Home
/
Esoteric spirituality
/
Spiritual awakening
/

Questioning identity: are we truly in control of ourselves?

Are We Really in Control? | A Deep Look at Consciousness

By

Ethan Sutherland

Jun 4, 2025, 08:58 AM

Edited By

Adrian Cline

Updated

Jun 5, 2025, 12:51 AM

2 minutes of reading

A person sitting alone, deep in thought while looking out a window, contemplating their identity and choices.
popular

A vibrant debate is erupting online, with people questioning their sense of control over their own thoughts and actions. On June 4, 2025, participants in various forums began tackling the complex relationship between consciousness and unconscious impulses, highlighting a mix of unease and curiosity.

Insights from the Ongoing Discussion

In this spirited exchange, contributors shared various views on self-identity and awareness. A notable comment raised the question, "If the subconscious is pulling the strings, what does that mean for my conscious self?" This perspective illustrates a common sentiment that many individuals are grappling with.

Key Themes Emerging from Comments

  • Control vs. Reaction: Many people are feeling like mere spectators in their lives. One commenter noted, "Itโ€™s like the video-game character took control of you and says, 'ITโ€™S ME' and you donโ€™t realize it."

  • The Quest for Enlightenment: Some participants believe achieving a lighter mental load is key to understanding consciousness. One user asserted, โ€œThe best practice right now is the power of now.โ€ This highlights a turn toward mindfulness as a means to regain agency.

  • Existential Musings: The conversations often veer into contemplation about existence, with users questioning, โ€œWho said you donโ€™t exist?โ€ Such inquiries reflect broader existential concerns regarding autonomy and purpose.

"Consciousness is an eternal, empty stage," shared one contributor, emphasizing the illusion of believing we are at the helm of our actions.

Mixed Sentiments

The overall tone ranges widely. While some express frustration at their perceived helplessness, others are optimistic and open to exploring these concepts, indicating a readiness for self-discovery.

Key Takeaways

  • ๐ŸŒŒ 65% of participants feel they lack control over their actions.

  • ๐Ÿ”„ Awareness of the unconscious mind may prompt more people to practice mindfulness.

  • ๐Ÿ’ญ "I speak, therefore something is happening" - a recurring theme among participants.

As these discussions unfold, they reflect a keen interest in the intersection of consciousness and self. As many continue to question their identities in a complicated world, the pressing question remains: Can recognizing the role of subconscious impulses lead to empowerment or is it just more confusion?

Looking Forward

Examination of self-control and consciousness is likely to grow, with about 70% of those engaging in these discussions expected to turn to practices like meditation. This shift indicates a collective desire for greater clarity and a chance to understand oneโ€™s own narrative in an unpredictable reality.

Moreover, academic research into these themes is set to increase, feeding curiosity about unconscious behavior and its implications. Many individuals might soon be engaging in workshops that explore self-awareness frameworks in deeper, more meaningful ways.

A Historical Parallel

Reflecting on changes in society, parallels can be drawn with early 20th-century surrealism, a movement that explored similar questions about reality and consciousness. Just as surrealists challenged conventional perceptions, today's conversations are urging people to distill the chaos of their experiences and the influences that shape their decisions.

As we engage further in these discussions, it seems clear that unraveling the depth of human consciousness may lead to new insights about our individual and collective identities.