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CSN · Consciousness · 1995

Map of Consciousness

by David R. Hawkins

A 17-level scale of emotional energy from Shame (20) to Enlightenment (700–1000).

Summary

Hawkins proposes that human states of consciousness can be mapped on a logarithmic scale of 'energetic calibration.' Below Courage (200) lies the survival paradigm (force, fear, scarcity). At and above Courage lies the integrity paradigm (power, trust, abundance). The model is widely used in coaching and leadership development as a vocabulary for emotional reframing.

For designers

Use Hawkins levels as a *target emotional state* when designing incentives. Most extrinsic carrots and sticks move people only between Pride (175) and Fear (100). Incentives that surface meaning, autonomy, and contribution can lift people into Willingness (310) or Acceptance (350), where intrinsic motivation compounds.

Levels (Map of Consciousness)

700–1000
Enlightenment
Ineffable, pure consciousness
Signal: Presence; selfless contribution.
600
Peace
Bliss; perfect view of life
Signal: Equanimity under pressure.
540
Joy
Serenity; complete; one
Signal: Sustained generosity.
500
Love
Reverence; benign view of life
Signal: Unconditional care for others.
400
Reason
Understanding; meaningful; wise
Signal: Evidence-based decisions.
350
Acceptance
Forgiveness; harmonious; merciful
Signal: Ownership without blame.
310
Willingness
Optimism; hopeful; inspiring
Signal: Volunteering effort.
250
Neutrality
Trust; satisfactory; enabling
Signal: Non-defensive listening.
200
Courage
Affirmation; feasible; permitting
Signal: Action despite fear.
175
Pride
Scorn; demanding; indifferent
Signal: Status defense; rigidity.
150
Anger
Hate; antagonistic; vengeful
Signal: Aggression toward obstacles.
125
Desire
Craving; disappointing; denying
Signal: Compulsive consumption.
100
Fear
Anxiety; frightening; punitive
Signal: Avoidance, withdrawal.
75
Grief
Regret; tragic; disdainful
Signal: Despondency, low energy.
50
Apathy
Despair; hopeless; condemning
Signal: Abdication; disengagement.
30
Guilt
Blame; evil; vindictive
Signal: Self-punishment.
20
Shame
Humiliation; miserable; despising
Signal: Hiding; elimination of self.

Cross-dimensional couplings

Sources

  • Hawkins, D. R. (1995). Power vs. Force.
  • Hawkins, D. R. (2002). The Eye of the I.