Time Slice Theory: Is Consciousness as Fluid as We Think It Is?
Our brains have all sorts of shortcuts to help us experience reality more efficiently. For example, you’ve probably seen one of those tests circulating the internet with a sentence full of mispselled wrods taht dno’t raelly inhbit yuor raeding speed, as long as the frist and last lettres in evrey word are unchanged. This phenomenon may be part of a conceptual explanation known as the Time Slice Theory of consciousness, suggesting our minds stitch together a narrative of individual frames, rather than a continuous, live stream.
The paper was published on PLoS-biology by scientists Michael Herzog of the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, and Frank Scharnowski of the University of Zurich in Switzerland. Their theory says our brains process reality in individual moments, or what they call percepts, arising in 400 millisecond intervals. These percepts are then stitched together and rendered as a continuously flowing sequence of reality that makes sense to us – much like a movie shot in high definition.
But instead of watching the movie and making judgements as we observe them, our unconscious mind reviews individual images, processes them in an abstract order, and makes subjective judgements based on heuristics from past experience. It then translates those judgements into an apparently fluid narrative, allowing you to efficiently process reality.
Time Slice Theory of Consciousness & Perception
Time slice theory says we only process reality after 400 millisecond intervals, and that there is minimal to no conscious observation between those frames; our brains only collect sensory information at discrete time-points. It is also within this period that our minds frantically work to make sense of it all.
It’s mind-boggling to think our unconscious can work so quickly, but our brains are fascinatingly powerful processors. It’s believed the mind calculates roughly 1014-1016 processes per second, or somewhere between 1 and 100 quadrillion calculations per second. The average computer functions at about half that speed.
So, what exactly happens during that unconscious judgement phase? According to Time Slice Theory, the brain processes specific features of objects, such as color and shape, quasi-consciously or unconsciously with high resolution. Within this moment there is no sense of linear time, in fact, changes in duration or even color aren’t processed. It then draws the necessary connections and stitches them together to pass off to the conscious stage.
Sometimes this period happens instantaneously and other times it takes longer, depending on the complexity of the information being fed to it. Occasionally, this leads to reactions based on false judgements, such as in fight-or-flight instances, but these instincts are naturally made to surpass the logical decision-making process, usually for survival reasons.
For instance, if someone jumps out of a closet and scares you, your unconscious perception recognizes an ostensible threat of unexpected, encroaching movement, in turn telling you to move or attack the stimulus without logical consideration.
Schizophrenics often report a slowed integration process in which the window of logical deduction takes longer and their stream of perception is fragmented.
This seems to parallel Robin Carhart-Harris’ entropic brain hypothesis regarding the Default Mode Network, the region of the brain believed to be responsible for the ego. His theory says that during a psychedelic, creative, or psychotic experience the mind sifts through more possible outcomes than it normally would, drawing from a number of seemingly incorrect conclusions to make sense of what it’s observing; with psychedelics this is what results in visual hallucinations.
Our brains can also draw false conclusions about reality while being completely aware of them. One such instance is known as the Cutaneous Rabbit Illusion; a physical deception in which a syncopated tapping of the wrist and elbow tricks the mind into feeling as if a tiny, invisible rabbit is hopping up the arm. This illusion happens because the mind infers the sensation in between the two areas of stimulation.
Listen to Alan Watts discuss our confusing perception of time:
A Similar Buddhist Theory of Consciousness
In the third century BC, the Abhidharma Buddhist School first recorded the concept of our brain’s discrete perception of reality. Their scripture refers to the threshold between conscious and unconscious awareness as the “Mind-door,” where we internalize information received through our sensory faculties.
The Mind-door characterizes the mind as the creator of subjective experience which forms the basis of memory and thought, and subsequently the micro-judgements that form the mind’s narrative. They considered the Mind-door to be our sixth sense, transcending time and making purely conceptual judgements.
Abhidharma Buddhists believed when an image reached this threshold, the mind would switch from inactive mode to any of the five-sense processes, based on whichever faculty was appropriate.
These discrete moments were referred to as dharmas – different from the teachings of the Buddha known as the dharma – used to describe experience encountered through the senses. But the dharmas weren’t simply objective experience, rather they are the product of “rapid consciousness that arise and cease in sequential streams, each having its own object, and that interact with the five externally directed sensory modalities of cognitive awareness.”
These dharmas are also described as “psycho-physical events with diverse capacities by means of which the mind unites and assimilates a particular perception, especially one newly presented, to a larger set of ideas already possessed, thus comprehending and conceptualizing it.” Sounds a lot like the Time Slice dynamic.
But Scharnowski and Herzog admit that their theory is purely conceptual and that the argument between a stream of consciousness theory and Time Slice theory remains unsettled. And while theirs is an interesting thought experiment into the way our brain processes consciousness, it doesn’t necessarily do much to answer the hard problem of consciousness itself – that is, what is consciousness?
The answer to that question remains to be understood if it can be understood in this realm at all. For more hints to help you answer such a primordial, existential question watch the documentary PHI: The Evolution of Consciousness:
About the Author
What Are Indigo Children and How to Identify Them?
Indigo children are often described as extraordinary beings with a powerful spiritual mission. Connected to the new age movement, the concept of indigo children suggests that these unique human beings come into the world with deep intuition, psychic abilities, and a strong sense of purpose. Many believe they are old souls destined to help humanity transform outdated systems and move toward a higher state of consciousness.
Table of Contents
- What Are Indigo Children?
- History and Origin of the Concept
- Indigo Child Signs and Traits
- Types of Indigo Children
- Challenges and Common Issues of Indigo Children
- How to Identify an Indigo Child
- Indigo, Crystal, Rainbow, and Diamond Children Differences
- FAQs About Indigo Children
What Is an Indigo Child?
An indigo child is a spiritually gifted member of a new generation, often described as strong-willed, empathetic, and deeply intuitive. The term comes from the belief that many are born with an indigo aura, linked to the third eye chakra, wisdom, and spiritual insight. Indigos are thought to possess intuitive abilities, creativity, and an inner drive to challenge unjust systems. Seen as old souls on a spiritual journey, they are viewed as visionaries who resist conformity, promote justice, and represent a broader shift in consciousness.
History and Origin of the Concept
The term “indigo child” was first introduced by Nancy Ann Tappe, a parapsychologist and synesthete, in the 1970s. Tappe observed that some children seemed to have a predominant indigo-blue aura, which she associated with a new spiritual frequency. She linked this aura color to unique qualities such as adaptability, intuition, and psychic abilities.
In the 1990s, authors Lee Carroll and Jan Tober further popularized the idea through their books, which described specific indigo children traits such as hyperactivity, sensitivity, and resistance to authority. They positioned indigos as a new generation of human beings sent to help dismantle outdated structures and lead society into greater awareness.
Since then, the concept has grown beyond indigos to include crystal children, rainbow children, and later diamond children — each wave carrying new gifts and missions in humanity’s spiritual evolution.
Indigo Child Signs and Traits
The following indigo child signs are most often cited:
Core Traits
- Spiritually inclined: A deep connection to higher purpose and awareness.
- Empathy and sensitivity: Feel the emotions of others strongly, sometimes too intensely.
- Strong-willed: Naturally rebellious, they resist blind conformity and question unjust authority.
- Creativity and intuition: Artistic talents linked to intuitive abilities, dreams, or even clairvoyance.
- Justice-driven: A deep need for fairness, often drawn to activism or causes.
- Bond with the natural world: An affinity with animals, plants, and the earth itself.
Behavioral Patterns
- Agents of change: Frequently advocate for social justice, environmental protection, and human rights.
- Sense of not belonging: Often feel different or isolated from peers.
- Intense energy: Can be misdiagnosed with ADHD, autism, or labeled as hyperactive. Many were placed on Ritalin in childhood.
- Academic struggles: Difficulty with rigid school systems; prefer experiential or creative learning.
- Adventurous: Love exploring new places, ideas, and cultural experiences.
Physical Traits
While less emphasized than personality, some believe indigo child physical traits include:
- Piercing or unusually intense eyes
- A vibrant indigo aura
- High energy or physical sensitivity to food, chemicals, or environments
Types of Indigo Children
Spiritual teachers often describe four main types of indigo children, each with its own strengths:
- Humanists: Compassionate helpers drawn to health, education, or social service.
- Artists: Creative innovators who express truth and inspire transformation.
- Conceptuals: Analytical and system-focused, seeking to rebuild outdated structures.
- Interdimensionals: Spiritually advanced, with profound psychic abilities, able to act as bridges between realms.
Each type of indigo child expresses the same mission — guiding humanity forward — in different ways.
Challenges and Common Issues of Indigo Children
The very traits that make indigos unique also present challenges:
- Authority conflicts: Their rebellious, independent spirit often creates tension with parents, teachers, or institutions.
- Emotional overwhelm: High empathy can lead to anxiety, depression, or physical symptoms like headaches or digestive issues.
- Misdiagnoses: Many indigo children have been labeled as autistic, ADHD, or dealing with other mental health conditions.
- Isolation: Their sense of being different can result in loneliness or feeling misunderstood.
These struggles highlight the importance of emotional support and environments that nurture their adaptability, creativity, and inner gifts.
How to Identify an Indigo Child
Recognizing an indigo child involves observing both behavior and energy. Signs include:
- Questioning rules and refusing to accept “because I said so” as an answer.
- Deep empathy, often sensing what others feel without being told.
- A strong sense of purpose and a conviction they are “meant for something more.”
- Interest in humanitarian causes, spirituality, or the natural world from an early age.
Some parents find that traditional personality tests don’t capture their indigo child’s unique worldview. Supporting their creativity, independence, and spiritual journey is key.
Indigo, Crystal, Rainbow, and Diamond Children Differences
Many in the new age community view indigo, crystal, rainbow, and diamond children as part of an ongoing spiritual evolution. Each generation is said to embody distinct traits, energies, and missions that reflect humanity’s gradual awakening.
- Indigo Children: The first wave, indigo children emerged in greater numbers in the 1970s. Known for being strong-willed, independent, and often rebellious, they are considered spiritual warriors whose purpose is to break down outdated systems. Their questioning of authority, passion for justice, and drive to challenge hypocrisy set the stage for the generations that followed.
- Crystal Children: The next wave, crystal children, began appearing in the 1990s. In contrast to the fiery indigo energy, crystals are described as gentle, peaceful, and deeply connected to love and healing. With large, expressive eyes and calm auras, they are thought to embody harmony and compassion, often bringing balance to families and communities destabilized by indigo intensity.
- Rainbow Children: Born primarily after 2000, rainbow children are often described as joyful, adaptable, and highly creative. Their energy is light and vibrant, and they are said to be natural forgivers, unafraid to love unconditionally. Rainbows often demonstrate a playful spirit, with strong intuitive abilities and an openness to the natural world. They act as bridges between past generations and future possibilities, embodying resilience and optimism.
- Diamond Children: The newest generation, diamond children, are believed to have begun arriving around 2008. Often described as visionaries, they are said to carry an innate ability to manifest their desires and shape reality. With advanced psychic abilities and deep spiritual awareness, diamonds are seen as teachers and guides for humanity’s next leap in consciousness, embodying clarity, truth, and a higher vibration of energy.
Together, these four groups are often seen as phases of spiritual awakening across generations: indigos clear the path, crystals bring healing, rainbows spread joy and adaptability, and diamonds offer vision and manifestation for the future.
The idea of indigo children has fascinated and inspired spiritual seekers for decades. Whether understood as old souls with a cosmic mission or as sensitive, gifted individuals navigating a complex modern world, they embody humanity’s potential for profound transformation.
By recognizing their signs, supporting their challenges, and honoring their place alongside crystal and rainbow children, we can help indigos fulfill their purpose. In doing so, they remind us of the enduring power of compassion, intuition, and a collective spiritual journey toward higher consciousness.
FAQs About Indigo Children
What is the meaning of indigo child in astrology?
In astrology, the indigo child meaning connects to planetary alignments suggesting higher awareness, adaptability, and psychic gifts. Indigo is linked to the third eye chakra, symbolizing insight and wisdom.
Are indigo children still being born?
Yes. Many believe indigos continue to be born, though newer generations — crystal children, rainbow children, and diamond children — have since emerged.
What does indigo mean spiritually?
Spiritually, indigo is the color of intuition, awareness, and truth. It is often linked to the third eye chakra and is associated with wisdom, spiritual insight, and deep connection.
What comes after indigo children?
After indigos came the crystal, rainbow, and diamond generations, each carrying new missions to further humanity’s spiritual growth.
How to parent an indigo child?
Parenting requires patience and flexibility. Support their creativity, encourage their empathy, and avoid rigid systems. Provide outlets for their hyperactivity and recognize their unique gifts rather than trying to “fix” them.
