The sixth state of awareness, known as witnessing or expanded awareness, is a vital step in personal growth. It is a different way of experiencing everything. Come and learn how to cultivate access to this portal of witnessing or split awareness.
Our consciousness is a marvelous and mysterious apparatus, with doorways to higher states. Ancient cultures sought ways to understand it and develop it. Understanding the concept of witnessing will help you see the potential of your consciousness.
What is Witnessing or Expanded Awareness?
First, let’s talk about what awareness means. Awareness is cognitive recognition. There are different ways awareness manifests. For example, there’s physical awareness. That’s when you notice what you see, hear, smell, taste, or feel. For example, when you hear a loud noise or feel the wind on your face, you are aware of it.
Then there’s emotional awareness. That’s about knowing how you feel inside. Maybe you feel happy, or maybe you’re mad or nervous. Being aware of your feelings helps you understand yourself better. There’s also social awareness. That is when you cue into the feelings of others. You notice if someone is sad or upset, even if they don’t say it. You also understand what’s happening in a group, like whether people are getting along or not.
Next is mental awareness, which is about paying attention to your thoughts. You notice what you’re thinking and how your mind works. Like, are you focused or distracted? Are your thoughts helpful or not?
Some people talk about spiritual awareness, too. That’s when you think about big questions, like why we’re here or if there’s something greater than us. It’s not about religion—it’s just thinking deeply about life. [1]
Expanded awareness means being conscious of more than just your thoughts and surroundings. It includes a more profound sense of self, inner stillness, and awareness beyond the physical body. It can involve the expansion of consciousness itself, which leads to higher or altered states.
To witness means to observe something first-hand. It can also mean experiencing thoughts and actions separately without judgment.
Witnessing or Spit Perception
Now, what is witnessing and expanded awareness? That’s when all these types of awareness start to grow to the point where you can separate awareness from the tether of your physical body. Witnessing is different from mindfulness. Mindfulness is the cognitive awareness of your inner and outer worlds. But your awareness is still confined to your physical body.
Spit perception can happen by accident. These are out-of-body experiences associated with near-death experiences. [2] [3] But you don’t control the entry and exit from these experiences. However, if you become familiar with the transcendent state, you can control moving in and out of witnessing or split perception. This is because the transcendent state is the foundation of all states. To grasp this better, let’s review all the states up to and including the sixth state of awareness known as witnessing or expanded awareness. [4] [5]
Understanding the Concept of Witnessing
The concept of witnessing is simple. Imagine you can separate your awareness from your body and hover above, watching and controlling what you do. It’s like your mind and body are puppets, and you hold the strings. To get a better handle on this concept, let’s run through all the states of consciousness from the first to the sixth.
With an overview of these states, you’ll better understand the importance of witnessing. The first three states are our default settings of waking, dreaming, and sleeping. The next three are the transcendent, the shamanic journey, and witnessing or split perception.
1. The Waking State
The waking state’s experience is what most people perceive as “normal reality.” Consciousness is like a rainbow with many different colors that fade and overlap. Of course, there are also non-ordinary states of consciousness. Here, you are awake and aware of the outside world. You can see, hear, think, and talk. Your mind is focused on daily life, like school, work, or the people around you. The waking state is like a computer’s RAM setting. When we are in this default partition of awareness, our brain operates in the beta frequency range from 13 to 20 Hz. [6]
2. Dreaming State
The dream state is a partition of consciousness where you are not aware of your real body or the outside world. However, the mind is active and creating stories or images. Dreaming is proof of non-ordinary reality. We all have access to these partitions of awareness, which can be expanded as we learn and grow intellectually and spiritually.
When we dream, our eyes often move back and forth under the eyelids during this state. So, it is known as the REM state, “rapid eye movement.” REM sleep has some exciting properties with frequencies in the theta (4–8 Hz), beta (16–32 Hz), and gamma (>32 Hz) ranges [7]. It is a shared experience, and most people ignore its significance. It gives us a glimpse into other possibilities of non-ordinary reality. When we sleep and dream, we are generally unaware of time or space, that is, unless we train our minds through lucid dreaming techniques.
When we dream, the landscape is a non-ordinary reality. So, we experience non-ordinary reality without special processes or drugs. Again, this is a vital point to keep in mind. The door is always there, always open. We need to learn how to use it.
3. Sleep State
The sleep state is a necessary partition of consciousness that enables us to rest and repair. During this state, your mind is quiet, and you are not aware of anything at all—not your body, not your thoughts, and not the world. When we sleep, the normal range is in the delta range, around 1 to 3 cycles per second. The lines of demarcation between these primary states are often indistinguishable. Most people are unaware of the shift from one partition of consciousness to another.
Each default state has a different level of awareness. Waking is the most active. Dreaming is more inward. Deep sleep has no awareness at all.
4. Transcendental Consciousness
Reaching higher states of consciousness starts with transcendental consciousness. This partition is known by several names, including the 4th state, the transcendent, pure, or bliss state of consciousness. This state has unique metabolic traits. It shows increased coherence in brainwave patterns. The brain operates at a frequency in the theta wave range, which is about 4 to 7 Hz.
The 4th state is exemplified by the contrast of being fully alert yet experiencing profound silence and internal chatter. It is most notable for its profound state of rest while the mind remains alert. Several scholars, from Joseph Campbell [8] to Maharishi Mahesh Yogi [9], describe it as “bliss consciousness.” When you are in this state, you are self-aware. However, the typical inner dialogue is silent. You have awareness without the interruption of the ego. Now, that is bliss.
Most people don’t perceive the shift from waking to sleeping or sleeping to dreaming. Well, once you begin the expansion of awareness, you will be able to notice these shifts. All it takes is regular practice.
Regular practice of techniques like Japa or TM helps you reach a transcendent state. With regular practice, you will learn to notice the changes between all states of consciousness. You will discover that the gap between them is the fourth state of pure consciousness. This fourth state is the foundation for all states. It is a critical element in the shift to the sixth state of awareness known as witnessing.
Here is where we get another answer to the question: What is witnessing and expanded awareness? The fourth partition proves we have other levels of perception, which do not depend on the five external senses. The theory of expanding consciousness proposes the idea that this expansion has no limits. The states of awareness we describe in this article are only the beginning.
5. The Shamanic Journey
Shamanic traditions around the world feature a meditative process known as the Shamanic journey. It uses sound and creative visualization to create a special altered state. It uses drums, rattles, or singing bowls. Along with creative visualization, it produces a unique altered state.
During a shamanic journey, measurable changes occur in both the brain and body. Gamma brain waves increase to between 30 and 100 hertz, especially in the occipital region. Alpha waves (8–13 Hz) and theta waves (4–8 Hz) also increase. Low-alpha connectivity between brain regions decreases, while low-beta activity (13–20 Hz) increases. Brain signal entropy rises, showing more complex and flexible activity.
Heart rate increases by about 10 to 15 beats per minute. Systolic blood pressure rises. Skin temperature increases by 1 to 2 degrees Fahrenheit. Electrodermal activity becomes more active, indicating higher arousal.
The Aboriginal tribes of Australia have a peculiar variation of the Shamanic Journey, called Dreamtime. This technique allows them to observe events in other places and times. In essence, they found the secret to time travel.
Michael Harner [10], a noted anthropologist, writer, and Shaman, calls this the Shamanic State of Consciousness (SSC). It is the fifth primary partition of consciousness. When you are in this landscape of the mind, the brainwaves are in the theta-wave bandwidth.
In this altered state, you are both the director and participant within a non-ordinary reality landscape. It parallels lucid dreaming. The Shamanic Journey and lucid dreaming give you familiarity and control of awareness. Learning both is highly recommended, as they complement the silence of the fourth state.
Some believe that lucid dreaming is a separate state of consciousness. However, no scientific studies have been able to distinguish it from the dream state.
The regular practice of transcendental consciousness gives you familiarity with the ground state. The Shamanic Journey and lucid dreaming teach you to control your awareness in altered states. Together, they give you the ability to bring the power of the transcendent into the waking state. We can then experience witnessing or split perception at will.
6. The Sixth State of Awareness Known as Witnessing
What we call the sixth partition of awareness is the natural evolution of the development of the mind. It expands awareness to perceive reality from different vantage points simultaneously. There is a conscious awareness different from the human body while at the same time being fully “present” in mind and body. The experience is like the out-of-body experience of those with near-death experiences, except that you are in control. You can shift back and forth at will.
It combines several partitions of consciousness by expanding awareness. Bringing together the transcendent and waking states enhances perception. This also allows for greater control over altered states.
We learn that our consciousness is unbound. It can move beyond the confines of our bodies. It is another stepping stone to other higher states of consciousness.
It is possible to get glimpses of the sixth state of consciousness when awakening from a deep sleep. In those precious moments of stillness between sleeping and waking states, it is possible to become aware that you are sleeping. Then, you can observe yourself waking up.
When the mind is silent, the transcendental state of pure consciousness can reach the surface of everyday awareness. If you try to hold on to this experience, it is gone, and you are just awake. The best way to cultivate this awareness is to meditate regularly, using a process that puts you in touch with the 4th state of pure awareness.
- From a spiritual perspective, this is often seen as a higher state of consciousness. You’re experiencing the calm presence of the spirit or observer. The real you, which is beyond the physical realm. It is that aspect of awareness that watches everything without getting involved.
- From a psychological perspective, witnessing can help people manage stress or emotions. It creates space between what you feel and how you respond. It’s like noticing your thoughts without being controlled by them.
- From a meditation or mindfulness view, this is a skill people try to develop. You sit still and just notice—your breath, your thoughts, your feelings—without judging or chasing anything. Over time, you may feel like your awareness is separate from all the activity.
- From a scientific perspective, it involves the coordination of different brain patterns. Researchers still haven’t pinpointed specific identifiers. This is because this state mimics the physiological traits of various altered states.
So, witnessing or split perception is a kind of peaceful awareness where you observe your life instead of just living on autopilot. It doesn’t mean ignoring things—it means seeing clearly, without getting lost in it all.
The sixth state of awareness, known as witnessing or expanded awareness, helps us experience life free of attachments. At this level, we can observe experiences, thoughts, and emotions without identifying with them. Instead, we become “an impartial witness” to our experience. When we enter this state, we detach from the limiting beliefs and biases that usually hold us back.
Achieving Witnessing or Split Perception
To reach this sixth state of consciousness, known as witnessing, one must first connect with the transcendent. Then, it’s essential to learn how to control altered states. The best way to reach the transcendent is through regular Japa or TM meditation. This process draws the mind naturally to the state of bliss consciousness. So, it is natural to bring this quality into the waking state of ordinary reality.
Precautions
We’ve already mentioned the Shamanic Journey and Lucid Dreaming techniques. These increase our bandwidth of control of purposeful altered states. One does not build control with the use of psychotropic drugs. When you take these, the drug is in control of the depth and duration. Many ancient civilizations used these additives to introduce people to higher states. However, experienced explorers no longer needed to use them. We don’t recommend their use since it is like diving into the deep end of the pool without learning how to swim. It is better to take this journey with incremental steps and with complete control.
The Experience of Witnessing
Those who reach this partition describe it as a state of witnessing. In this surreal realm, reality blooms from dual perspectives simultaneously. Some observe themselves hovering above; others find themselves alongside or behind. They experience life within their bodies while observing their essence from another dimension. Some refer to this experience as astral projection. This viewpoint shows that our everyday reality is really a shared holographic creation. We also realize that “we” are eternal and part of this reality as Observers.
In the morning stillness, when the world is just waking up, and your conscious mind hasn’t fully taken over, you may feel a connection or passageway to another world and a feeling that something is about to happen in yours. It’s like a quiet storm is coming. You can feel the distant rumble of thunder on the horizon, yet you have no idea of the deluge your life is about to experience. ― Padma Lakshmi
Witnessing Reveals the Real You, The Observer
The real you isn’t your ego and the elements of personality and instinct, but the Observer of your experience—this is the real you.
Now, when you meditate, try to meditate in a sustained way; first of all, sustain it. Then you find that you are getting into the state of Samadhi, means at a state where you start feeling the joy and the bliss of God’s blessings, and…
Once you have reached that state, then you have to realize, “Who am I.” Who are you? What are you? You are the Spirit. After establishing your sustained attention on the Spirit you’ll develop a state where you’ll be in a complete state of witnessing with joy. — Nirmala Srivastava
Witnessing is a Step Toward Enlightenment
This sixth stage is a stepping stone in the progression toward enlightenment.
Meditation is a deliberate attempt to pierce into the higher states of consciousness and finally go beyond it. The art of meditation is the art of shifting the focus of attention to ever subtler levels without losing one’s grip on the levels left behind. Save all your energies and time for breaking the wall your mind had built around you. Believe me, you will not regret it. — Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj
In Conclusion
In the end, the sixth state of awareness—witnessing or split perception—marks a turning point in consciousness. It is the moment we stop living only through the body and mind and begin to live as the silent observer behind it all. This subtle shift opens the door to deeper insight, calm detachment, and a greater sense of freedom. By cultivating this state through regular meditation and disciplined practice, we gain access to a timeless presence within us—the real Self, the one who sees.
The first step in our development is establishing the fourth state of the transcendent. We can also use our imagination to create the inner landscape of the Shamanic journey. When we use these tools, we learn, grow, and expand our awareness.
The sixth state of awareness, known as witnessing, is an important step in the evolution of awareness, consciousness, and perception. So, what is witnessing and expanded awareness? It is the next step in the growth of consciousness. Are you ready for the next steps in your evolution?
References
[1] Awareness – an overview. Encyclopedia of the Neurological Sciences (2nd ed.). Science Direct.
[2] Out-of-Body Experiences and Their Neural Basis. Nature Reviews Neuroscience.
[3] Voluntary Out-of-Body Experience: An fMRI Study. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience.
[4] Self-Awareness, Self-Regulation, and Self-Transcendence (S-ART). A Framework for Understanding the Neurobiological Mechanisms of Mindfulness. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience.
[5] Altered States of Consciousness and the Neuroscience of Meditation. Trends in Cognitive Sciences.
[6] Major Features of Conscious States and Contents. Bernard J. Baars, Cortex and Consciousness (2020).
[7] Inner Experience – Direct Access to Reality. A Complementarist Ontology and Dual Aspect Monism Support a Broader Epistemology.
[8] Joseph Campbell’s book, The Hero with a Thousand Faces.
[9] Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, Wikipedia
[10] Michael Harner, Wikipedia