There are times in life when we feel stuck. Not just in our circumstances, but in our emotions. Fear. Guilt. Anger. Desire. These aren’t just fleeting moods; they’re energetic states that shape the way we experience the world.
When I discovered Dr. David Hawkins’ Map of Consciousness, it gave me a powerful new lens for understanding those states of mind and, most importantly, shifting them. Dr. Hawkin is a psychiatrist and spiritual teacher who created this framework for understanding levels of human awareness.
The Map charts levels of awareness on a scale from 1 (Shame) to 1000 (Enlightenment). Each level carries a distinct energy, from draining states like fear and apathy to expansive states like love, joy, and peace. And here’s the key: our level of consciousness doesn’t just affect us—it profoundly impacts everyone around us.
The key threshold is 200, where we shift from life-draining energies (below 200) to life-affirming ones (above 200). Where we leave the victim mentality behind in exchange for self-empowerment. See the chart below for a visual reference.
What This Means for Motherhood
One of the most eye-opening applications of this framework has been in my role as a mother. Here’s what I’ve learned using this framework:
- Our state shapes our children’s state. If I’m operating from guilt (30) or despair (50), that energy spills into my home, creating an environment of stress or insecurity. But when I ground myself in acceptance (350) or love (500), my children feel safe, seen, and nurtured. That calm presence becomes the foundation for their own confidence and emotional regulation.
- From control to empowerment. At lower levels, it’s easy to parent from a place of control, dictating every move out of fear of what might go wrong. But as we rise into reason (400) and love (500), parenting shifts. It becomes less about control and more about guidance—allowing children to explore, make mistakes, and grow into resilient and independent individuals.
What This Means for Entrepreneurship
The Map also speaks powerfully to the journey of entrepreneurship.
- Success begins with our inner state. If I’m stuck in fear (100) or pride (175), I can’t take the bold steps building a business requires. The breakthroughs happen at courage (200), the first level of empowerment. From there, we’re able to face challenges, take risks, and create momentum. This allows us to propel our businesses and careers forward.
- Integrity and purpose fuel sustainable success. At the higher levels—love (500), joy (540), and enlightenment (700-1000), our businesses align with service and purpose. When we build with integrity and a focus on impact, opportunities naturally flow. Businesses driven by greed or fear may find short-term wins, but they rarely sustain in the long run. When you do what you love and operate from a place of empowerment, things tend to fall in place naturally.
A Tool for Compassion and Growth
At first glance, motherhood and entrepreneurship might seem like two separate worlds. But any “momtrepreneur” knows these two roles have a great deal of overlap. The Map of Consciousness reveals a unifying truth: our internal state dictates our external reality.
- A mother who leads from acceptance and love brings the same energy into her business, handling setbacks with resilience and clarity.
- An entrepreneur who learns to lead with courage, integrity, and compassion finds that those same states transform her family life.
Both roles require compassion, resilience, and long-term vision. And in both, moving up the map—even by one level—can change everything.
The Practice of Shifting Up
Once I started using this map as a tool, everything shifted. I stopped judging myself so harshly when I felt stuck. Instead, I began to observe my state with curiosity instead of criticism. And that gave me the power to change my mindset.
When I notice myself operating from desire or fear, I don’t force myself into love or joy. That leap may be too big. But I could move up to courage or optimism. Taking one step up the pyramid can be enough to change your energy, your choices, and your reality.
Here’s how I use the Map of Consciousness in everyday life:
✨ When I feel triggered, I pause and ask: What level am I in right now?
✨ When I make a decision, I check in: Am I acting from fear or from trust?
✨ When leading or parenting, I aim to embody willingness, acceptance, or love. It doesn’t have to be perfect, just intentional.
I also use the Map of Consciousness to decide who I want to surround myself with. I’ve become more attuned to the energy others carry, and I intentionally choose to spend time with people who are vibrating at a higher frequency—those who bring lightness, authenticity, and clarity into the spaces they enter.
The beauty of the Map is that it’s not about perfection or leaping from fear to joy in one step. It’s about small, steady shifts upward. And those shifts ripple outward to our children, our employees, and our communities.
If you’re interested in learning more, I highly recommend reading Dr. Hawkins’ book, The Map of Consciousness Explained: A Proven Energy Scale to Actualize Your Ultimate Potential.
