The stored memories in humans that are retrievable during an ordinary state of consciousness represent a relatively small fraction of the total present. The ease with which any memory can be brought to consciousness would seem to have a great deal to do with the level of intensity of any accompanying emotion experienced at the time the memory was imprinted. The stronger the feeling of emotion experienced with any memory event, the greater the intensity of the memory-encoding process. The more strongly that any memory is imprinted, the more easily retrievable to consciousness it is. Most of our memories are not retrievable during an ordinary state of consciousness because the level of emotion experienced during the imprinting process was not intense enough. This concept is an oversimplification to the extent that some memories that were encoded during a very traumatic experience have been selectively hidden from consciousness.

It would also appear that memories achieved during a particular state of consciousness are generally available only during that particular state and are very difficult, it not impossible, to retrieve in other states. This phenomenon has been referred to as "state-bound consciousness." It has been experimentally determined that information acquired while drunk can better be remembered when drunk than when sober. It is also clearly apparent that information gained, or wisdom achieved, during higher states of consciousness transcends ordinary awareness and is mostly lost during the ordinary state of consciousness.⁵³

The process of encoding memories as it relates to the experiencing of feelings is an example of the mind-body connection. This connection is further illustrated by Elmer E. Green, a psychophysiologist. He maintains that every change in the physiological state of an individual is accompanied by a change in the mental-emotional state, both conscious and unconscious, and conversely every change in the mental-emotional state, either conscious or unconscious, is accompanied by a change in the physiological state.⁵⁴...This again is a manifestation of the close integration of mind and body.

(10) There is evidence mounting from different scientific disciplines which would strongly indicate that will is one of the properties of consciousness. Although there are those individuals who would argue that the perception of will is an illusion, I believe that will is an essential ingredient of consciousness.

The exertion of will appears to transcend the normal habitual parameters of human functioning. Much of human behavior can be accounted for by unconscious choices, genetic programming, and environmental conditioning. However, it is a simplistic view of all behavior that excludes purposive volition. Any exclusion of will does not appear valid, according to both empirical observation as well as phenomenological experience.⁵⁵

Sir John Eccles in his book Neurophysiological Basis of Mind states that it is a psychological fact that we can control or modify our actions by exercising "will." He stimulated the motor cortex in patients undergoing brain surgery while they were conscious, and evoked complex motor acts. The patients reported that the experience was quite different from that which occurs during a "willed" movement. The experience of having "willed" the action was missing.⁵⁶

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