NLS 015: What is Consciousness with Frauke Sandig & Eric Black

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I recently saw the documentary, Aware: Glimpses of Consciousness, and I felt that it would be a perfect conversation for the show because of how it digs into multiple layers of consciousness and asks a lot of big questions and answers, a couple of questions. But you're also left with questions at the end of films, which is always a good sign to keep the conversation going. Frauke Sandig and Eric Black have done a number of other projects together on a common theme of social, environmental, and psychological consciousness. Set to be theatrically released in the US and Germany in September 2021, Aware confronts the "Big Questions", cutting a window into a realm previously held tight by philosophy and religion: AWARE follows six brilliant researchers, approaching the greatest of all mysteries from radically different perspectives, from within and without: through high-tech brain research and Eastern meditation, by scientifically exploring inner space through psychedelic substances and by investigating the consciousness of plants. Scientists are arriving at new insights - some have been integral to Indigenous knowledge for millennia. AWARE opens as a science film but emerges well beyond the explicable, ultimately leading one on a voyage upon the ocean of consciousness, a contemplative, sensual, cinematographic meditation. The networks of consciousness are reflected in 'grand' imagery revealing the vast interconnectedness of Nature - from the smallest organisms to the world of plants and animals and on to the cosmos. We explore the depths and crevasses of the topic of consciousness and how we are impacted by it inwardly and outwardly through meditating, psychedelic research, etc. The duo has done exceptional work highlighting stories or topics that challenge our subjective experience and implore the viewers to look harder, think deeper, and act better. It was a pleasure speaking with Frauke and Eric. Enjoy!