary substrate of reality (Wilczek, 2008). Consciousness, in this framing, is not merely localized to biological systems but is a cosmic medium—a ubiquitous field in perpetual oscillation.
The dualistic nature of consciousness—its simultaneous immanence and transcendence—gives rise to an incalculable multiplicity of impressions, appearing both as subjective experience and objective form. This aligns with quantum duality, wherein phenomena like light exhibit both wave and particle characteristics depending on the observer's mode of engagement (Bohr, 1934). Likewise, consciousness seems to fluctuate between states of potentiality and actuality—between “being” and “becoming.”
Presence, Perception, and the Semiotic Self
Consciousness substantiates its own presence through a recursive act of self-recognition: a dynamic fluctuation between various states of awareness that paradoxically define and constrain its nature (Varela, Thompson, & Rosch, 1991). This recursive self-awareness may be interpreted semiotically, wherein signs and symbols, as theorized by Peirce (1955), mediate our internal apprehension of self and world. The self, then, becomes a semiotic construct—a signification node within the broader field of conscious energy.
The internal impulses within this field—what Jung (1960) might describe as archetypal energies—generate unpredictable formations and patterns. These emergent forms, observable both in thought and matter, appear simultaneously chaotic and purposeful. Their complexity resonates with design theory, which posits that design is both an intentional act and an emergent outcome of iterative, adaptive processes (Cross, 2006).
Human Consciousness as Microcosmic Design
Human consciousness reflects the structural and energetic principles observed at microcosmic and macrocosmic levels—a fractal embodiment of the universe's broader conscious field. Just as the holographic principle in physics suggests that each part contains information about the whole (Bousso, 2002), human beings may be viewed as localized formulations of a cosmic totality. Our capacity to perceive, interpret, and express is not merely a product of biology but an act of symbolic participation in a shared metaphysical structure (Barfield, 1965).
This symbolic formulation aligns with semiotic theory, where signs (including language, metaphor, and analogy) mediate our cognitive interaction with reality. Our understanding of consciousness, then, is not accessed directly, but metaphorically—through models, symbols, and narratives that arise from within the field of experience itself (Eco, 1976).
The Emergence of Form and Meaning in a Vibratory Universe
Within the boundless context of this conscious field, waves of energy manifest as information-bearing light—vibrations arising from internal tensions and polarities within the field. These dynamic interactions give rise to patterns that resemble the toroidal structures found in electromagnetism, cosmology, and spiritual traditions alike (Braden, 2007). Toroidal fields, with their characteristic in-folding and out-folding patterns, may serve as a metaphorical and mathematical representation of how consciousness self-organizes across scales.
Events appear to "surface from nowhere" because they emerge from now-here—from the immediacy of presence. Quantum physics challenges the notion of locality, suggesting that space-time itself is emergent from deeper, nonlocal relations (Rovelli, 2018). Consciousness, therefore, might be better understood not as a linear phenomenon moving through time, but as a holographic resonance, occurring simultaneously across dimensions, beyond conventional sensory limits.
Virtuality, Perception, and Emotional Intelligence
These emergent experiences, though virtual in nature, possess genuine ontological weight. The term "virtual" here, borrowed from both computational and quantum contexts, denotes entities that are not physically instantiated yet exert causal effects (Heisenberg, 1958). Conscious experiences, too, are virtual in this sense—existing at the intersection of neurological substrates, symbolic cognition, and subjective interpretation.
Perception is always grounded in a particular point of view (POV), shaped by psychological conditioning, cultural narratives, and evolutionary biases (Lakoff & Johnson, 1999). Emotions—or “e-motions”—represent energy in motion: symbolic responses that arise in reaction to environmental stimuli, personal memories, and imagined futures. They are both the force and the form that guide human meaning-making processes.
From the standpoint of design theory, emotions serve as intuitive feedback mechanisms in our interaction with reality, influencing our aesthetic and ethical judgments (Norman, 2004). The mind interprets objective data, but the heart evaluates its significance. Together, they co-create a symbolic design—a personal cosmology—through which the individual participates in the ongoing evolution of the conscious field.
Toward a Symbolic Cosmogenesis
Our lived reality—our entire lifeworld—may be understood as a symbolic cosmos in the process of becoming. Every observation, thought, and act contributes to the iterative unfolding of a larger design: a participatory universe in which form and meaning are inseparably linked. Through metaphor, analogy, and symbol, we give shape to our inner worlds and, by extension, to the outer one.
This view challenges the dichotomy between objective and subjective, suggesting instead that reality is a co-emergent phenomenon—a design in perpetual motion, formed by consciousness, through consciousness, for consciousness.
References (APA Style)
- Barfield, O. (1965). Saving the appearances: A study in idolatry. Harcourt, Brace & World.
- Bohr, N. (1934). Atomic theory and the description of nature. Cambridge University Press.
- Bousso, R. (2002). The holographic principle. Reviews of Modern Physics, 74(3), 825–874. https://doi.org/10.1103/RevModPhys.74.825
- Braden, G. (2007). The divine matrix: Bridging time, space, miracles, and belief. Hay House.
- Chalmers, D. J. (1995). Facing up to the problem of consciousness. Journal of Consciousness Studies, 2(3), 200–219.
- Cross, N. (2006). Designerly ways of knowing. Springer.
- Eco, U. (1976). A theory of semiotics. Indiana University Press.
- Heisenberg, W. (1958). Physics and philosophy: The revolution in modern science. Harper & Row.
- Jung, C. G. (1960). The structure and dynamics of the psyche (R.F.C. Hull, Trans.). Princeton University Press.
-Lakoff, G., & Johnson, M. (1999). Philosophy in the flesh: The embodied mind and its challenge to Western thought. Basic Books.
- Norman, D. A. (2004). Emotional design: Why we love (or hate) everyday things. Basic Books.
- Peirce, C. S. (1955). Philosophical writings of Peirce (J. Buchler, Ed.). Dover Publications.
- Rovelli, C. (2018). The order of time. Riverhead Books.
-Varela, F. J., Thompson, E., & Rosch, E. (1991). The embodied mind: Cognitive science and human experience. MIT Press.
- Wilczek, F. (2008). The lightness of being: Mass, ether, and the unification of forces. Basic Books.
* * *
Aug. 6, 2025 by Jana Gregor, Max-Planck-Institut fur Mathermatik in den Naturwissenschafter (MPIMIS)
"Metaphors are a fundamental aspect of human language and cognition, allowing us to understand complex concepts and relationships by mapping them onto more familiar and concrete domains. However, the nature of metaphors and how they work is still not well understood.
The study confirms the fundamental assumption in conceptual metaphor theory that metaphors are enduring linguistic and cognitive structures, not merely rhetorical figures. Using complex systems tools, the researchers identified a metaphor network with distinctions between abstract and concrete categories, and two significant metaphorical processes: mappings from concrete to abstract topics and the emergence of new mappings between concrete domains.
The study also found that metaphors concentrate on two small sets of everyday topics, with one within the concrete group serving as both strong source and target domains, and the other in the abstract group primarily acting as targets. These findings indicate that metaphor is a creative process driven by contrast and tension between topics which allow re-conceptualizations and the emergence of new similarities."
* * *
* * *
Virtual particles exist for a very short time. Within the parameters of 3D space/time these bundles of energy (photons) appear in the form of patterns of light and information by virtue of a law of conservation and correspondence. They like metaphor and analogy both create fields of energy in motion by means of creating an awareness that cannot be fully explained alone. Symbolic in origin these "fields of awareness" interface, interact, congeal and collaborate in the creation of a more expansive field we identify as consciousness.
Emerging from the chaos of a conceptual unknown a conceptual field of virtual energy brings a conscious awareness in the form of an observer reflecting upon the qualities and patterns of what is being observed, qualities brought to symbolic fruition by means of metaphor and analogy. Bestowed upon this association is the creation of a field of consciousness as we’ve come to know and perceive as reality.
For practical purposes we might best interpret consciousness as a Great Mystery, the Source, the Origin, the Unknown, the Universe, the Logos or the Tao. They all express, represent and/or portray, that which is both known (particle fields) and unknown (virtual particle fields). Consequently we rely upon languages designed to symbolically give expression to events and experiences that could never be constructed or articulated otherwise.
Without design there would be no means to describe awareness or consciousness. Without consciousness there would be no awareness of the importance of design, i.e. its meaning and its purpose. The paradox between the known and the unknown, spirit and matter, etc. (duality) can be substantiated, corroborated, confirmed and legitimized by means of a field of universal and symbolic awareness.
Without design there would be no means to describe awareness or consciousness. Without consciousness there would be no awareness of the importance of design, i.e. its meaning and its purpose. The paradox between the known and the unknown, spirit and matter, etc. (duality) can be substantiated, corroborated, confirmed and legitimized by means of a field of universal and symbolic awareness.
Consciousness is a term designed to be used to substantiate a matrix of realizations, events and experiences, i.e. awareness. Consciousness is the context in which both the known and the unknown, i.e. duality, becomes realized and cognizant.
Consciousness is an eternal, everlasting, infinite, amalgamated and unifying field. Creating and thereby composing this universal field of consciousness are an infinite number of expressions appearing as both complementary and conflicting forms (patterns) of energy in motion, i.e. units of energy (virtual particles) being expressed symbolically. These formations, i.e. patterns, can appear to be both highly conditioned and potentially unlimited as result of the changing context in which they are observed. They are reflections of a common source being symbolically expressed in every interpretation of itself. From the point of an observer consciousness can at times, appear separate from its Source. From an observer's POV consciousness can feel restricted while remaining open-ended at the same time. From an observer's POV, i.e. awareness, a design can appear to be both meaningful and purposeful all within the duration of a moment.
"In our willingness to step into the unknown, we surrender ourselves to the creative mind that orchestrates the dance of the universe."
Deepak Chopra
These virtual formations (patterns) can appear to be disconnected while remaining integrated into the field's matrix. Energy in motion (emotion) along with our thoughts re-present the merger of these two higher pitched frequencies (Kama Manas). The material world is a symbolic expression of these forces re-presented at a lower vibratory level of awareness. It has been implied in modern physics that virtual particles can cause an effect, or that an effect can occur because of the existence of virtual particles. The universe is both a material and a virtual reflection of a unifying force field, i.e. a conscious singularity we can’t fully understand or conceive. By means of our imagination all forms of energy in motion appear to emerge from within a virtual state (mental and emotional) of contextual awareness, i.e. consciousness. These vibrational projections are either attracted or repulsed by a pre-conditioned matrix patterned within the context of this greater field of consciousness. All forms of energy including those generated from within, possess a blueprint created by virtue of participating within a greater system of consciousness. Generally speaking, this energy is designed to include both tangible substances and virtual particles. Some cultures and religions label this energy as “chi”, light and/or information.
As designers we can readily assimilate this POV when we commit to purposely view the world as an observer. To respond to our world in any other fashion would be to ignore our own designs in the form of our being, origin, consciousness, awareness and rightful place in the Universe.
Finite expressions made within the awareness of a greater consciousness often appear as fragmented apparitions. In essence they are creative agents producing an expression, i.e. conscious pattern, of their own making. Consciousness conveys the appearance of its own designs which are virtual, i.e. archetypal, in character. These are patterns of energy in motion that harbor the reflections of its own composition. Every matrix connotes a virtual consciousness of its own appearing in the form of a photon, i.e. a bundle of energy that reflects, projects, engulfs and sustains an energy, i.e. light, towards every system contributing to its expression in space/time. These patterns of energy can be found in every electromagnetic spectrum in and around the solar system, galaxy, planet Gaia and the universe.
Separation is temporary due to change. Changes appears at all levels, magnitudes and magnifications. Consciousness measures the Alpha and the Omega by design.
FOOTNOTE: A virtual particle is a particle whose existence is suggested to explain observed phenomenon, but is not proven or directly observable. Encarta World English Dictionary. In physics virtual particles are detectable as forces rather than particles and don’t necessarily appear observable. Simply stated, design is a virtual language whose purpose is to give expression to both observable and unobservable phenomenon. Design is the language of regeneration. It explores the mystery of the Universe by revealing the methods towards attaining greater insight and understanding of our role in the Cosmos.
* * *
The existence of virtual particles in the quantum realm, though fleeting, provides a fascinating intersection of physics, metaphysics, and consciousness studies. These virtual particles, often regarded as energy bundles—specifically photons—manifest momentarily within the fabric of spacetime, governed by the principles of conservation and correspondence (Feynman, 1985). While their ephemeral existence eludes direct observation, their effects are undeniable, providing insight into the foundational nature of reality itself. This duality between appearance and non-being forms a cornerstone of both metaphysical inquiry and modern physics, offering a lens through which we explore the paradoxical nature of consciousness.
In the context of quantum mechanics, virtual particles serve as a metaphor for the very dynamics of consciousness. Just as these particles appear in specific patterns of energy and light, so too does consciousness emerge from a field of interconnected, ephemeral structures. Metaphor and analogy are essential tools for expressing and interpreting the abstract phenomena of both quantum physics and human awareness. The relationship between these forms—whether photons or cognitive structures—emerges as a kind of symbolic interface, a transitory space where the known and unknown, the conscious and unconscious, interact and inform one another (Heisenberg, 1958). In this view, consciousness is not a static, isolated phenomenon but a dynamic field, shaped by the interplay of symbolic and energetic forces that transcend simple perception.
From a metaphysical perspective, the emergence of consciousness can be likened to the unfolding of a great mystery, an unknowable origin or source. This analogy bridges scientific and philosophical discourses, as we understand the universe through symbolic language—a design language that allows us to express the ineffable. The philosophical implications of this can be traced to ancient traditions, such as the Tao, which asserts that the Source is both unknowable and immanent (Kuhn, 1974). Consciousness, in this context, is not merely an artifact of the brain but a universal field, an eternal matrix from which both the known and the unknown arise.
Design plays a crucial role in this narrative. Without design—whether in the creation of objects, systems, or abstract concepts—there would be no means to articulate awareness or consciousness. Similarly, without consciousness, the significance of design would remain inaccessible. This symbiotic relationship between design and awareness underscores a fundamental paradox: the duality between the known and unknown, matter and spirit, form and void. This duality is not simply a philosophical abstraction; it is a tangible, observable phenomenon that is fundamental to both quantum physics and human cognition (Capra, 1982).
Consciousness itself can be understood as a matrix of realizations, events, and experiences—an emergent property of complex systems interacting within this symbolic field. In this sense, consciousness is a state in which the boundary between observer and observed dissolves, and reality becomes an ongoing process of self-reflection. The energy patterns that manifest in consciousness are not isolated entities but are interconnected, reflecting a common source that transcends individual perception. These energy patterns, as virtual particles in the quantum field, oscillate between states of order and chaos, revealing the interconnectedness of all things. The observer, therefore, plays a crucial role in the manifestation of reality, suggesting that consciousness itself may be an integral part of the fabric of the universe (Prigogine & Stengers, 1984).
Furthermore, the energy patterns that constitute the material world can be seen as symbolic expressions of higher-order forces—forces that resonate at a vibrational level, influencing the fabric of reality at both macro and micro scales. Virtual particles, like thought patterns, are representations of these energetic fields, whose effects are discernible not as discrete objects but as manifestations of underlying principles. These principles are not confined to the physical realm but extend into the realm of consciousness, where they influence perception, cognition, and the construction of meaning (Hawking, 1988).
From a design theory perspective, the notion of the observer plays a crucial role in shaping the world as we know it. As designers, whether in the realm of architecture, art, or systems theory, we are always engaged in the act of shaping consciousness, framing reality through the lens of our awareness. This act of design, however, is never a solitary one; it is always entangled with the greater cosmic design, the interplay of virtual and material energy that shapes all things. In this way, design becomes a tool for navigating the mystery of the universe, a method for aligning our consciousness with the greater forces at play in the cosmos (Alexander, 1979).
Ultimately, the universe, in both its material and virtual aspects, can be seen as a reflection of a singular, unifying force—consciousness itself. This force, though elusive and difficult to grasp, is woven into the very fabric of reality, shaping all that is known and unknown. It is through the language of design that we can begin to comprehend this force, offering symbolic expressions of both the seen and unseen aspects of existence. In this sense, design is not merely a functional activity but an exploration of the greater mystery, a way of engaging with the unknown while simultaneously contributing to the ongoing creation of reality.
References:
- Alexander, C. (1979). The timeless way of building. Oxford University Press.
- Capra, F. (1982). The Tao of physics: An exploration of the parallels between modern physics and eastern mysticism. Shambhala.
- Feynman, R. P. (1985). QED: The strange theory of light and matter. Princeton University Press.
- Hawking, S. (1988). A brief history of time: From the Big Bang to black holes. Bantam Books.
- Heisenberg, W. (1958). Physics and philosophy: The revolution in modern science. Harper & Row.
- Kuhn, T. S. (1974). The structure of scientific revolutions (2nd ed.). University of Chicago Press.
- Prigogine, I., & Stengers, I. (1984). Order out of chaos: Man's new dialogue with nature. Bantam Books.
The author generated this text in part with GPT-3, OpenAI’s large-scale language-generation model. Upon generating draft language, the author reviewed, edited, and revised the language to their own liking and takes ultimate responsibility for the content of this publication.
“ … humanity is a product of universal law releasing itself through a concatenation of evolving organisms. Humanity is a microcosm by heredity. It is the progeny of substance in motion. The universe is the cause of humanity and if like produces like, humanity cannot be other than a universe. Environment may modify but cannot destroy the universal aspects of humanity.”
Manley P. Hall
* * *
“ … humanity is a product of universal law releasing itself through a concatenation of evolving organisms. Humanity is a microcosm by heredity. It is the progeny of substance in motion. The universe is the cause of humanity and if like produces like, humanity cannot be other than a universe. Environment may modify but cannot destroy the universal aspects of humanity.”
Manley P. Hall
* * *
"To believe is to accept another's truth.
To know is your own creation."
Anonymous
* * *
Edited: 11.29.2013, 01.26.2017, 03.28.2019, 01.27.2021, 11.12.2021, 12.05.2022, 06.04.2023, 08.15.2024, 03.03.2025, 08.10.2025
Find your truth. Know your mind. Follow your heart. Love eternal will not be denied. Discernment is an integral part of self-mastery. You may share this post as long as author, copyright and URL https://designconsciousness.blogspot.com/ is included as the resource and shared on a non-commercial no charge basis. Please note … posts are continually being edited over time. Copyright © 2007 C.G. Garant. All Rights Reserved. (Fair use notice) You are also invited to visit https://designmetaphysics.blogspot.com/, and https://sagariandesignnetwork.blogspot.com and https://www.pinterest.com
No comments:
Post a Comment