The ongoing neuropsychological process through which sensory data is edited and integrated with affective and cognitive inputs, ultimately shaping one’s perception of one’s Reality and enabling processes such as judgment and decision-making.
[Note: Consciousness is experienced as a continuous process during wakefulness, but it is the product of a chain of discrete states of mind, each representing the experience of a (subjective) present.]
See also: Affective, Cognitive, Present, Reflex, State of Mind

A relationship between two (or more) entities that enables the transmission of influence between them.

A state of tension that emerges from the simultaneous effect of incompatible views (of reality), aspirations, or pulls (attractions, repulsions) that ultimately threaten one’s freedom. The tension can be tolerated or resolved through negotiation, struggle, or surrender.
See also: Freedom, Inner Conflict, Inner Peace, Peace, Struggle, Surrender, Truce, War

An interpersonal device designed to bring corrective attention to a problem perceived by the complainer.
[Note: Complaints exist in two forms: valid (as defined) and invalid (e.g., lacking corrective intent).]

• The capacity to accept someone (self or other) exactly as they are in the present, which requires forgiveness of their past and hope for their future.
• The investment in reducing the suffering of a sentient being.
[Note: Compassion is not a sentiment or feeling but a state of mind; as such, it optimizes the quality of choices a mind generates, thereby supporting the pursuit of happiness.]
See also: Pity, State of Mind

The subjective notion of how most people in similar circumstances think about or relate to a specific issue or dilemma.

The (operationally) optimal relationship between a consciousness and its aspiration(s), manifested through persistence in pursuing it, characterized by an attitude of caring without attachment.
[Note: The persistence manifesting commitment expresses one’s inner discipline.]
See also: Attachment, Attitude, Caring, Inner Discipline

Pertaining to the intellectual part of consciousness, which is language dependent and utilizes logic and rationality.
[Note: The cognitive stream is complementary to the affective stream in consciousness.]
See also: Affective

A voluntary selection of one of two or more available mental or behavioral paths.
[Note: A choice is the only instrument with which a human brain can exert deliberate influence.]

The intensity level of an emotional response toward a specific object or event.
[Note: Caring and passion are synonymous. The more intense an emotional response, the greater the caring, regardless of the emotion’s specific nature.]
See also: Passion