Sphere Model of Consciousness

The Sphere Model of Consciousness (SMC) is designed to symbolize the phenomenology of consciousness using the geometric properties of spatial coordinates within a spherical figure (see Figure 1).

Each axis of the SMC represents the unfolding and polarity of an aspect of experience, with a balance point at the center of the sphere and a graduated scale indicating the distance from the center. The center of the sphere represents a point of equilibrium with respect to three spatial coordinates, namely: (1) a horizontal axis of emotions representing the emotional polarities of pleasant and unpleasant, (2) a vertical axis of self-determination representing the dimensions of value and aspiration, and (3) a time axis representing the temporal unfolding between past and future. The center can be considered a state of “self-transcendence,” meaning a state of neutrality and detachment from the habitual experiences of the Narrative SelfNarrative Self The concept of the Narrative Self is situated... More and the Minimal Self. It has been suggested that experiences related to the Narrative Self are perceived as more distant from the body, more abstract, and connected to the future and past. The Narrative Self, the Minimal Self, and Self-Transcendence are represented in the SMC as concentric circles around the center of the sphere, with greater distance from the center indicating a more abstract sense of self.