Consciousness. The Stream of Experience and the Unity of the Self

Consciousness flows as a continuous stream centred in the Pure I (the constant, self-aware core of an individual’s conscious experience). Individuality arises from the interaction of soul, body, and lived experience. Empathy uncovers others’ intentions and inner life, fostering relational insight and self-awareness, and revealing the integrated unity of the psycho-physical person.

Consciousness as a Continuous Stream

Edith Stein presents consciousness as a continuous flow, with each experience naturally linking to the next, forming a unified stream anchored in the pure I. The pure I is the stable, central sense of self that experiences life directly and remains continuous across all thoughts and feelings. It provides the enduring centre of lived experience, giving unity and coherence to the otherwise ever-changing stream of consciousness. Otherwise experiences would feel fragmented or disconnected. The pure I is most clearly felt when encountering another person. Meeting a “you” helps reveal the ongoing, organised, and present nature of one’s own self.

Individuality and the Soul

A person’s uniqueness comes from the qualities of their consciousness, not just outward differences. Each stream of experience includes feelings, intentions, choices, and bodily tendencies. The soul provides a stable foundation, showing itself in energy, emotion, and will. Experience and soul shape each other, sustaining the person’s unity.

The Living Body as Expression

The body and consciousness are inseparable. Sensations, perceptions, and movements form the whole person. Bodily experiences ground awareness and show the continuity of consciousness. Movements, gestures, and posture express intentions, feelings, and choices, offering key insights for understanding others.

Physical Body vs. Lived Body

Stein distinguishes between the physical external body, which can be observed, and the lived body, experienced from within. The lived body expresses the soul and consciousness, communicating intentions and feelings more directly than words. Empathy allows perception of these inner states, revealing a person’s coherence and unity.

Empathy as Correction and Understanding

Empathy corrects misunderstandings and builds understanding. Assumptions or projecting one’s own experience can distort perception. Careful attention to another’s bodily, verbal, and emotional expressions over time reveals habitual traits, personality, and structure. This process also clarifies how one appears to others.

Integrating Consciousness, Soul, and Body

By integrating consciousness, soul, and the lived body, Stein presents the human person as a unified psycho-physical whole. Empathy makes this unity perceptible. Observing another’s stream of experience provides insight into both their structure and our own. Understanding the human person is inherently relational, requiring active, embodied engagement with others’ lived experiences.