Inspired by David R. Hawkins

Levels of Consciousness

Describe a decision you're facing. See which level it's coming from, and how it looks when you make it from Courage and above instead of from survival.

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Step 1 of 3

What's the situation?

Start here

Say what you're deciding, the way you'd tell a friend. Include how it feels.

The energy idea

Force and power

Hawkins split the map at 200, the level of Courage and truth. Below it, decisions run on force: pushing, defending, getting. Above it, they run on power: aligned with what's true and good for everyone, so they hold up on their own.

Force · below 200Power · 200 and up Needs constant effort and justificationSustains itself Creates oppositionDraws cooperation Win/loseWin/win Driven by what you fear losingDriven by what you stand for
Reading the scale

Logarithmic, and not a ranking of people

The numbers are logarithmic, so 300 is far more than 1.5 times 200. A level describes your prevailing state in a moment, and everyone moves around it. Each level has a purpose; the point is to notice where a decision is coming from with compassion, not to judge it.

You move up through repeated choices made from the higher levels. Usually that means one level at a time.

How to use this

Three passes on any decision

  1. Name it. Write the situation honestly, including the feelings.
  2. Locate it. See which level is doing the deciding. Fear, desire, anger and pride are the usual ones.
  3. Re-decide. Ask what you'd choose from Courage, Acceptance, Reason or Love, then take the one next step.

Levels, emotions and views are inspired by David R. Hawkins' Map of Consciousness® (Power vs. Force). Stillmind is independent and isn't affiliated with or endorsed by David R. Hawkins or the Institute for Spiritual Research, Inc. His calibration numbers came from muscle testing, which hasn't held up in controlled studies, so treat this as a lens for reflection, not a measurement. Guidance here isn't a substitute for professional, medical, legal or financial advice. When Inner Light is on (only after you agree), what you write is sent to a third-party AI service to create your reading; this site doesn't store it, and your past reflections stay on your own device. Further reading: Life-Long Learner on measuring consciousness.

Stillmind is for reflection and self-awareness. It is not medical or mental-health advice. If you're in crisis, call or text 988 (US).

Stillness first. Then the choice.