Consciousness and Unconsciousness

Consciousness refers to our awareness of thoughts, feelings, and surroundings, essentially what we experience and feel as "being alive." It's often linked to the essence of our being—how we perceive ourselves and the world. Unconsciousness, on the other hand, encompasses processes and experiences outside of our awareness, like dreams or deep sleep, but can also include instincts and automatic functions. In philosophical terms, consciousness reflects the substance of our identity, while unconsciousness represents the deeper layers that inform our behavior and thoughts, influencing who we are without our direct awareness.