Comments on: Shapes of Mind: The 10 Stages of Consciousness

By: Eric Belsterling

Eric Belsterling — Fri, 25 Jun 2021 16:21:01 +0000

Rob,
Fantastic summary!. For someone who is a neophyte with Integral theory (introduced in 04). I’m vehemently learning Dan Seigel’s Interpersonal Neurobiolgy and cannot help but think how this model plays a part in development. His concept of “Mind” being an interaction among “Mind”, “Brain” and “Relationships.” I also cannot help but imagine incorporating his 9 Domains of Integration with the AQAL/Integral model. I also could not help ask the question where the concept of “Shadow” (both individual and collective) falls into what you say influences the what, where, how, when we move from one state to another. I would imagine Shadow falls in “input” and “What we don’t know,” and once brought into the light, “What we know.” The journey continues!

By: Cook-Greuter

Cook-Greuter — Thu, 22 Oct 2020 23:06:56 +0000

Hi Sara:
the 5-10 years refers to the optimal and natural possibility for growing through the stages especially at the conventional stages. By definition, person at the post conventional stages have their own development as a value and do all sorts of courses, reading and practices to advance their development. Thus, it may take less time to progress. The real issue is the very attachment to growth and the questions of moving to where. Since a late -stage realization is often that there is no there there. What do you believe will change in your life, relationships and acceptance of the vicissitudes of life if or when you “achieve” your goal of higher? Cordially, Susanne Cook-Greuter

By: Padmanaban Subramanian

Padmanaban Subramanian — Wed, 09 May 2018 11:33:02 +0000

The following observations in the above article may roughly point out my current stage of evolution:

“Your shape of mind also influences the upper-limit of complexity you can cognize without feeling overwhelmed (or excited, in the sense that your current stage +1 will often be a zone of excitement for you, beyond which it is no longer meaningful). It will influence the nature and success of your goals and therefore bears on behavior change and new habit formation. Higher complexity of life conditions as well as mental-emotional practices can foster adaptations to higher-order shapes of mind.”

The very fact that the integral theory is excitingly refreshing to me shows that I may currently at relativistic stage(green).

By: Andrés Malavé

Andrés Malavé — Thu, 08 Feb 2018 07:26:56 +0000

I completely agree with Mark above! Thank you

By: Mark White

Mark White — Sat, 13 Jan 2018 23:56:27 +0000

Super informative. Taking the information as a point start further contemplation is my goal and it’s presented perfectly . The benefit of charts and descriptions in matching these observations to my personal experiences, helps a lot …. A great summary ! Thanks Robb

By: Sara Fry

Sara Fry — Sat, 21 Oct 2017 19:54:09 +0000

I wonder where the “5-10 years” for moving from one stage to the next comes from. I mean, I understand that it’s an approximation based on years of research and studying a vast array of people in different environments. But, it would seem to me, that if you are going to put a time frame on it that you would include a wider range of possibility. To put a limiting range such as you have (even with it being a heavily researched conclusion) seems ill fated. I know it’s tricky because you want to be the most precise and accurate in your assessments of education regarding folks wanting to move to higher levels. However, I feel the world is in a rapid growth cycle. To place a “road block” beginning with the earliest of 5 years seems to me like it would be incorrect. It certainly rings incorrect for myself. It’s as if stating an absolute of “5-10 years or more in adulthood” is inherently holding people back. But then, to your credit, there is also something to be said that if they are moving through the stages more rapidly they would know that those limitations only exists in the eyes and viewpoints of the other, thus rendering it something they would look past because they would know that personally it doesn’t apply. But for folks who want to move “up” it feels as if it’s limiting them and placing (daunting) boundaries on their ability to transcend and include at a faster pace.