"اگر می‌خواهید آگاهی را درک کنید باید بپذیرید که تجربه آگاهانه همیشه چیزی اضافه است"

To really get what consciousness is all about, you first need to accept that conscious experience is something more—something beyond just the physical processes happening in our brains. It’s that added layer of awareness, the “extra” that makes you aware of your own thoughts and feelings. Let’s break it down.

Imagine you’re eating a slice of pizza. Your brain processes the taste, the smell, the texture. But there’s more happening—you’re not just processing; you’re aware of the experience. You might think, “Wow, this is delicious,” or “This reminds me of that pizza place from my trip last summer.” That awareness, those thoughts and memories, are what we’re talking about when we say conscious experience is “something extra.” It’s not just the physical act of tasting; it’s being aware that you’re tasting and having thoughts about it.

Historically, this idea has roots in philosophy and cognitive science. Think about René Descartes, the famous philosopher who said, “I think, therefore I am.” He argued that the mere act of thinking is proof of our existence. It’s that conscious thought—being aware of ourselves—that he found so crucial. Fast forward to modern times, and scientists and philosophers are still debating what exactly consciousness is and how it works. But most agree on one thing: it’s that extra layer of awareness that sets conscious beings apart from non-conscious ones.

Let’s say you’re driving home from work. You’re on autopilot, navigating the familiar route without really thinking about it. Then, a song comes on the radio that you haven’t heard in years. Suddenly, you’re not just driving—you’re flooded with memories of high school, of friends, of a different time in your life. That’s the “something extra” of conscious experience. It’s not just about the physical act of driving or hearing; it’s about the memories, emotions, and awareness that come with it.

So how can you apply this idea to your everyday life? Start by paying attention to your own conscious experiences. When you’re doing something routine, like brushing your teeth or making coffee, take a moment to be fully aware of the experience. Notice the sensations, the thoughts that come up, the memories that might be triggered. This practice, often called mindfulness, can help you become more aware of that “extra” layer of consciousness. It’s about being present and fully engaged in the moment.

Now, let’s bring this home with a story. Imagine you’re at a beach. The sun is setting, painting the sky with hues of orange and pink. You feel the sand between your toes, hear the waves crashing, and smell the salty air. But beyond those physical sensations, you’re aware of a deep sense of peace. You think about how small you are in the grand scheme of things, and yet, you feel connected to everything around you. That awareness, that introspection, is the essence of conscious experience—it’s that “something extra” that makes life rich and meaningful.

In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to get caught up in the physical and forget about the “extra.” But by taking a moment to be present and aware, you can tap into the richness of conscious experience. It’s about appreciating the layers of awareness that make each moment unique and profound. So next time you’re sipping your morning coffee or taking a walk, remember to embrace that “something extra” and see how it transforms your day.