Higher Consciousness Awareness
The Evolving Self by Robert Kegan
I took Graduate classes at Harvard on these Five Orders of Maturity/Development/Awareness/Consciousness. They are from Robert Kegan. You can read the book, The Evolving Self, here.
These concepts are academic, however, extremely spiritual.
For instance, a person who is a 2 would be very superficial.
A person who is a 3 would kind of be a societal robot.
A person who is a 4 would be more self-directed and self-reflective.
A person who is a 5 would have universal consciousness —
A person who is a 5 would mean you are able to listen, understand, be compassionate, neutral, and connect the dots.
You are not involved in gossipy affairs, but rather observe the people around you.
It is actually very Hindu. I am a spiritualist and have studied Hinduism and Carl Jung, and it is very similar.
To learn more about these concepts, I have copied from Google AI the concepts from the book:
“Robert Kegan’s The Evolving Self (1982) outlines a constructive-developmental theory wherein adult development is a lifelong process of transforming how we construct meaning, moving through five distinct, increasingly complex stages (or orders of consciousness). Development is driven by the tension between “individuation” (separation) and “inclusion” (connection).
The 5 Orders of Consciousness (Stages of Development):
Impulsive Mind (First Order) (Childhood): Driven by immediate impulses, perceptions, and reflexes. The self is entirely subject-driven.
Imperial Mind (Second Order) (Adolescence): The self is defined by personal needs, desires, and instrumental logic. Others are viewed based on how they serve the self.
Socialized Mind (Third Order) (Conventional Adult): The self is defined by relationships and societal expectations. One internalizes the values of an authority or group.
Self-Authoring Mind (Fourth Order) (Self-Directed Adult):
The self is defined by an internal set of values and an autonomous identity. One creates their own “internal authority” and can manage relationships.
Self-Transforming Mind (Fifth Order) (Interindividual):
The self is defined by its ability to hold multiple perspectives. One recognizes the limitations of their own belief system and embraces contradiction and change.
Key Principles of Evolving Self:
Constructive-Developmental: Individuals actively construct their understanding of reality, which evolves toward higher complexity.
The Tension of Development: Life involves a constant balancing act between the need for autonomy and the need for connection.
Lifelong Growth: Development does not stop in adolescence; meaningful transformation can occur throughout adulthood.
Contextual Understanding: Different developmental stages have their own strengths and struggles, requiring compassionate, customized mentorship and counselorship.”
— Source: Google AI
Does this all make sense you? Do you have any questions?
With Gratitude,
Ashley Heacock, Researcher, Writer, Mentor, Healer, Guide
MIT Sloan School of Management, MBA
Harvard Kennedy School of Government, MPA
The George Washington University, BA Economics, BA International Affairs
Contact: ashleyheacock@gmail.com
Website: awakeningconsciousness.community
