For a long time, I've been fascinated by the nature and functions of consciousness and perception. Many years ago—at least a decade or more—I began jotting down my thoughts using a kind of personal expression system or symbolic language to understand these ideas more clearly.

Those original notes are no longer with me, but some of the core concepts have stayed in my memory. This page is an attempt to recall, rebuild, and expand upon that inner language— while also recording my current thoughts on human consciousness.

This is a draft page, a work in progress. It will grow over time, ideally evolving into something more useful and practical. Eventually, it should lead to action points or frameworks for solving problems. Until then, the entire page or some sections may feel incomplete, abstract, or even meaningless on their own.

The Language (Early Units and Definitions)

An abstract, vibrant illustration featuring two stylized human head silhouettes facing each other. The heads are filled with a complex pattern of swirling lines, organic shapes, and geometric forms in shades of purple, blue, pink, and yellow. Interspersed within these patterns are various symbols and glyphs that resemble an invented written language. The overall image evokes concepts of consciousness, perception, and inner thought.

This personal language was never formalised—it grew organically as a way to symbolise how I experience self, others, and reality. Here are some of the core symbols and meanings:

i = the individual being, the self as experienced.
I = the Supreme or All-Encompassing Being—panentheistic, omnipresent, everything that includes and surrounds all individual is.
Om = Used interchangeably with I, often with a spiritual emphasis (Sarveshwara, Sanatana).
i→I = The journey of the self toward wholeness. A transformation of identity—from fragmentation to integration.
iE or iExist: awareness that i exists. This is the strongest feeling in consciousness. All activities, thoughts, and emotions form around it.
iP or iPerception = the perception experienced by the individual i; a unique subjective lens. iP is the vessel — it carries i through the unfolding of reality, toward I. It interprets, distorts, shapes, and sometimes reveals. It is the churning surface between inner world and outer world.
u = a symbolic stand-in for "you" or any other being distinct from i.
Ω distance (Omega distance) = a conceptual metric to represent the emotional or existential "distance" between i and u.

It ranges from 0 to 1.
Ω (Omega) = 0 implies no separation—deep identification or unity.
Ω (Omega) = 1 reflects complete disconnect—alienation, otherness, or indifference.
The lower the Ω (Omega) distance, the stronger the feeling of connection, empathy, or love.

Ω point (Omega point) = A concept borrowed from Pierre Teilhard de Chardin. Represents a final stage of conscious unification — the destiny of perception. Please see Omega Point article on Wikipedia.
Ψ (Psi) = The Collective Unconscious. The shared psychic substratum beneath all i-s. A term coined by Carl Jung, it refers to the deep layer of the unconscious mind that is common to all humans. It contains inherited patterns, instincts, archetypes — mythic structures that shape behaviour and perception. Please see the Wikipedia article on Collective Unconscious.

EEG Bands

Electroencephalography, or EEG, records the brain's electrical rhythms through sensors placed on the scalp. These rhythms do not run randomly but fall into distinct ranges, known as frequency bands. The slowest, called delta, are strongest in deep sleep and unconscious states. Theta waves come next, often seen during drowsiness, drifting thought, or creative and meditative moments. Alpha rhythms appear in quiet wakefulness, especially with eyes closed, and bring a sense of relaxed clarity. Beta activity is faster, tied to thinking, alertness, and problem-solving, but can also signal tension. Gamma waves, the quickest, help bind information across brain regions and may accompany insight or heightened awareness.

Mnemonics: To remember the five EEG bands—Delta, Theta, Alpha, Beta, and Gamma—you can use simple mnemonics. Daring Tigers Always Bring Gold matches each first letter to a band in order. Another option is Deep Thoughts Always Bring Growth, which also hints at what the bands do: Delta for deep sleep, Theta for creativity, Alpha for calm awareness, Beta for focus, and Gamma for high-level cognition. Whenever you need to recall the sequence, just think of these short, visual phrases—they make it easy to remember both the names and their order without memorising numbers or definitions.

Band	Frequency (Hz)	Details
Delta	0.5–4	Deep sleep; unconscious foundation; slowest rhythm.
Theta	4–8	Drowsiness, daydreaming, creative flow, light meditation.
Alpha	8–12	Relaxed wakefulness, calm, strongest with eyes closed.
Beta	13–30	Active thinking, focus, problem-solving, alertness.
Gamma	30–100+	Fastest band; higher cognition, sensory binding, insight.

Delta Band

Delta waves are the slowest brain rhythms, typically ranging from 0.5 to 4 hertz. They dominate during deep, dreamless sleep and are closely tied to unconscious processes. High delta activity helps the body and brain consolidate rest, repair tissue, and refresh overall physiological functions. In awake states, excessive delta may indicate disconnection or neurological issues. While often overlooked because of their slowness, delta waves form the foundation of the brain’s electrical activity, supporting other rhythms and creating a baseline for more complex mental processes. They are essential for deep restorative sleep and maintaining balance between mind and body.

Theta Band

Theta waves are slightly faster than delta, typically spanning 4 to 8 hertz. They appear during light sleep, drowsiness, or moments when the mind turns inward. Theta is often associated with daydreaming, creativity, and meditative states, supporting imaginative thinking and memory consolidation. In practices like mantra repetition or deep contemplation, theta activity can increase, reflecting a shift away from external focus. While beneficial in relaxation and learning, excessive theta during wakefulness may reduce alertness. Overall, theta waves act as a bridge between unconscious delta rhythms and the more alert, cognitive alpha and beta waves, playing a key role in mental integration.

Alpha Band

Alpha waves typically range from 8 to 12 hertz and are most prominent during relaxed wakefulness, especially when the eyes are closed. They are often called the brain's "idling rhythm," providing a state of calm clarity without active mental effort. Alpha activity tends to increase during meditation, quiet reflection, or simple relaxation, supporting a peaceful but alert mind. When attention shifts to demanding tasks, alpha waves diminish, making their suppression a useful indicator of concentration. These rhythms help the brain transition smoothly between rest and active thought, offering a stabilising backdrop for higher cognitive functions and emotional balance.

Beta Band

Beta waves range from about 13 to 30 hertz and are associated with active thinking, problem-solving, and focused attention. They dominate when the brain is engaged with tasks requiring alertness, planning, or decision-making. Beta activity also rises during stress or external stimulation, reflecting heightened mental and physical arousal. While necessary for cognitive performance and daily functioning, sustained high beta can contribute to anxiety or restlessness. These waves help the mind interact with the outside world, enabling logical reasoning, learning, and coordinated action. Beta rhythms work alongside slower bands like alpha and theta to maintain a balanced state of conscious awareness.

Gamma Band

This page was last updated on: 23 August 2025

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Silent Contemplation

Consciousness & Perception