My little sister is in the hospital tonight, giving birth to her first child.  Probably right now, she is screaming in agony as this new life struggles to escape from her womb.

We all started this way but don’t remember our own startling arrival on earth.  However, mothers around the world will never forget the excruciating pain, nor the exhilirating satisfaction that come hand in hand with delivering a child.

It’s hazy for me now, with almost two decades since the last experience, but some things are like yesterday.  For example, did I mention the pain?  Ouch!  Sorry, Becky, but as everyone tells you, it will be worth it, honestly.

So, as I’m waiting to hear news of my new nephew, I’m wondering at what point this little creature will become conscious.  With consciousness at the most basic level meaning awareness, is it the shock of the cold and light and emergence that forces him to awaken to life on earth? 

But perhaps he was already conscious, perhaps in unity with his mother…