Consciousness is our awareness of ourselves and the world around us—our thoughts, emotions, perceptions, and experiences as they unfold in real time. It’s what allows us to reflect, make choices, and create meaning in our lives. While often taken for granted, consciousness raises deep questions: Where does it come from? Is it constant or shifting? How much control do we have over it? In this discussion, we’ll explore what consciousness means, how we experience it, and how it influences how we live, connect, and understand reality.
Discussion Questions
1 .How do you personally define consciousness?
2. When are you most aware of your own consciousness? What triggers that awareness?
3. Do you think consciousness is constant, or does it shift throughout the day or in different states (e.g., dreaming, meditating)?
4. How does your consciousness influence the way you make decisions? In what ways does your awareness of your thoughts and emotions affect your actions?
5. Can you recall a moment when you felt especially present or conscious? What made it stand out?
6. How do practices like mindfulness or meditation shape your experience of consciousness?
7. Do you think animals or Artificial Intelligence (AI) experience consciousness? Why or why not?
8. If AI were to develop consciousness, how would we recognize it—and how would that change our understanding of what it means to be conscious?
9. How does our sense of self relate to consciousness? Are they the same thing?
10. What do you think happens to consciousness when we sleep, dream, or lose awareness?
No preparation needed—just bring yourself and a willingness to listen and share your thoughts. This meetup will be structured to promote small group discussion so everyone has a chance to listen, be heard, and really dive into the topic. Feel free to arrive late or leave early.
Thanks for joining! This is an independent meetup at a café, so let’s be kind guests—order something from the counter if you can!
