Spiral Dynamics

What is the theory of Spiral Dynamics?

The theory of Spiral Dynamics is a framework developed by Clare W. Graves, a psychologist, and Ken Wilber, a philosopher, to help understand how individuals and groups behave in different environments. According to the theory of Spiral Dynamics, there are eight “MEMEs” (modules of experience) which represent different levels of maturity that are impacted by the environment. These MEMEs include the Emotional, Mental, Physical, Social, Economic, Technological Environmental, and Spiritual dimensions. Through this framework, one can gain insight into how people adapt to changing circumstances in order to cope with life experiences. By understanding the concepts presented through this Theory it is possible for individuals and organizations to better manage change and offer strategies that support development at all levels of consciousness.

Who are Clare W. Graves and Ken Wilber?

Clare W. Graves and Ken Wilber are two influential thinkers in the field of Spiral Dynamics. They have both contributed significantly to the theory, with Graves introducing the concept of "altitudes" which uses a color-based system to correlate developmental stages across all theories on all lines integrated by AQAL, and Wilber introducing his own take on the chakra color system. Their work has helped shape how Spiral Dynamics is understood and practiced today.

What are the 8 levels of consciousness development?

1. Beige/Instinctive

The first level of consciousness development is instinctive and focused on survival. This is known as Level 1 (beige) and was observed in people during natural disasters such as a tsunami. It has since been replaced by more relevant levels of consciousness in modern civilizations.

2. Purple/Animistic

The purple/animistic level of consciousness development is a stage in the evolution of human consciousness, where individuals begin to form a rudimentary sense of individuality and see events as sequential. At this level, people rely on intuition, dreams, omens, and signs to understand reality and are mostly concerned with their immediate environment. This level is characterized by an Outsider threat and focuses on sacrifice and other-orientation in order to protect the system. It is visible in very young children in the developed world as well as organizations today, through unwritten rules and bonding rituals such as after-work drinks, outings, or birthday cakes.

3. Red/Egocentric

The Red/egocentric level of consciousness is characterized by a strong focus on the self and on exerting power in order to meet personal needs. At this level, people tend to be more reactive and tribal and have a very short-term focus. This differs from higher levels of consciousness such as Green/relativistic or Yellow/systemic, which are focused more on building relationships with others and understanding complex systems for long-term success.

4. Blue/Absolutistic

The Blue level of consciousness development is characterized by guilt, self-denial, and a focus on the other Chosen People. It is typically found in developed countries and second-world countries with fundamentalist religions dominating. The time period during which the Blue level is dominant spans from early civilization to the Enlightenment. This form of consciousness development starts in adolescence and encourages people to submit to a higher authority that lays down rigid rules for living; seeing people as either follower of the rules or evil, without room for negotiation or flexibility. While it brings structure and order to society, it can lead to bureaucracy as well as authoritarianism. However, proponents claim that it also helps people become more open-minded and accepting of new ideas while being more forgiving and compassionate overall.

5. Orange/Materialistic

The 8 levels of consciousness development are a theoretical framework developed by Clare W. Graves and later expanded by Ken Wilber. This framework proposes that individuals progress through these stages over time and that each stage is characterized by different values, beliefs, and behavior patterns. The 8 levels are Red, Orange, Yellow, Green Blue/Turquoise, Indigo/Violet/Purple, and White. At the Red level of consciousness development individuals focus on themselves and disregard others; at the Orange level people strive for the best outcomes possible relying on science for decision-making; at the Yellow stage individuals transition between Green and Orange modes; at the Green level relationships are given greater importance than individual achievement; Blue/Turquoise focuses on creating a better world with collective decision-making; Indigo/Violet/Purple seeks harmony between all aspects of life as well as within one's self while White emphasizes awareness beyond form or structure. The percentage of the population using this paradigm is still small but slowly growing in recent years.

6. Green/Relativistic

The Green/Relativistic level of consciousness development is a stage in the Spiral Dynamics theory, which was developed by Clare W. Graves and further developed by Ken Wilber. It's a state of mental awareness characterized by sensitivity, warmth, understanding, and respectful discourse. This level is relativistic - one view is not necessarily better than the next - and has emerged in university years to account for 5% of the population and power. It focuses on the importance of knowledge and tangible results while thinking becomes systemic with natural laws seen as inevitable. At this level, individuals become aware of their selfishness and the negative consequences it can have on others while they experience a need for connection with other human beings due to issues such as inequality between races, social classes, genders etc.

7. Yellow/Integrative

The yellow level of consciousness development is significant because it enables individuals to appreciate the value of all vMEMEs and be open-minded and accepting of new ideas, as well as be more creative and innovative in their thinking. At this level, people move past the Green vMEME into Second Tier, allowing them to see the world in a more holistic way. Additionally, fear and anxiety largely disappear from consciousness at this level while mental activity consists of joining, linking, and synthesizing in pluralistic systems.

8. Turquoise/Holistic

The Turquoise/Holistic level of consciousness development is significant in that it enables individuals to experience the wholeness of existence through mind and spirit. This level helps people recognize the limits of individualism and understand that a collective effort is often necessary to bring about change. It also encourages receptivity of multi-dimensional perspectives, deepens understanding of complex issues, and can help create solutions for life-threatening situations. Ultimately, this level has the power to completely transform the way we view ourselves, others, and our world.

See Also

• Human Development Theory