(Naomi, you might as well skip this post because it implies the possibility that someone might actually know something about that which you do not and therefore have precluded is not possible. It is submitted not for your sake but for the consideration of those who remain willing to entertain that possibility and retain a mind still open and available to reason.)
Anything which can be imagined, in the absence of a prerequisite knowledge of why some things in contradiction to that which exists can not exist, does not give rise to that which by virtue of the nature of reality is impossible. Reality does not bend to ones own ignorance of what is or is not possible within the realm, framework and confines of reality.
It is only by virtue of an understanding of the means and process by which consciousness and understanding are achieved that one can come to understand and appreciate why consciousness and understanding can not be achieved apart from and inherently rely upon the existence of the sentient and reasoning entity that possesses the means and process by which consciousness and understanding arise and become manifest. The benefits of consciousness can never be fully realised by those who deny that as living physical entities having the faculties of perception and the potential for rational thought, they alone are in possession of the means for their own awareness and understanding. Consciousness is meaningless and without purpose other than to maintain and promote the existence of those in possession of the faculties they rely on for the mutual survival and well being of both.
Once one has arrived at and grasps a fundamental understanding of the means and process by which consciousness arises, one is then in a position to realise and discount the absurdity of any assertions of consciousness existing apart from the reality it perceives by virtue of the means and process by which it is perceived. In having grasped a fundamental understanding of the nature and means of conscious one opens a window through which one can clearly perceive and understand the true nature and beauty of the reality we inhabit and are so fortunate to possess the capacity to enjoy.
But then the prospect of such a vision might not necessarily appeal to everyone, least of all to those who have not gained the wisdom of knowing the dangers and futility of turning a blind eye to a vision of and appreciation for what is real. The fear of discovering that reality is limited to what is real is no reason to build imaginary walls within ones own mind that deprive you of an awareness of what is possible in that reality. Such is their loss, not mine. All the same, I would not object to their company should they choose to join those of us who do enjoy the benefits and appreciate the treasures of discovering, learning about and knowing what is real for as long as the potential for that capacity remains.
Only when you realise what it was you didn’t know about what you didn’t know will you begin to marvel at how foolish you have been to accept no explanations for why you didn’t know it. Such are the rewards of barking up a hollow tree. Consciousness arose in this universe with the arrival of a highly evolved living species capable of sensing and perceiving their reality and ends with those same beings when upon the cessation of function they are no longer capable of sensing, perceiving, or thinking about themselves and the world around them. We owe it to those same beings to learn how we know what we know and thereby gain the ability to distinguish between the real and the impossible.
Failure to appreciate that you as a living sentient being are the provider of your own consciousness leads to a failure to use it for the purpose for which it evolved, for sustaining and promoting the life and well being of the entity in which it arose and became manifest. Just this once, don’t be afraid to say, “Hello” to yourself . . . and “Thank You!” while you’re at it.