Consciousness begins with the self and may be described as the active interpretation of social, cultural, historical, spiritual, ideological, and political forces of life. Various states of consciousness are based on self-awareness, mindfulness of one's surroundings, and the ongoing response to one's environment. Consciousness also implies attentiveness to one's own thoughts, actions, and sense of self or identity. As such, consciousness may infer a cognitive and physical existence—including the discernment of lived experience, remembrance, and a sense ...