Just a continuation off of another thread. In that one, I had brought up an analogy that originated from another forum. In that analogy, a group of people had come together to form a common denominator as a method of comparison for the various forms of conscious expression.
In the analogy, the car was used as a metaphor for the physical body, and the driver for the consciousness occupying the body. Generally, the metaphor is from the perspective of a single driver* and/or zero to more than one passenger. The position of the passengers generally represent the delineation of conscious(front seat) to subconscious(back seat), as well as permeability of information(it's easier to hear those in the front seat, than those in the back seat). Barriers(such as a bag over one's head, cotton in ears, etc.) represent the barriers of communication between the various aspects of the self as well as eludes to the sensation it evokes(more on this later). I put the analogy in italics, and my comments in regular typeface below, I tried to locate as much of the original analogy as possible, as well as add other sources of reference to shed some more light on the subject. I welcome anyone to contribute, comment, explore or whatnot in the further development and exploration into the wonders that is one's consciousness.
So in some cars, there is a single occupant. Pretty straight forward. Single car, single occupant, singular consciousness.
Then there are some cars, where there may be a driver as well as a passenger. The dynamics can be varied, and fun. I suppose first I will list the various functional ways in which it manifests or when there is a certain amount of trust, harmony and friendship between the two conscious selves.** Such being there would be no to little barrier between the passenger and driver, if the driver turns(or directs) his/her head(focus of consciousness) he/she may see the passenger in the mind's eye or however their preponderance of using the various internal senses may be.
Continuing....
Driver, & front seat passenger; It can be very much like a relationship with a spirit guide or regular physical entity, just that the other non-physical entity/conscious other self, is also operating from it's own limited perspective just as any other person in ordinary physical reality.
Notes-One can be best friends or at odds with one's other self. The driver is in control of the motions of the car, but the passenger gives it's inputs and suggestions, either through passive influence ie. feelings, urges, "not mine" or "alien" thoughts, as well as physical sensations. Depending on level of awareness, the driver may be able to shift their focus and "see" with their minds eye the internal person.
Driver, & back seat passenger This set-up can give an illusion of singular consciousness.
Notes-The back seat passenger influence may take a more passive role for various reasons. Sometimes this happens when the driver is particularly dominant, or fully capable and the other self fully trusts the abilities of the driver. The back seat passenger may be more focused on inner realities at the moment which in itself is rather diverse.
Driver &back seat passenger take turns driving the car; In this situation, we have the reverse of the prior scenario.
Notes-The driver now takes the position of the back seat. This occurs in general based on prior arrangement, during the "inbetween" life or prior to the incarnation, also this can happen in emergency/immediacy-type situations(but their is an overall knowledge that the probabilities would occur, whether or not the drive may recall). The driver may or may not, be consciously aware of the arrangement. Depending on the awareness or particular expression of consciousness, the sensation is similar to looking over the shoulder of the driver, the (now)passenger has no direct control over what the body says or does, but may be fully aware of what the body is doing/saying. The (now)passenger may also "black out" whilst letting the other self do his/her job and "wake up" later on. Sometimes the other self may fill in the driver on what transpired during the switch of roles.
Driver & front seat passenger take turns driving the car; Similar to above, but with the (then)driver in a more passive role, whilst the front seat passenger takes control of the steering wheel.
Notes: Sensations are similar to looking over the shoulder of the drive, the person can choose to be aware or not, depending on whether the driver consciousness took the passive role due to a "triggering" or a disturbing(emotional/physical) event transpired. There may be a certain amount of trust in knowing that the other self is skilled in this particular field of experience thus better handled to the situation.
General Notes: Some of those who are aware of their many selves or multi-state of conscious may be aware of their unique state of consciousness from an early age. Others may go "blissfully" unaware until a later age where a catalyst event may propel the other self to take a more prominent role. There are also, more commonly known(as I see it) those who are still "working on" or trying to find their own internal state of harmony, or working through a more disordered state. I didn't focus on those aspects here or the sensations involved, due to time constraints as well as I wanted to bring more light to the subject on how it can function at it's more harmonious nature.
Also, one consciousness may be injured psychologically/emotionally, and ask the other conscious self for assistance in healing. This can cause problems if the consensual culture or reality only accepts singular states of consciousness, especially in some rigid social structures or institutions. Denial of the existence in the other consciousness will only force it to subvert momentarily or causing it to fight for it's right for existence. Irregardless, in those cases, there are very good self-help books on how to heal the other, but there is generally a bit of modifying or extrapolating given the nature of most books on the subject.
*More than one driver can occur, but a third energy is formed. Similar to that in a chorus where you have two singers joined in unison to create a new harmonious tone. I don't feel that many people would understand this aspect, so just pm me if interested.
**In disharmonious or if the two selves are in conflict with each other, it can manifest in many forms, such as fighting for control of the driver seat, one self trying to over power the other self, lock or subdue the other self and forcefully take control.
Some more links on mutli-states of consciousness:
"The Many you's"
Opening to Channel
The Three Selves of the Shamans
There's more but it'll take some time to find it...Hawaiian shamanism seems to have alot of info., as well as various channellers, but I hope this helps.
Ps. I worked on this over a course of bits and pieces, I tried to clean it up, so if there are errors or whatnot, let me know, pm works best, but I'll check in from time to time as well.