On Yan's walk to campus one morning, she was thinking about what a nice day it was, how many people were already on campus, and how she had to stop by the bookstore on her way to class. Yan was experiencing

• A. waking consciousness.
• B. an altered state of consciousness.
• C. insight.
• D. a meditative state.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of 'waking consciousness': It refers to the state of being awake and aware of one's surroundings, thoughts, and feelings. This is the normal state of consciousness when a person is not asleep or in an altered state.
2. Identify the characteristics of Yan's experience: She is aware of her surroundings (the nice day, people on campus) and her thoughts (stopping by the bookstore).
3. Compare Yan's experience to the definition of waking consciousness: Her awareness of her environment and her thoughts aligns with the characteristics of waking consciousness.
4. Consider the other options: An altered state of consciousness involves a significant change in perception or awareness, insight involves a sudden realization or understanding, and a meditative state involves focused attention and relaxation.
5. Conclude that Yan's experience matches the definition of waking consciousness, as she is simply aware and thinking about her day in a typical manner.