“God is much more a verb than a noun.” With this striking insight, Richard Rohr invites us into a profound exploration of what it means to grow, awaken, and transform. In Contemplative Vision, Rohr presents a roadmap for evolving consciousness—one that moves beyond gathering information and into a state of deep transformation where wisdom and compassion flow naturally.
But this isn’t just about personal growth. Rohr’s work shows us how our evolving awareness can reshape how we engage with the world, foster connection, and create a more harmonious society. Let’s dive into the six stages of consciousness he outlines and uncover actionable steps for cultivating a contemplative life.
The Six Stages of Consciousness: A Journey Beyond “Flat Land”
- Information: The Starting Point
At this stage, life is all about facts, data, and formulas. Knowledge is often wielded as a tool for control or power. It’s where most people begin, but staying here limits growth. - Knowledge: Seeing Patterns
Moving beyond isolated facts, we begin to see connections and patterns. Small wholes emerge, and our thinking becomes more synthetic, piecing information together into something meaningful. - Analytical Intelligence: Breaking Boundaries
This is where the mind starts recognizing larger patterns and questioning conventional norms. Rohr warns this stage can feel threatening to others—think disruptors like Steve Jobs or Bill Gates. - Intuitive Intelligence: A Shift in Perspective
This is the tipping point. Suffering or deep love often catalyzes a shift from ego-driven thinking to a more contemplative, non-dual awareness. “God-knowledge,” Rohr says, isn’t about knowing—it’s about being known. - Understanding: Connecting to the Whole
Here, the smaller wholes we’ve seen earlier connect to a larger vision of unity, what Rohr calls the Kingdom of God. This stage brings a deeper experience of grace and an early sense of mysticism. - Wisdom: Living as a Saint
Wisdom isn’t about control; it’s about surrender. At this stage, the mind becomes a servant rather than a master, embracing paradox and mystery. Wisdom isn’t afraid of what is—it lets reality be, and through that acceptance, profound action becomes possible.
Key Lessons for Transformation
Rohr’s six stages aren’t just theoretical—they’re deeply practical. Here are the key insights for navigating and growing through these stages:
1. Suffering and Love Are Catalysts
Rohr highlights that moments of deep suffering or unconditional love can shatter ego-centric logic, propelling us into intuitive intelligence. These experiences force us to surrender to mystery, opening the door to greater awareness.
2. Compassion Marks True Progress
The higher you go, the more compassionate you become. True growth means being empathetic to those at earlier stages of consciousness. As Rohr says, “The sign that you are at a higher stage… is that you can be sympathetic, empathetic, and accepting of all the previous stages.”
3. Regression Happens—And That’s Okay
Under stress, we often regress to earlier stages. This is natural. The key is to recognize it, learn from it, and recommit to contemplative practices that help us move forward.
4. Contemplation Is the Key
Contemplative practices, such as meditation or centering prayer, help turn fleeting moments of unitive consciousness into a permanent way of being. By learning to accept the present moment without trying to change it, we cultivate peace—and paradoxically, that peace empowers us to act effectively in the world.
Moving Beyond “Flat Land”
Rohr challenges us to rethink how we see good and evil. Instead of trying to eliminate the “ugly, terrible, and bad,” he advocates for integration. Wholeness doesn’t come from rejecting parts of reality—it comes from embracing them.
As we progress through the stages of consciousness, this integration becomes second nature. The mind stops grasping for control and starts aligning with the dynamic flow of reality.
How to Begin Your Contemplative Journey
- Start with Awareness
Notice where you are in the six stages of consciousness. Are you gathering information? Analyzing patterns? Connecting to something larger? Recognizing your stage is the first step to growth. - Practice Acceptance
Engage in contemplative practices like centering prayer or mindfulness. Focus on accepting the present moment as it is. Rohr emphasizes that true transformation starts with this kind of radical acceptance. - Cultivate Compassion
Practice empathy for others, regardless of their stage of consciousness. This is both a sign of growth and a catalyst for it. - Embrace Suffering and Love
Don’t shy away from life’s challenges. Let suffering and love guide you toward greater awareness and deeper connection.
The Vision for the Future
Rohr believes that clarifying these stages of consciousness is essential—not just for individual growth, but for healing society. By fostering contemplative living, we can bridge political divides, deepen our spiritual practice, and create a more compassionate world.
As Rohr reminds us, transformation isn’t about ranking ourselves or others. It’s about moving from the ego’s desire to control into a life of surrender, wisdom, and grace. The journey from information to transformation is one of the most profound paths we can take.
The six stages of consciousness Summarized
- Stage 1: Information: Focused on gathering data and facts, often mistaking information for intelligence.
- Stage 2: Knowledge: Begins connecting information to form patterns and see relationships (systems thinking).
- Stage 3: Intelligence: Divided into two parts:
- 3a (Analytic Intelligence): Developing higher-level thinking, but still dualistic and ego-based.
- 3b (Intuitive Intelligence): Marked by epiphanies, often through love or suffering, leading to non-dual thinking.
- Stage 4: Understanding: Connecting smaller understandings to a larger whole, characterized by faith and the beginning of contemplation.
- Stage 5: Wisdom: Mind becomes a servant, not a master; characterized by acceptance of paradox and letting go of the need to be right.
- Stage 6: Transformation: Wisdom becomes a way of life; non-dual thinking permeates daily experience, leading to greater peace and freedom.