The universe constantly supplies us with raw material for possibility and change. But what truly shapes our reality—matter, or consciousness itself? Many physicists, including Fritjof Capra and Amit Goswami, contend that consciousness, rather than matter, is the fundamental building block of existence.

In The Self-Aware Universe: How Consciousness Creates the Material World, Goswami writes (as quoted by Daniel Pinchbeck in 2012):

“The consciousness of the subject in a subject-object experience is the same consciousness that is the ground of all being. Therefore, consciousness is unitive. There is only one subject-consciousness, and we are that consciousness.”

If this is true, then consciousness isn’t just part of reality—it is reality. But where does our individual awareness fit in?

In his book Incognito, neuroscientist David Eagleman explains that much of what the brain does happens below the level of conscious awareness. Decisions often emerge from subconscious processes long before we rationalize them consciously.

Eagleman describes this dynamic clearly: decisions are “generated under the surface” of consciousness and then “served up to the conscious brain.” In other words, what we believe to be deliberate, rational decision-making may actually be the end of a chain reaction that started deep in the subconscious.

This raises a profound question:
If consciousness is the foundation of the universe—and the subconscious exerts more influence than our conscious thoughts—then who (or what) is truly running the show?

Carl Jung captured this mystery perfectly:

“In each of us there is another whom we do not know.”

If so much of our thinking and acting comes from hidden layers of the mind, how can we make decisions that truly reflect who we are? The answer lies in cultivating self-awareness and listening to our inner voice—our “gut.”

Our passions, intuitions, and seemingly random impulses are not accidents. They may be clues pointing us toward our proper path. As we reflect on our role in the world and how our choices affect the whole, we begin to integrate both the conscious and subconscious aspects of ourselves.

Even though subconscious processes shape our choices, we are not powerless. By pausing before we speak or act, we create a space for conscious reflection. The old adage “take time to think before you speak” becomes a practical tool for regaining control over automatic reactions.

Our ability to think—to weigh evidence, question assumptions, and examine our impulses—is one of our greatest gifts. With discipline, we can learn to balance instinct with reason and guide our subconscious patterns instead of being ruled by them.

The brain, as Eagleman notes, is “the most complicated thing we’ve ever found in the Universe.” Understanding it is a journey that blends neuroscience, philosophy, and even spirituality.

If consciousness is indeed the ground of all being, then exploring how it works is more than an academic pursuit—it’s a way to better understand ourselves and our shared universe. The more we learn, the better equipped we become to make decisions that are authentic, intentional, and humane.

Our conscious mind may not always be in the driver’s seat, but by cultivating awareness, listening to our inner voice, and practicing thoughtful reflection, we can steer our lives with greater wisdom. Conscious decision making is not about eliminating the subconscious—but about learning to live in harmony with it.